Drain off cocks

[MickBrown]

I often find that the rubber seal on drain off cocks stick inside and the valve just unscrews and little or no water flow. Sometimes there are other ways to drain the system but if not how do you get the rubber washer out without getting water everywhere. I have one stuck on the primary circuit of a gravity fed cylinder from a wood burner, I could bung the vent and cold feed but unfortunately it is an old property and the loft access is tiny and the only way to get to the F&E tank is through a neighbouring property. The customer has indicated that this may not be possible. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

Thick plastic rubble bag under the drain cock, new spindle with washer at the ready. Long nose pliers to pull the washer out.

Had this yesterday, its a right pain in the backside, luckily i could bung the system and just cut it out

 

[Booch]

Get your hose on the drain off, aqua vac and new spindle ready and pull the old washer out with long nose pliers wouldn't recomend on a sealed system can come out pretty quick!!

 

[tweakyboy]

I normally unwind it all the way without taking it out, wriggle a small flat head up the part where you attach the hose then get it behind the washer and lift it off its seating enough to make the water gush out.

Then quickly put the hose back on, its easier than winding a new one when the system is full!

 

[cdodds2004]

yea i do the same just wiggle it till it goes! when drained i take out the gubbings and replace with a new one 🙂

 

[Steve @ TheHeatingHub]

if the rubber gets left behind I tend to use a large screw to screw(2"10's) in to the rubber, and then pull the screw out with the rubber connected to it :~)

 

[Ivor Bates]

I normally inform the owner, let them know the possible risk factors for possible water damage and exempt my public liability until the drain off point has been changed.

 

[arran197]

Agree with the rubble bags, they are good, I really need to get some. I had this happen in a void property so it didn't really matter. I usually try the screwdriver first, but have also tried the screw too.

 

[LegionellaSlave]

Cant remember a drain-off ever working!
You could fit a self bore washing machine tee to drain the system and then couple the pipe back up when you've finished.

 

[arran197]

Cant remember a drain-off ever working!
You could fit a self bore washing machine tee to drain the system and then couple the pipe back up when you've finished.

That's a less messy be more time consuming way. Good idea. I think the problem usually happens when people over tighten them. I have started to get in the habit of smearing a little silicon grease on the rubber before tightening back up, just so the rubber spins easy, without cutting it if the spindle doesn't.

 

[Ian10261]

Thick plastic rubble bag under the drain cock, new spindle with washer at the ready. Long nose pliers to pull the washer out.

Had this yesterday, its a right pain in the backside, luckily i could bung the system and just cut it out

Done this meself but use the corkscrew on me swissarmy knife to get the washer out, just wind it through the hole in the middle and pull, also works for tap washers that come off the jumper when you pull out the valve.

 

[kay-jay]

i use summat from the local pound shop! a £1 dental kit which i bought cos it has a thingy with a little hook on the end, it works well.

i also use it on the old white aqualisa non-thermostatic cartridges where the o'ring is right at the back and doesn't sit on a spindle but in a recess at the back.

 

[aceplumber]

if nothing comes out when opening drain off , turn back and ram it up as hard as you can and open again sometimes this will dislodge washer , if no luck , with drain hose on take out stem , 2" 10 screw to get out stuck washer , put thumb over stem outlet if gets too messy, might help to pull back any carpet nearby :boat:

 

[smileplumbing]

I always have a hose and wet vac at the ready. First try as aceplumber suggests and tighten up hard then try and release again this sometimes works if it doesn't I usually go for long nose pliers and my thumb at the ready! You need to be quick and have the area well prepared to contain any minor spillage or spray that may initially come out and of course a hose connected to the spigot and run to outside drain. Grab the end of washer valve stem with longnose pliers and wiggle and pull out and immediately cover opening with you thumb you may still need to prize out the washer which can be done with a thin blade flat screwdriver you may have to contend with a bit of water at this point so wet vac may come in handy here then wait with thumb on end till pressure subside or if you have the pleasure of having an apprentice use their thumb! Put new valve washer and stem in da da. You may want to consider if the system being drained is contaning hot water as otherwise you will have one very sore thumb!! Other alternate's I have tried have been the self boring drain off cocks I think screwfix or tool station do them.