Drain or Bung?

[MickBrown]

I have bunged central heating systems for minor repairs without a problem. I have to change a drain off cock on a hot water cylinder. It is a 1/2 inch threaded drain off screwed directly into bottom of the cylinder. I was planning to bung the feed and vent and just unscrew old one and screw in new one, obviously with aqua-vac and plenty of cloths ready. If everything goes to plan then it will be a 30 second job, however if things don't go to plan then I could be in the deep and smelly. I am now thinking to drain down and make sure it goes right. One more concern is that it is a house in my village and I do a lot of work here so do not want anything to tarnish that. Just asking what others would do?

 

[Riley]

It's a confidence thing mate if you're happy bunging then it can be nice and quick. If you have doubts then don't risk ist

 

[apcdave]

personally speaking mate I would not risk it - just drain it down first - no worries then

cheers

dave

 

[townfanjon]

No chance !! on an old copper cylinder especially

 

[Masood]

If you think there's a risk, then trust your instincts.. Your reputation is too valuable to lose. Just charge accordingly to cover the time it will take to drain down..

 

[joni os]

Working direct on cylinder you may need to take time. In this case drain down.

 

[Masood]

Although that said - crack the thread on the drainoff with the cylinder full - the water will help brace the cylinder wall. The nip back up, drain down and do your thing...