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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Draining down system? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1385337860 Message started by JohnD on Nov 25^th, 2013, 12:04am

Title: Draining down system?
Post by JohnD on Nov 25^th, 2013, 12:04am

We have a house which is shortly going to be unoccupied for about 8 years while I do it up. The heating system however is new. We were originally going to put it on froststat setting for 8 years but can't really afford gas to heat an unoccupied house. We can however light the odd wood fire (our wood comes free!!) to keep the place from becoming damp.

So

Do I drain down the system completely which presumably will mean raising floorboards to get at the lowest radiator pipes (unless I can blow it through with compressed air) and if so, will being left dry harm rubber components in the nearly new boiler ?

OR

Can I fill the system with car antifreeze and then switch it off and forget it - or will this too harm rubber components - though presumably keeping the rads rust free? If necessary I could isolate the boiler to do this as the boiler will eventually be in an extension I am building anyway.

What is best? Any other ideas?

Thanks

John D

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by thescruff on Nov 25^th, 2013, 9:03am

8 years, rip the lots out and flog it on ebay or skip it.

Rads will rust with just air.

The boiler will likely get damp and wreck the electrics, pcb ect when you turn it back on.

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by JohnD on Nov 25^th, 2013, 11:33am

I think I am more bothered about saving the rest of the system than the boiler.

As to preserving the rads, would the antifreeze method I suggested work? After all it prevents corrosion in metal engines if used in a high enough concentration?

John D

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by thescruff on Nov 25^th, 2013, 12:35pm

Most antifreeze is corrosive to metal, so you'd also need a compatible inhibitor, but that wont stop them rusting on the outside.

Storing them in a dry environment is you best chance

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by scotspark on Nov 26^th, 2013, 5:03pm

8 years?

must be some size of project

built the Burj Kalifa quicker

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by CWatters on Nov 27^th, 2013, 9:57am

If you hire someone to help you do it in say 2 years you could get 6 years worth of rental income to pay for the work :-)

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by big_all on Nov 27^th, 2013, 10:36am

ask your local council
some have arrangements where they do up the property [with a subsidy]it gets used to house a local family for a set time and you get a share off the rent

dont forget you still have to insure the building this is difficult and expensive if no one is living there

plus the standing charges for gas and electric along with council tax that some councils will charge more than basic council tax for long term empty properties

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by JohnD on Nov 27^th, 2013, 9:32pm

We will technically be living in it as I have a tied house (ie supplied with job). I retire in 8 years but my wife does not want it rented out. Won't say i am keen either.

Si I grin and pay the council tax - we have already had a rebate when first refurbishing and you can't get two.

As to the building work, I work very slowly due to two smashed knees, a crushed foot and very little time off but am thoroughly enjoying myself and don't want anyone sharing my fun!

If I have to put it on a frost stat so be it. Simply hoped there might be a simple way of mothballing the system but in reality cold and damp could costs us as much as heating the place.

Now i am going to go and look up the Burj Kalifa!!

John D

Title: Re: Draining down system?
Post by scotspark on Nov 28^th, 2013, 11:23pm

l hope you have fun with your project lol

I have looke up at and down from Burj Kalifa lol