Rad bleed screw

[jakesi]

Is it possible to replace my radiator bleed screw without having to drain the central heating system(upstairs rad.) Cheers.

[incitatus]

it depends on the system, and the rad. if you can isolate the individual circuit the rad is on then yes.

[gazzawazza]

Yes it is. There should be valves on both sides of the radiator. Choose a time when the rad is cool, and close down both valves. To do this, you just turn the valve clockwise (don't turn more than finger tight). You may need an adjustable spanner for this, especially if you have a valve covered by a smooth plastic bottle-top type thing. Just pull this off and then use the spanner on the valve head. Once you're sure the valves are isolated you can disconnect the radiator if you need to by loosening the chrome coloured nut where the valve connects to the radiator.

On your right hand side of the rad (looking at it) the nut turns upward to loosen off and on the left it turns downward. Be prepared for water to come out (have a towel underneath and a flat dish or milk carton with a hole cut out to catch it) but beware of bending the pipe when first loosening the nut.

When replacing the rad, connect the valves, (use some ptfe tape) and bleed as normal.

[gazzawazza]

Forgot to add, if you do need to take the rad off, turn it upside down as soon as you can before you carry it outside. This stops the horrible black sludgey stuff going everywhere.

[Jenny Tools]

Nice answer Gazza but I think thats a bit involved for changing a bleed screw ;-) Same advice though, turn off both valves and then remove / change blled screw.