Open vented systems

Central heating systems may need to be drained in order for radiators and boilers to be repaired or replaced, and some people do like to drain the system completely once a year, as part of the overall central heating maintenance.

1. Switch off the boiler and disconnect it from the power supply, or make sure the fire is out if it is a solid fuel boiler.

2. Turn off the water supply to the expansion tank (if you cannot find the valve simply tie up the ball cock with string).

3. Connect a hose to the drain cock and secure in place over a drain or gulley, and open using a pair of pliers to start the water draining.

4. Allow air to replace the draining water by opening the air bleed valves on the upstairs radiators, and then once the water level has dropped repeat with the lower radiators.

5. Once water has stopped coming out of the hose attached to the drain cock, the system should be empty.

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