O.T. Refilling hot-water pipes with antifreeze

CB in central NY · Jan 4, 2010

I have an existing hot-water heating system in my house (oil and wood fired). The pipes are filled with antifreeze because some of the piping goes through unheated crawl space. I would like to add a couple of radiators to the system.

I know that I'll have to drain the antifreeze (at least partially) in order to sweat the tees in. There are several valves along the system to do that. My question is, how would I add the antifreeze back into the system once I am done? The valves are up against the cellar ceiling. Would I have to use a transfer pump? How do I purge the air?

Thanks in advance for your help.

glennster · Jan 4, 2010

the radiator panels should have air bleeders on them to bleed the system once full. as far as a pump, i use a marine washdown pump. 12v dc, you can put one end of the hose in the antifreeze and hook the other to your fill fitting. these are real nice for filling rear tractor tires with chloride, and also i use them for applying liquid fertilizer to my fruit trees. pretty handy little pump.
poke here

rhouston · Jan 4, 2010

If there are no bleeders on the radiators then look for one on top of the expansion tank. It should bleed the air automaticaly whenever a bubble passes by the bleeder. There is a small float in the bleeder that is attached to a valve. When air gets in the float falls and the air is allowed to vent. IF you have one and no other bleeders and the system fails to bleed the air replace the one on top of the expansion tank. They go for about $14.

Anonymous-0 · Jan 4, 2010

Instead of sweating you might try Sharkbite fittings. There is a post farther down.

O.T. Refilling hot-water pipes with antifreeze

CB in central NY

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glennster

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rhouston

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Anonymous-0

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