Almost all work with elements of the heating system requires turning off the radiators, and sometimes dismantling them. Even such a relatively simple operation as painting, performed on a cold surface. It is easier to make after removing the radiator, so full access is provided from all sides. If more complex operations are required, such as replacing or repairing a radiator, then you need to know how to shut off the radiator.
The task of turning off the radiator is complicated by the fact that there is a coolant inside it all year round. Drainage of water from the heating system is carried out only in case of repair, since leaving the radiator without coolant for a long time leads to corrosion.
The fluids inside the radiator contain a small amount of dissolved oxygen. After a certain period, all the oxygen contained in the water reacts with the metal elements of the heating system and corrosion stops. After draining the coolant, air enters the system and, in combination with water vapor, especially hot, corrosion intensifies. Therefore, it is correct to drain the coolant only in exceptional cases.
Self battery shutdown
It is much easier to shut off the battery if valves are installed on the pipes in the form ball valves. Outside the heating season, it is enough to turn the handles of the taps, and the coolant will not flow into the radiator.
The presence of a tap or a hole for draining water also simplifies the work.
It is more difficult to dismantle the battery during the heating season. To do this without negative consequences for the functioning of a single-pipe heating system, which is installed in multi-storey buildings, a bypass is required. It is a jumper located in front of the radiator. The bypass is connected in parallel with the battery. It is correct to choose the bypass diameter equal to or one step smaller than the diameter of the supply pipes.
On the bypass and in front of the heater, taps should be located to direct the flow of the coolant. In the normal state, the bypass is closed, and the coolant moves along a long path - through the radiator. If necessary, the taps to the battery are closed, and the tap on the bypass is opened, after which hot water goes along a short path.
Bypass is required not only to simplify the dismantling of batteries. If available, a battery is mounted on the inlet pipe of the battery. thermostat.
If the apartment is hot, then most of the coolant will take a short path, up to the complete shutdown of the battery. The presence of a bypass allows you to change the temperature without affecting the heating intensity of the neighbors.
If taps are not provided on the heating pipes, then the entire riser will have to be closed, which is much more difficult. It won't be done quickly, it will take several days.
Covering the heating riser
The heating riser is a common house property, and only a service organization - ZhEK, DEP, DEU, etc. can work with it. To do this, you need to come to the organization and write an application. It indicates the time for which the valve will be closed. The service to turn off the riser will cost about a thousand rubles, the exact amount varies in different organizations and cities.
It is not recommended to independently perform manipulations with the riser without the knowledge of the management company. Even if you manage to negotiate with the neighbors, these actions will be illegal. If the fact of unauthorized access becomes known to the company, then it can go to court to recover a substantial fine. In addition, finding the required valve in the basement can be problematic.
Covering radiators for the summer
The companies that manage the public utilities claim that the coolant does not drain from the heating system for the summer. However, this happens periodically when equipment is being repaired or replaced. As mentioned above, idle radiators without coolant lead to accelerated corrosion. This is typical for cast iron and steel appliances, non-ferrous alloy batteries do not suffer from corrosion. Therefore, for protection, some owners block the batteries for the summer period with taps, which is not entirely correct.
The danger of overlapping the batteries in the apartment lies in the fact that chemical processes continue to occur inside them with the release of gases. When the battery is closed, the gases have no way out. The accumulation of gases creates increased pressure, which leads to the rupture of the battery. The operating conditions of heating devices indicate that it is forbidden to perform these actions without an air exhaust device.
Modern radiators are equipped with devices that remove excess gases in the system. There are manual and automatic devices. In manual valves, the removal of gases is carried out by turning the screw counterclockwise. Automatic devices remove gases as they appear, they work with the protective cap unscrewed. Thus, it is possible to close the radiators for the summer, but it is necessary to open the air outlet device.
Results
For full control of heating radiators, the following devices are required:
- Ball Valves;
- Bypass with tap;
- Drain cock or hole;
- Thermostat;
- Device for removal of gases.
It is recommended to install these devices in advance, before the start of the heating season.
