Frank Sweeting wrote:

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice on the "best" way to isolate my central heating pump

6 years ago I had 22mm pump valves fitted (these are the guys that
compression fit to the 22mm pipework, & then fit directly to the pump flange
with a (removeable from the fitting) large diameter backnut with a sealing
washer.

The pump failed over the weekend so I popped out, bought a new one & then
couldnt undo one of the backnuts. - I'm told this isn't unusual - & I think
I'm going to have to split this backnut to get the pump off

So 2 questions -

1 how can I remove the backnut from the pump - I can swing the isolating
valve & pump around the olive on the 22mm pipework! So the
backnut/washer/pump face are really tightly together! Ive tried bashing the
pump motor housing with a copper mallet while holding the isolating valve
body with mole grips - no good! There must be a magic way but I haven't
thought of it yet!

2 & what would you fit as isolating valves - are handle operated 90 degree
ball shut off valves any good over long periods of time?

I hope I've managed to explain the problem enough for you to understand what
I'm dealing with


The 'magic' technique uses a large lump hammer as an anvil and your
copper mallet.
Put the lump hammer onto a flat of the of the ring nut but towards a
corner.
Whack the opposide face/corner with the copper mallet.
Try both directions - to get some movement into the ring - the inertia
of the pump body does half the work.
The lump hammer protects the pipework.

Some penetrating oil round the ring will help.
Put silcone grease on reassembly either you or someone unknown will
thank you in the future.








--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html