"John Rumm" wrote in message
et...
The Medway Handyman wrote:

Do you have to solder? For grafting bits onto an existing system, I
find that a service valve (full bore) and a pushfit fitting of some
sort (cuprofit look almost as neat as capillary) will let you cut
into a "live" system and not lose more than a cup full of water. You
can then extend at your leisure and use the valves to finally bring
the new bit online.

By 'live' do you mean full of water under header tank pressure?

Yup, or on a sealed system - just drain a little water from it to drop the
pressure before you start. (a couple of litres will normally be enough).

My preferred technique is have the fitting and valve ready assembled, and
use a pipe cutter on the offending pipe (close to somewhere like a rad
valve so that there will only be water flow from one direction). Once it
starts to hiss, cut a bit further, and then give a sharp wiggle to snap
off the pipe, placing your thumb over the wet end as you do. Now pick up
the prepared fitting, and swap its position for your thumb. Finally wipe
your glasses to remove the splashes! ;-)

(Old towel under the work area of course!)


Pretty much exactly what I did when I last added to the central heating, as
it was under the (ground!) floor floorboards, spillage wasn't really an
issue (Other than the bit that always spurts up directly into your face, of
course!)

Toby...