"Clive" wrote in message
...
Hi,

My CH pump is easily accessible and has isolating valves above and
below. The isolating valves turn easily with mole grips and I believe
I shut them off by turning them clockwise and seeing the spindle go
into the body of the valve. I undid with a wrench the large nuts
holding the pump in place - they undid easily. I had put down plenty
of old curtains and cloth around the pump and I wiggled the pump
slightly. Water started come out round the seals on the pump inlet and
outlet. I let the water run around the seal for a minute (maybe it was
only 30 seconds) and then I lost my nerve and refitted the nuts. I'm
really concerned that if I remove the pump and I haven't actually
closed the isolating valves that I will get a deluge of water that I
can't stop. How long should I expect the water to flow out of the pump
so that it empties and I can feel confident the system is actually
sealed?

The pump is in an upstairs room so I have visions of flooding the room
below and bringing the ceiling down.

Separately, if other valves on the system with "old style" tap heads
or "gate valves" are seized (yes, that old one !) what is the risk of
the valve "falling apart" if I try to free them using some kind of
wrench? Is there some "miracle" penetrating oil that will help free
the valves or is it best to drain down and have them replaced - then
use them every six months to stop them seizing?


Thanks

Clive

When I tried to replace my CH pump, I found that the 20-year-old gate valves
did very little isolating at all, with large quantities of water flowing
through them even when "closed". In the end, I had to drain the system. I
replaced the gate valves with ball valves, which are supposed to perform
better.