Replacing a radiator without removing water is possible. All you need to do is decide on a pipe freezer. This is an innovative solution that provides convenience and significantly speeds up the work.
How does a pipe freezer work?
A pipe freezer is a device that works well in old heating installations where there are no valves with drain balls under the risers and the fittings have failed. The operation of a pipe freezer is based on the creation of an ice plug inside the pipe. It is like a cork because it stops the flow of water. Such a blockage withstands high pressure. It is worth knowing that freezing water increases its volume and the plug is pressed against the surface of the pipe. During this time, the damaged element can be replaced because the flow of water is blocked.
Check out the pipe freezers at the Onninen wholesaler
There are two types of pipe freezers:
- electric freezers - their operating principle is based on evaporation and condensation, similar to a refrigerator. The cooling agent in such devices is a dedicated liquid. The evaporator is a clamp that freezes the pipe or is directly connected to it. The cooling agent reaches a temperature of about minus 40 degrees. To speed up freezing, special plastic insulating bands are often used. You can also choose conductive agents, such as pastes.
- gas freezers - these are devices that consist of freezing heads. They are connected to a CO2 cylinder. They use a very low temperature to evaporate carbon dioxide, which is minus 79 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that the carbon dioxide flows out of the cylinder and expands. Then it reaches the freezing handle. Then the pipe cools very quickly, which results in the appearance of an ice plug, which is often referred to as dry ice.
Dismantling the radiator without draining the water
Dismantling a radiator seems time-consuming, especially when you have to drain the water from the entire riser. Fortunately, you can decide on another solution, which is dismantling without draining the water. Valves are installed in new installations, which makes replacement easier. All you have to do is close the water supply valve. You should also close the valve through which the water escapes from the radiator. Then you can move on to the next step, which is using a pipe freezer. It is important to remember here that the pipes are frozen in the so-called branches, i.e. at a length of 5 cm. The situation is similar in old installations, but if you want to freeze old pipes, you must first clean them of paint residues. Freezing a pipe in winter is slightly different. In this case, you should maintain a distance of 5 cm from the riser. Thanks to this, the water will continue to circulate in the installation, and at the same time, flooding will not occur. After the pipes are frozen, they should be cut. A metal saw is best for this purpose. An angle grinder may be an alternative to it. The cut must be made very precisely, preferably at a distance of about 10 cm from the frost. Maintaining this distance allows for new threading. If you are going to install a new radiator after an old radiator, first install the shut-off valves, and only then the heating device. However, if you intend to completely eliminate the radiator, use closing plugs.
Pipe Freezer for Professionals
Pipe freezers for professionals should be of the highest quality and of course provide efficient work. Meet the top 3 models.
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ROFROST Turbo R290 1 1/4" pipe freezer + 6 reductions, 230V is a technologically advanced device that has an ecological refrigerant which is R290. It ensures safe freezing. The device is equipped with reduction inserts. Thanks to this, it can be adapted to different pipe diameters. Thanks to flexible hoses and a simple mounting system, it reaches even hard-to-reach places. -
Electric pipe freezer-2" Virax is a device thanks to which you can replace radiators without emptying the heating water system. The freezer is compact and easy to transport. It is equipped with a thermostat, thanks to which you can monitor the freezing process. The freezing time is very short. It is also worth noting that it does not require a gas cylinder to connect it. - The ROFROST dry ice pipe freezer provides a really fast freezing process. It is also easy to use. It guarantees maximum work efficiency. It is worth noting that it has a thermometer on the handles. Thanks to this, you know immediately when the pipe is completely frozen.