HOW TO BUNG A CENTRAL HEATING HEADER TANK to save DRAINING THE SYSTEM & Capping/moving A RADIATOR

Customer is having a new kitchen fitted and needed a radiator removing and one capping off...
So instead of draining the whole house I plugged the central heating header tank to cause a vacuum so I could cut into the pipes.
Chopped pipes onto the walls and refilled ready for the plasterers..
The red, bendy funnel thing that i spoke about is a "Nerrad Funnel"....available here and worth every penny..
nerradtools-su...

[@skippercaship]

Top tip best to remove the rubber bung first let the tank re-fill then take of the over flow cap? this will help prevent air locks.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Ohhh interesting….. is that right??

[@josscade2383]

With only being in the plumbing game for a year your videos are really helpful mate! Thanks for taking the time to film and share tips

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback. Glad your liking the videos and how I’m doing them 👍🏼

[@lucanspittle8213]

I've watched two In a row ! Decent mate thank you

[@MAC-mp2hu]

This is one of the best tips for any plumber starting in the business! Has saved my bacon so many times and always carry these bungs in the van 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks buddy..... yep, saves a lot of hassle does a quick tank bung 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DjSOTA]

Haha just searched all the comments for the link to the Nerrad Funnel you promised....and it was in the description 🙈 ‘tanks’ for the vid, enjoy them all, keep the coming 👍🏻

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hahaaaa.....😉😉

[@con6951]

Great videos I am currently A level 3 apprentice and these videos help me out. Thanks

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate..... plenty more to come so make sure you subscribe 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ianc8814]

Really interesting to see a video about a microbore system, there don't seem to be many out here. Bought a house last year with 8mm microbore system and 21 rads! Boiler and thermal store were in poor condition so were professionally replaced. System was filthy with 2 rads completely blocked. Elected to flush myself as I had some rad swaps planned. I had previous plumbing experience though not with mb. Now swapped out 6 rads and trvs and got it all roaring after mega flushing. Actually drilled and tapped 3 big rads and managed to rod them out! Saves manhandling them... I've learned to cut and bend the mb tube and deburr internally with a round file. Haven't had any airlocking issues. I've got Wilo pumps with the purging function. Thanks for the videos, sorry to go on...

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Fair play buddy… sounds like you’ve done a cracking job👍🏼👍🏼

[@BobBenz55]

I’m doing this tomorrow…. Thanks for all the info. 👍🏼👌

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

No worries buddy

[@baz5973]

Been sat here for an hour catching your vids,ha I need to get a life. Top man.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hahahaa.... love it and appreciate you watching and glad your liking them 👍🏼👍🏼

[@glyndavies591]

Tidy job i have several rads to fit this week and a new kitchen to plumb in my local pub take care and looking forward to your next video

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate...... I take it the pub is getting ready to finally reopen 👍🏼👍🏼

[@glyndavies591]

@@MJTiffPlumbing Yes eventually been ongoing for a while

[@phelimohara5663]

Was changing rads on a system with microbore on friday, luckily we got the airlock out nice and quick

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Always happens on a Friday 🤣🤣

[@bmwfan2814]

Pull the thermostat out of the boiler and turn the circulation pump off. Then turn the boiler on- that gets rid of air locks 🥴

[@lockingthroughlife2587]

Loving watching your videos mate. As an absolute useless diy er and certainly not a tradie i find your videos so interesting and informative. Keep em coming 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thankyou Phil.... glad your enjoying them

[@ratchriat1716]

I hate those 8 or 10 mm on the central heating i mush prefer a 15 m a nice neat work happy Sunday.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

yep, nasty little things are 8/10mm pipes

[@wardy2002]

Enjoying the content Tif lad. Keep it up. Well done lad.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Cheers fella.....

[@onelineal9382]

Recently subscribed mate enjoyin your videos,I at laugh, I thought I was the only one who couldnt visulise between an 8m,10m

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Cheers pal..... gets me every time 🤣🤣

[@johnokane5526]

Another great video keep them coming 😊👍👌

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate......

[@omugz9444]

I must say I do prefer the JG Pushfits for microbore. I love your content once again.... keeping it realistic....

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

I always use compression on microbore.....just gives me a bit more confidence. Glad you liked it mate, thanks for watching

[@davidceredig-evans8772]

Nice work MJT - really enjoying the channel. Keep 'em coming!

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate... appreciate the feedback

[@jackhoskins722]

I always use a bit of ptfe on my bung in the feed brilliant video 👍🏻

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

yep plenty of little tips for people to use, the bung i use is fairly well tapered so "Sucks in" really well

[@chohanchohan8208]

YOU Da Man Brv...excellent video as always

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Cheers mate......🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@manjsingh6500]

Great tips enjoyed 😊👍.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@richardhodgson7443]

Awesome mate, just found your channel, keep them coming 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate..... plenty more to come showing the real world jobs that us plumbers have to attend.

[@nathancastelluccio1545]

Awesome channel been binge watching all you videos

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate, glad you like the channel...

[@ryanbryant2902]

You can do this on a combi aswell, shut the flow abd returns off on the boiler get rid of the pressure works a treat, always keep some pushfit capends handy though just incase

[@ryanbryant2902]

Also when doing it make sure tou only have one side of the flow and return open at a time e.g if your changing a rad have the return pipework shut and work on the flow once the flow is done shut the trv off and work on return

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yer combis can be done aswell

[@Razz60]

Another great video thanks

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Cheers mate

[@pb9926]

Nice one Mark 👍 hate it when you go to bung a tank and the tank connector has them two lugs inside 😬

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

The Lugs from Hell.......... fortunately they are becoming few and far between now...

[@pb9926]

@@MJTiffPlumbing lugs from hell is when the freezer comes out to play 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep, I’ve done the cutting live and now the bung..... I best dig out the freezing kit for the next one....😉👍🏼👍🏼

[@Firebrand55]

Another How To on YT recommends on completion of work, removing the tank feed bung first, filling the tank and then removing the air vent bung; this, he says, minimises air getting into the system.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@trevornorcott963]

Wrong sung removed first to stop air getting in

[@olliemackie7964]

Cheers for the vid mate, great to watch. Love the "No dickhead comments" spot on. 🤣 Would really love to watch a pipe freeze video if you can, I cant believe it's that simple! Great work on your commitment to respond to everyone who supports you. Makes a huge difference to support the plumbing community 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks Ollie........ i have put the pipe freezer kit on the van ready for the first chance i get to do a video on it mate. Glad your enjoying the channel mate

[@jonhopkinson4083]

Brilliant video mate I'm learning loads 👍🏻

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate..... "On the job" tricks are worth months and months of training, plumbers have loads of little tips to give out

[@dangough55]

Wicked video again mate 👍🏻

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks Dan......glad your enjoying them,

[@dangough55]

@@MJTiffPlumbing 👌🏻

[@kevincuthbert3058]

Can you have to open ends when you bung it. You had the two rad valves open at the same time.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Sometimes it will hold as shown here 👍🏼👍🏼

[@neilbrice449]

good tips mate just be careful when bunging feed pipe the tank connector can have splines on them so dont seal up

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep, some of them do have them in, they were a crap design to help fitting for some crazy reason….. luckily few and far between

[@neilbrice449]

yes hopefully wont come across many

[@pmcrease]

I know what you mean about microbore systems being horrendous with air locks... I've got 8mm MB in my house and after ANY kind of pipe work that's needed there's always an air lock *somewhere* afterwards which causes my Heat-Only boiler to panic and shut down after 😫 Always takes a bit of messing around to finally get it out

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep completely agree....... so its either a bung or a snatch...lol

[@lostinthoughtscalminsilenc8167]

When doing this, how do you know that the air lock isn’t in the pipe area you just cut?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

It causes a vacuum So it holds

[@johnwaby4321]

Nice job 👍👍👍👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate

[@steve-fx2ez]

Would you use/trust 8mm and 10mm push fit caps instead of compression fittings? Subscribed last week great content site plumber currently. Looking to do more domestic work. These videos are excellent!

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hey Steve…. Thanks for subscribing mate 👍🏼👍🏼 Personally I would always go compression on a 8/10mm copper

[@jackcalder6561]

Excellent

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks buddy

[@pault3705]

Another great vid..can you tell.me what bung you use or maybe a link to where you can buy it ...many thanks

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks Paul..... I think this was from Screwfix or Tool Station,

[@milanjovetic6993]

Good video - helped be thanks

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Glad you enjoyed it mate

[@ken984]

What I don't understand is when I bung the tank in the attic in my 2 storey house the vacuum holds fine with the pipe work upstairs but drains the whole house if I try to work on the heating system downstairs

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Are you doing each pipe one at a time, not cutting into both??

[@andrewbell3156]

Hi mark, I m thinking or replacing my trv,s and was going to pull a vacuum as shown in your video, the thing is my small central heating header tank doesn’t have a vent pipe leading to it. I have a conventional boiler in the garage , a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard and a large cold water storage tank in the loft ??? Does this mean I won’t be able create a vacuum on my rads

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

You should still cause a vacuum if bunging the tank as it’s a combined fill and vent👍🏼👍🏼

[@alan_edwards_404]

Just love a 'Friday job', lol

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep.... went a lot better than Wednesdays stressfest!!!!!

[@peterdawson5115]

Used the bung trick myself on Friday to change a rad, as none of us want a Friday gravity fed nightmare that won’t refill. Stay safe 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep..... you know it has potential of the job taking a few hours and then another 7 hours chasing airlocks in the system!!!!!

[@simonstones1918]

I did this job last week and there was no vent pipe over the F and E tank. You ever seen this before?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep on very rare occasions

[@simonstones1918]

@@MJTiffPlumbing would you consider it safe Tiff? Where do they expect the water from the over heating of the boiler to go to….? Up the feed pipe?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yer it’s a really old way of doing it….. always add a vent in if you can…. Combine it

[@simonstones1918]

@@MJTiffPlumbing ok cheers Tiff. Funny when you get those little left field jobs which throw you. So so much to know and learn!

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Always learning mate

[@omugz9444]

I’ve subscribed....videos and effort he puts in, well worth a subscription 👌🏽👍🏽

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Plumbingbob]

Agreed microbores are an arse. On rad swaps with it I’ve usually done it live with all parts ready to roll. Love my Nerrad versa funnel. Jobs a guddun 😜

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep my biggest video on KZbin so far is when I cut into live microbore pipes to fit a rad.....that had people saying I was lazy and should of bunged it, even though it was safe to do so and everything was at hand.

[@1davestorer]

Hi mate would this work on an open vented system too.I need to cap off a pipe that's under the floor on the hot water,there's no Isolation valves so wondered if I can bung the cwsc up.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yes mate, works on that aswell. I’ve changed many knackered gate valves this way

[@andrewbutterworth2835]

Great video. Did you have to identify which was flow and return?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it. Nope you don't have to trace which is Flow or Return as the TRV valves are Bi-Directorial

[@milanjovetic6993]

Can I use a 22mm push fit connection on a 3/4 inch pipe ?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yes buddy

[@scorpionnetherrealm8937]

Hey tif just a question if a small radiator needs to be taken off so that the wall can be plastered,would it cause any issues when replacing it with a towel radiator?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hey mate Not a problem at all, may need a bit of pipework for it to work neatly but often rads are replaced with towel rails...👍🏼👍🏼

[@scorpionnetherrealm8937]

Cheers mate i couldnt find a video on it so thought id ask a top geezer

[@nickcollins7568]

Pulling a vacuum is a good way to do it and saves a lot of time until it doesn't work when you find someone has used one of those poorly designed plastic tank connectors with a groove in it thus making sure a bung will not seal it

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hahahahaaaa..... yep, then it turns into a while different experience...

[@memphiscfc]

😂😂 that always ruins my day! Also a sneaky AAV 🤦‍♂️

[@jasonbrooksbank]

Something new. I always thought you couldn't have two open ends when bunged.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

As long as the fill AND vent are bunged it shouldn’t be an issue 👍🏼👍🏼 A lot of people don’t bung the vent then wonder why it doesn’t work...

[@jasonbrooksbank]

@@MJTiffPlumbing I have only been doing it for the past 12 months one of the lads I work with showed me. Save's loads of time on swopping mid position valves and pump valves.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yer it’s a great thing to do as and when you can, saves a lot of time and ALOT of hassle at times!!

[@andyg4861]

Where do i get these bungs and whats the cheapest options?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Tool station mate, they are about £10

[@Jammydodgers41]

Good video👍 what do you use to reduce the elbows onto the 10mm?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks pal I used internal reducer kits on these 15mm compression elbows.

[@jasongeorge4602]

Great video mate , wot were those reducers in ya compression elbows ? Cheers pal 👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks Jason..... glad you liked it Just an 8mm reducing kit.....off the shelf in Plumbase..👍🏼👍🏼

[@ronboult8947]

I can't find anywhere to buy the rubber plugs for the header tank?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Screwfix or toolstation stock them mate

[@ronboult8947]

@@MJTiffPlumbing many thanks for that.

[@mohamedsheik4589]

Where do I buy bungs? And how much are they.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Tool station/ Screwfix…. About £6

[@mohamedsheik4589]

@@MJTiffPlumbing What do you call them. Can’t find anything called bungs?

[@TONE11111]

@@mohamedsheik4589 you can use a carrot or parsnip too

[@KevinSmith-fn3ch]

out of curiosity are homes still built with the gravity systems ? if so which type of house would benefit from one of those style systems?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

I haven’t fitted a gravity system for around 15years

[@pault3705]

Are the bungs you use the toolstation ones or are the regin ones worth paying extra for ....tia

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

either are just as good mate to be honest

[@pault3705]

@@MJTiffPlumbing thanks 😊

[@jonb8241]

Hi.... as a Diy’er, is it possible to just use Push-fit Stops on the heating system as opposed to Compression-fit?? Thanks

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks for watching I personally always use compression on microbore pipework as I find the smaller pipe can sometimes have issues with push fit fittings. Just my preference..... however it is possible to use push fit if you want

[@jonb8241]

Thank you... Great vids BTW

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks... appreciate that mate

[@adriatikqypi9356]

Nice one

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks for watching

[@joekicker131]

Can u still pull a vacuum if there is no vent pipe above the f&e tank?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

if you bung the feed then it should.....

[@StuHNomadBiker]

I'm always worried about the cutting into the roof bit with customers ... dunno why, I think it's the whole if you don't find the pipes first attempt then need to cut another 🤔... I'd like to see how the plasterer makes good a hole like that 👌🏻

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

You just have to tell then what’s involved. Luckily with this one the whole ceiling is being replaced as the wall is coming out etc

[@mohamedsheik4589]

He’s looking into it 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamesbell7649]

Decent video mate, where are you based?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate.... Based in Warwick, Midlands

[@jamesbell7649]

@@MJTiffPlumbing Ah, only about 40 minutes from me then! I’m currently doing my course, be decent to get together mate so I can learn some tricks of the trade!

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Follow me on Instagram and we could catch up maybe

[@jamesbell7649]

@@MJTiffPlumbing already following mate. The secret plumber.

[@mart223421]

Are you meant to plaster over push fit fittings?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

I’ve never had an issue as they are fitted correctly.....

[@carlholroyd1462]

Is it ok to fit an isolation valve on the feed pipe from F&E tank?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

22mm Full Bore Lever valve shouldn’t cause an issue, as long as it’s full bore

[@Whisgers]

I had a work partner non plumber,but he thought he knew everything,he saw me bunging header tank many times to save drain downs, we split up then one day he rang me in a panic he bunged header tank but didn't realize the cylinder was an primatic one,he flooded the house when it imploded 😳😳😂😂😂

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Hahahaa...... Oh No!!!!!

[@stevemurrell]

Keep thinking about getting one of those Nerrad Versa funnels but the reviews I’ve seen says they stink of urine even after quite some time. Did you find that with yours??

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

If you keep thinking of getting one then get one..... they are cheap enough and a brilliant product. As for the smell...... that’s a new one on me🤣🤣.... Never noticed a smell at all

[@stevemurrell]

@@MJTiffPlumbing Fair play, just thought I’d ask. Will get one ordered. Do like the Nerrad tools, already use their pipe slices and the Tapex kit is excellent. Liking the channel and have subscribed 👍

[@simmo321]

Where can you buy that rubber bung and rubber mat please?

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

There is a link to the rubber mat in the description mate..... and the bung kit you can get from Screwfix i think

[@Mad4plumbing-ltd]

👍

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

thanks mate

[@lawrencepeters4139]

It looks like it needs a good clean out

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Yep, as said in the video, i will be advising the customer that they require a system flush

[@cheekytrucker]

Red funnel is a "Nerrad Versa Funnel"

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@mehere3013]

what a cowboy they got to install that hesting , pipe run is abysmal, you should redo it for them

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Part 2 coming soon😉

[@williamedward2259]

Great video mate, must be a bit of a buggar carrying that camera bout videoing stuff for us? much appreciated tho

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks mate It’s just my phone...... and everyone carries there phone around don’t they. It’s not as intrusive filming my day as you would think to be honest, and it’s enjoyable👍🏼👍🏼 Glad your enjoying the videos

[@happyslapper07]

It's called a nerrad funnel

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

THATS THE ONE.......... i couldn't for the life of me remember....I will add it Thanks

[@scotsdunc]

it must be an english thing raggling pipes into walls, dont get it up here in scotland, or not in edinburgh at least

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

What’s “raggling”…

[@scotsdunc]

@@MJTiffPlumbing chasing into wall as u would call it. Its always a battle of language up here when we work with english contractors

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Got ya 👍🏼👍🏼 Yer happens a lot down here. So is all your Pipework on show to radiators etc??

[@scotsdunc]

@@MJTiffPlumbing pretty much, obviously newer builds its all in studs but we dont really have solid floors as much as u so things would drop down a cupboard then under the floor. In basements it would just be drop down a corner and they might get boxed in. Enjoying watching ur vids, seem to have similar approach to things as myself. I saw on one of ur vids someone criticising u for using hep, and its something i struggle with, almost never use it but understand the reasons for it, on the odd occasion i do use it i'll use a kuterlite fitting on it rather than pushfit but its definately getting harder to price against people who are throwing stuff in, id prefer not to use it but its getting harder to justify the expense of copper

[@Birdie2885]

Flexible matt sounds like a game changer. Would love to come and learn with u at some point but I think ur a bit too far.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Trust me mate, get yourself one.... I’ve put a link in the description below the video mate...👍🏼👍🏼 Never a dull day with me buddy😉

[@philipsawyers719]

Wow big old job.!

[@toddcook2016]

bungholio

[@noahschmartz2354]

404/4 likes/dislikes is an auto sub and like for me before i even watch the video.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks Noah🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@julianhawker7672]

Should have given that F&E a bail out before pulling the bungs, all that sh#t pulled down into a microbore system........

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Thanks for watching.... As said in the video I will be informing the customer that it requires a flush, no point in doing it now as we have heating works to be carried out and the system will be filled and drained a bit before the end.. Once all finished a system flush will be done.

[@julianhawker7672]

@@MJTiffPlumbing I learned the hard way that the 10 mins this takes is not worth the grief of dragging muck in and having to put it right at your cost because " everything worked before you touched it" This was 30 yrs ago and its served me well ever since.......... Personal choose I guess but just demonstrates a bit of pride and care to the customer.

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

I have pride and care for my customers.... hence not saying they need something doing which will need doing again very shortly and in turn not ripping them off. Looking forward to seeing some plumbing videos on your channel.......... oh...... hang on...... Shame you have none as your clearly the worlds best plumber....

[@jazzbansal8097]

10mm ! ...ummm let’s Redesign .. to what ? Let’s make it 8mm .. yeh what a great idea 💡 lol Why they bothered with 8mm I do not know .. stupid design

[@tracer1127]

Could have been worse it could have been 5mm and saved another 10 pence a roll. All good fun on a Friday usually.

[@jazzbansal8097]

@@tracer1127 lol 😂