Need Help Purging Air from Hydronic Oil Heating System

Straightahead · October 2022

I'm changing a section of baseboard in a bathroom in my house. I will need to bleed the air out of the system after installing the new section and have a beginner understanding of the procedure.

My first issue is that I can't find the shutoff to close before draining the loop. I'm enclosing a photo of a drain valve on one of the upstairs loops. It seems to have what might be a small shutoff valve right next to the drain valve, but I was thinking the shutoff should be more substantial than this one.

Can you confirm if it is the shutoff or is it a balancing device or something else?

Sorry if I'm using the wrong terminology or if I'm way off base in my thinking.

I've also identified 2 loops for my upstairs where the bathroom is. I'm assuming that I should bleed both of these loops, but could use some advice.

If this isn't the shutoff, I can send other photos, as needed, to help me find it.

Help would be appreciated. Thanks

hot_rod · October 2022

Looks like a butterfly type shut off and purge cock. Does it move about 1/4 turn?

pedmec · October 2022

when i got in the trade we called it a balance and purge valve. good luck turning that closed. its looks like you might get lucky as the stem looks thicker than the ones i have dealt with and the whole valve looks cleaner. The ones around my location always had like a pin for a stem and use to snap when trying to close.

Straightahead · November 2022

So, if there are two upstairs loops, do i need to purge them both? FYI, they are using the same zone valve if that makes a difference.

Thanks

hot_rod · November 2022

the highest zones, loops, piping are typically where air ends up. Do every piece of piping needs to be purged.

Need Help Purging Air from Hydronic Oil Heating System

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