How do I drain my water cooling loop?

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NateTech

NateTech

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Jan 4, 2016
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Help!
Normally I'm the one giving advice around here, but my knowledge of water cooling is limited. I built this loop and thought it'd be easy to drain it, so I didn't put any thought into it at the time :D. Can this loop be drained easily??? I've put a lot of thought into it and couldn't think of any simple way to do it (actually couldn't think of anyway to do it). Some experienced help would be very much appreciated and I'd like to throw my GPU into the loop soon.
Thanks!

200070.53069f3340a330d389e420cdaba2a93b.1600.jpg

 
Solution
Blas
When building your loop, you have to prepare it for draining too. I mean, you don't just build the loop, you add to it extensions that will let you drain it as needed, for when you'll need to service the computer. If you didn't allow for this, that's a problem, because now it's too late :) I have a double loop (for CPU and GPU) with hard tubing, like you, and both loops are extended at the bottom of the case to allow draining (at the lowest point in each loop there's a T connector, two of the ends of the T close the loop, the third end goes to a draining tube (flexible tubing in my case) that ends up in a drain valve (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/fittings/extra/ball-valves)) When i want to change anything, i open this valve over a bucket...
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Blas

Blas

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May 18, 2007
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When building your loop, you have to prepare it for draining too. I mean, you don't just build the loop, you add to it extensions that will let you drain it as needed, for when you'll need to service the computer. If you didn't allow for this, that's a problem, because now it's too late :) I have a double loop (for CPU and GPU) with hard tubing, like you, and both loops are extended at the bottom of the case to allow draining (at the lowest point in each loop there's a T connector, two of the ends of the T close the loop, the third end goes to a draining tube (flexible tubing in my case) that ends up in a drain valve (https://www.ekwb.com/shop/fittings/extra/ball-valves)) When i want to change anything, i open this valve over a bucket, let all the water out, and can start servicing.

Here are some pics of my setup, notice the flexible draining tubes at the bottom of the loop: https://imgur.com/a/gtpb0

Ok, so you didn't know about this and now you have a loop that is not prepared for draining, what can you do? Unplug, of course; and then you will have to release one of the tubes. Seeing the picture of your PC, i recommend loosening the rightmost tube, that goes from the reservoir to the radiator. Ideally it should be the lowest one, so that gravity helps you draining, but in this case i would try to spill as little water over the electronics as possible. Remove all electronics you can from below that tube, take a few pieces of fabric and a bowl, remove the tube as carefully and quicly as you can, and try to put the bowl under the stream, and use the clothes to block all other spills. It will be a mess, but if you're careful, quick and lucky, you will make no permanent damage. When rebuilding the loop, make a draining system into the loop (with the valve at the bottom).

Good luck with it! :)
 
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Solution
n0ns3ns3

n0ns3ns3

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May 25, 2016
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As mentioned above, you want a drain port in your loop with ball valve. since you don't have it right now, the only practical ways to drain your loop would be:
1. to take it to a bath (or any other place where you can spill liquids) turn the case on the side (components up) and open the loop (disconnect the tube from pump/res to radiator on both ends for example).
2. take a large syringe and start sucking the liquid from the res. close the loop, tilt it to get liquid from rad to the loop and repeat.
 
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Blas

Blas

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Now that's far more clever than my "be-quick-and-hope-for-the-best" solution xD
 
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sideman_c

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Oct 29, 2017
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I know this isn’t an answer but I just signed up so I can’t pm directly. I’m looking at doing my first custom loop so this thread actually gave me a great tip lol. What kind of case are you using in that picture Nate? I’m looking for a new one and it looks spacious
 
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scorpain

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Oct 29, 2017
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Hello hello, i'm after advice on the back of this please.

I have my water cooling setup and will be changing the liquid after.... many years....2-3 at least.....
What do I use to clean out the radiator?
All other parts I'll be taking out and thoroughly cleaning:
CPU block - Tooth brush and soapy water
Reservoir and pump - Make a separate loop and run water through it then pull apart the pump to clean internals, do what I can with the res.
Pipes - Unless they're actually died, I don't plan on anything with them.

It's the radiator I don't have a clue with, I can't use any type of soapy water without being 100% it's cleaned out which i can never be, i hear vinegar then I hear don't use vinegar....
Is plain water the best option?


Cheers
 
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Blas

Blas

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You can fill the rad partially with water (plain tap water), close its two ports with plugs, and shake it vigorously, then drain and let dry. I wouldn't use any cleaning products, just to be sure there are no unwanted chemical reactions, corrosions, and such.
 
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sideman_c

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Distilled water for sure. I’ve seen multiple posts where ppl say like 1 part vinegar to 2 or 3 parts distilled water and then rinse with distilled water.

Here’s what ekwb says:
https://www.ekwb.com/blog/how-to-clean-water-blocks/

I’ve seen cleaners on frozencpu site also but am not familiar with those
 
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