Most efficient way to drain a loop?

Goose · 13 Mar 2022 at 18:16

My custom loop is due for a fluid change soon and I'm wondering if there's a better way of draining it. I have my drain valve at the lowest point of the loop but I never seem to get more than 50 percent of the fluid out even after attaching a hose to a spare port and blowing like my life depends on it.

Does anyone know of a way to pump it out or some other way of forcing the fluid out?

Thanks.

Awahwah · 13 Mar 2022 at 20:01

I go down the tip in all directions route. I have a rad lower than my drain so always have fluid there.

Audioboxer · 13 Mar 2022 at 21:31

I have an electric handheld air blower that I use lol. Saves trying to blow yourself or tipping the case.

It gets probably 80-90% out overall. Enough to take pipes out and begin pulling out components with no risks of drips.

Also use it for things like blowing dust out of the case and keyboard maintainance.

pastymuncher · 14 Mar 2022 at 09:21

My loop is very long and takes around 2.5 ltrs of coolant so I have a drain at the lowest point at one end and another length of tubing at the highest point at the other end which I blow through. I suppose I could use my compressor but I can't be bothered dragging it upstairs. Blowing works although my reservoir is the highest point in the loop and needs to be taken down to get most of the liquid out of the loop.

ttaskmaster · 14 Mar 2022 at 10:38

My loop is tubed up in a way that the outlet from every block and rad is low down. At worst, I have to tip the case forward a little bit so the 'flat' components fully drain.
It's one of the reasons I chose crossflow rads.

Sidewinder11 · 14 Mar 2022 at 20:58

I use a combination of stop plugs and rotating the case as I remove components. Bit of air also helps.

im4gine3 · 15 Mar 2022 at 12:13

i don't think its possible to remove all the coolant even if you valve is at it's lowest point. Theres always gonna be fluid at different parts of the loop.. (from experience) It just makes it easier to dismantle the loop and empty the remaining fluid

MikeTimbers · 15 Mar 2022 at 13:35

Very hard to completely drain. My easiest draining loop has a rad in the roof with ports on the top that once opened and blown into the vast majority does make it out.

Mcnumpty2323 · 15 Mar 2022 at 23:34

That's why I have quick disconnects
Anything left in there doesn't matter as I can remove
The gpu,cpu,pump,etc using quick disconnects
The plastic filling bottles can be useful
You can suck coolant out with those