How to Add Antifreeze to a Heating System

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By Juliana Robertson
eHow Contributing Writer

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Placing antifreeze in a heating system is only necessary to protect plumbing in places with extreme winters. Antifreeze will prevent pipes from bursting in sub zero temperatures. It is very important to determine the type of antifreeze needed for your system. Some types of antifreeze (automotive, RV) are toxic to humans and should not be used. Special non-toxic antifreeze should be used in heating systems in case of possible contact with drinking water.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Non-toxic antifreeze
Submersible pump
Hosepipe
2 buckets

Step 1

Determine the type of antifreeze required for your system. Only brands labeled "non-toxic" are suitable for use in a home heating system.
Step 2

Locate the heating system's drain outlet. Attach one end of hosepipe to outlet, and place the other end in bucket.
Step 3

Open the valve to drain all existing fluid out of the system.
Step 4

Pour the replacement antifreeze in a separate bucket. Place the submersible pump in bucket to draw in antifreeze.
Step 5

Locate intake valve and insert pump nozzle.
Step 6

Pump the replacement antifreeze into system.
Step 7

Complete steps until boiler has been filled with desired amount of antifreeze.

Tips & Warnings

Automobile and RV antifreeze is extremely toxic to humans. The wrong antifreeze can also burn out the systems circulation pump, which is expensive to replace.