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Plumbing question part 2?

Is it common for radiator valves to fail? When i turn them, the spindle appears to be moving up and down so it must be working right? If it is broken, do i have to replace the whole thing?

Public Comments

  1. Sounds like it's working, but how can you tell that the valve inside is really moving? Had a gate wheel valve that you could turn the wheel in both directions but the valve had seized shut inside, so i replaced the valve. Good luck.
  2. yes it is possible for the radiator valve to fail the only solution to this is to replace the whole valve
  3. Radiator valves can fail....... jam rather than fail. If the valve moves up and down freely then it is ok. Test them by turning your heating on. Wait till radiator heats up. Turn BOTH valves clockwise to turn 'Off'. Wait ten minutes. If the radiator goes cold (assuming they became hot) then they're ok. If not....they're not ok. If they need fixing, then replace the whole valve. Its not worth the hassle of trying to free them. They are only about a fiver each. PS. If they don't get hot in the first place, check that they,ve been 'opened' (turn anti clockwise) and even then ,it may be that there is air in the radiators which means you will have to 'bleed' them...but thats another story!
  4. If they are broken then you will have to replace them. Are they not letting the water through the rad.
  5. the interior mechanizium must has released from the inside of the valve. No, just shut down the steam/water and remove the entire valve and replace with new one or if ok; replace screw.
  6. To be honest mate they'r not worth messing about with , just replace them , they'r only £5 a pair !!
  7. The radiator will have tow valves one on the inlet and one on the outlet. The outlet valve is called a thermo shield valve and is used to balance the whole Central heating system. As a ruff guide it should be fully closed and then turned about one to two turn. Radiator valves will typically be in the same position for many years and as a result can stick internally. When you screw the valve open the seat splits from the spindle and wont move. Replacement is the only option, however when you con to change them consider getting a thermostatic control valve. They fit directly where the original inlet valve fitted but have the big advantage that you can control the temperature at which the radiator works. For example you may have a large rad in a small bedroom that runs hot with this type of valve you can reduce the temperature on it.