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Radiator valves help control the heat your radiator gives. Sometimes, the radiator valve is faulty and needs changing. When this occurs, your radiator can cease functioning or leak. Within this tutorial, we demonstrate how to fit a new valve or bleed a radiator safely.
Whatever you want to do, we cover all the steps here. You’ll also learn how to replace a radiator valve without draining the system. We’ll help you decide between a manual or thermostatic radiator valve too.
Understanding Radiator Valves
Radiators come with different types of radiator valves. These valves are fitted to the side of the radiator. There are manual radiator valves and thermostatic radiator valves. A thermostatic valve controls heat on its own. A manual valve must be turned by hand.
The lockshield radiator valve controls water leaving the radiator. A failed radiator valve may prevent your central heating system from functioning as required. If a valve is sticking or leaking, then a replacement radiator valve is needed.
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Why You Might Need to Replace Your Radiator Valve
There are numerous reasons why you would need to replace your radiator valve. You could be looking to change to a thermostatic radiator valve. Perhaps you are looking to replace a leaking radiator valve. A few people do replace a radiator valve for more control.
When your valve head is damaged, the valve is not going to function. You might need to replace a radiator if the valve won’t turn. Replacing a radiator valve can help heat your house more effectively and cut your heating bills.
Tools You’ll Need to Change a Radiator Valve
Before you start, gather a few simple tools. You’ll need a hexagonal radiator spanner or adjustable spanner. You also need a radiator bleed key, PTFE tape, a towel, and a bowl. A radiator drain kit is handy if you intend to drain the system.
If you want to replace a radiator valve without draining the system, have special valve-sealing tools on hand. Having an exact idea of how to replace a radiator valve with a combi boiler is time- and effort-saving.
Step 1: Turn Off Your Heating System
Turn off your boiler completely. Let your heating system cool before working on the radiator. You don’t want hot water flowing into the radiator. This step is very important. Wait at least one hour before touching the radiator.
Check your radiator to make sure it’s cold. This keeps you safe from burns. If you plan to replace a radiator valve without draining, turn off the flow to just one radiator. You are now ready to change the radiator valve.
Step 2: Drain the Radiator or Isolate It
You have two choices: drain the radiator or isolate it. If you want to avoid draining, close both valves on the radiator. This prevents water from coming in the radiator and secures it in. In case required, open up the radiator bleed valve to escape captured air.
In case changing a radiator valve and not draining the combi boiler system, you need to exercise caution. You can also use a radiator draining kit for full draining. Use a bucket to catch water that may leak out.
Step 3: Remove the Old Radiator Valve
Use your spanner to remove the valve body from the pipe and radiator. Hold the valve steady while turning the nut. Carefully remove the valve head if it’s separate. Some old valves may need extra force. Take care not to damage the radiator and pipework.
If you must take off a radiator fully, remove the two valves. This is also helpful if you’re replacing the valve without losing pressure in the system. Clean around the radiator and prepare to install a replacement valve.
Step 4: Fit the New Radiator Valve
Now it’s time to fit the new radiator valve. First, wrap PTFE tape around the body of the valve. This helps stop leaks. Fit the new valve onto the radiator and pipe. Make sure the flow arrow is entering the radiator. Tighten all nuts using your spanner.
Do not over-tighten them. Make sure the valve is facing the right direction. Whether it’s a smart radiator valve, a manual valve, or thermostatic, all should fit onto the radiator properly and securely.
Step 5: Refill the Radiator and Bleed the Valve
If you drained the radiator, you must refill it. Open the radiator valve slowly. Water will flow into the radiator. Use the radiator bleed key to open the radiator bleed valve. Let the air flow out of the radiator until water appears.
Then close the bleed valve tightly. This eliminates trapped air and makes the radiator function optimally. In case you changed the valve without losing pressure, you still need to bleed the radiator to take out any stuck air.
Step 6: Check for Leaks and Test the Heating
Inspect the radiator valve for any leaks. Check the bottom of the valve and where it joins the radiator. If a leak is present, tighten the nut gently. If it is still leaking, you should have to take the valve off and re-tape.
Switch on your boiler and try out the radiator. Feel the top of the radiator and make sure it gets warm. Check the temperature and turn the valve to control the heat properly.
Replacing a Radiator Valve with a Combi Boiler
If you have a combi boiler, you can still replace a radiator valve easily. You can change a radiator valve on a pressurised system using the steps above. Make sure the boiler is turned off. Use isolation valves if you want to replace the radiator valve without draining.
Follow your boiler manual to repressurise the system after valve replacement. This helps maintain pressure. If you don’t know how to replace a radiator valve with a combi boiler, ask for help.
Helpful Tips for Changing a Radiator Valve Without Draining
Changing a radiator valve without draining the system is possible. But it takes care and the right tools. Turn off the radiator valves completely. Use towels around the radiator to catch any leaks. Only remove the valve from one radiator at a time.
Use PTFE tape for a tight seal. This method is good for combi boilers and pressurised systems. Replacing only one radiator valve without draining the system saves time and prevents refilling the central heating system.
Final Thoughts
It’s simple to replace your radiator valve if you work slowly and cautiously following the instructions. If you wish for a manual or a thermostatic valve, ensure it is fitting nicely. You now know how to fit a radiator valve and test it.
You also learned how to replace a radiator valve without draining. This saves time and water. You don’t need to know – if in doubt, call someone who does. A functioning valve maintains the balance of heat and makes your home and radiator pleasant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace a radiator valve without draining the system by isolating the radiator and using proper tools.
Switch off the boiler, isolate the radiator, remove the old valve, fit the new valve, and repressurise the system.
You need a radiator bleed key, spanner, PTFE tape, towels, and optionally a radiator draining kit for full draining.
A manual valve must be turned by hand. A thermostatic valve controls temperature automatically based on room heat.
