What you'll need:
- Some old rags to mop up any spillage
- Spanner
-
PTFE tape
- Wrench
- Hose
- Jubilee clip
- Wire wool
- New valve
Step 1: Drain the system
To replace a radiator valve, first drain the system. If you have a combi boiler you can do this yourself, but if you have a conventional cylinder tank system then you'll need to call in the a professional heating engineer to do this.
- Connect a hose to the drain cock, normally found at the lowest point in the pipe work.
- Use a jubilee clip to secure it.
- Place the other end of the hose outside to discharge into a gulley and open the drain cock.
- Wait until all the water has left the system before you start on the radiator.
Step 2: Remove the old valve
- Close the valves and lay your rags underneath to catch any water left in the system.
- Holding the body of the valve with a wrench, use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the cap-nuts and lift the valve from the end of the pipe.
- Use the wire wool to give everything a good clean.
Step 3: Remove the old adaptor
Unscrew the valve adaptor from the radiator. You may be able to use an adjustable spanner, depending on the type of adaptor, or you may find that you need a hexagonal radiator spanner.
Step 4: Fit the new adaptor
- Unscrew the valve adaptor from the radiator and give everything a good clean with wire wool.
- Wind PTFE tape four or five times around the threads.
- Screw the adaptor into the end of the radiator and tighten with a spanner.
Step 5: Fit the new valve
- Slide the valve cap-nut and a new olive over the end of the pipe and fit the new valve – but don't tighten the cap-nut yet.
- Holding the valve body with a wrench, align it with the adaptor and tighten the cap-nut that holds them together.
- Tighten the cap-nut that holds the valve to the water pipe.
Step 6: Refill the system
- Find the filling loop which will be just underneath the boiler.
- Turn the valve and increase it until the pressure gauge reaches one and a half.
Step 7: Bleed the radiators
If you've never bled a radiator then our handy video will guide you through the process.
Step 8: Refill the system again
Once you have bled your radiators, turn the filling loop valve on the boiler again, and increase it until the pressure gauge reaches one and a half. Your radiators should now be ready to keep you cosy!