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How To Replace A Damaged Radiator Valve

How To Replace A Damaged Radiator Valve

Instructions

Brrr, feeling a bit frosty? If your radiators aren't working properly it is possible that you have a damaged radiator valve. If this is the case, you will need to replace it. Not sure how to do it? We at Homeserve are here to show you the way.

Step 1:
You Will Need:

• Some old rags to mop up any spillage
• A spanner
• Some PTFE tape
• A wrench
• A hose
• Jubilee clip

Step 2:
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, you will need to call in the professionals to do this.

To drain the system, connect a hose to the drain cock which is normally found at the lowest point in the pipework. 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 3:
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 capnuts and lift the valve from the end of the pipe.

Step 4:
Unscrew the valve adaptor from the radiator. You may be able to use an adjustable spanner, depending on the type of adaptor, or may find you need a hexagonal radiator spanner.

Step 5
Unscrew the valve adaptor from the radiator and give everything a good clean, then wind PTFE tape four or five times around the threads.You can buy PTFE from DIY stores. Screw the adaptor into the end of the radiator and tighten with a spanner.

Step 6:
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. Then tighten the cap-nut that holds the valve to the water pipe.

Step 7:
Refill the system. Find the filling loop which will be just underneath the boiler. Turn the valve, and increase it until the pressure gauage reaches 1 1/2.

Step 8:
See "How To Bleed A Radiator" for advice on how to do this.

Step 9:
Once you have bled your radiators, turn the filling loop valve on the boiler again, and increase it until the pressure gauge reaches 1 1/2. Another job well done.