Old Radiators - New TRV's

[First-time-buyer]

In short,

I think I have old radiators which may have a 3/4" thread, I can fit a bush to reduce it to 1/2" which will enable the fitment of the TRV, however I have a concern about the distance of the new TRV.

This picture shows the old radiator connector, without TRV.

This picture shows the old radiator connector, no lock-shield.

We had a new rad installed earlier in the year, as we had a room without a radiator.

We are worried if we fit a new TRV, with bush the length wont be the same size. We will need to fit an extension, or bend the pipes.

I can have a new radiator fitted for £50, if we supply the radiator. This seems a good price, however we have 3x rads like this (un-finned etc), therefore the cost is roughly £100 a rad to change then.

Views?

 

[JimCrow]

you have 1/2" tappings on the rads

 

[First-time-buyer]

Thanks, that's nice to know.

I can see that the connection (Tails?) on the Rad will need to be changed on one end. Are these normal sizes? Where can I buy one from?

 

[First-time-buyer]

Can i re-use the nuts on the copper pipes, or do i need to remove the nuts/olives and use the ones provided?

I assume these will be satis - http://www.screwfix.com/p/15mm-angled-trv-with-lockshield-white-chrome/31811

I know they are cheap, however ideal for a tester

 

[avonmouth]

The new rad valves will be 1/2 BSP x 15mm copper so will fit your rads.

 

[avonmouth]

They may fit but if not you can remove the olive and nut and use the new ones.

 

[First-time-buyer]

Thanks, i have a boiler change coming up. We wont be able to balance the system without a lock-shield.... £6.50 for a TRV and Lock-Shield from Screwfix, not the best quality (Drayton Liquid) but its a start..

 

[First-time-buyer]

How do i get the old tail out? I cant see a nut to put a spanner on?

 

[SandyLyon]

You may need a radiator valve

How do i get the old tail out? I cant see a nut to put a spanner on?

depending on the tail you may need a radiator valve Hex Key (a large Allen key) to remove it

 

[First-time-buyer]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/radiator-spanner/11467

This okay?

 

[SandyLyon]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/radiator-spanner/11467

This okay?

Yes that's the one

 

[JimCrow]

deleted.

 

[First-time-buyer]

Morning,

Appears that the new TRV's are not the same size as the old connections. The old valve has a longer body, which means the copper pipe can be shorter. I can put the new trv and oliver further up, but that's not good practice.

One of two things need to happen -

a) Extend the copper pipe
b) Lower the radiator

I cant see any other way, unless there are bigger trvs

 

[avonmouth]

How much difference are we talking ?
I would cut the copper and put new pieces in but if you are not confident then it might be easier to drop the rad 1/2" or whatever.
Most rad valves will be the same length.

 

[oldbuffer]

If the pipes come up from under a wooden floor, there may be enough movement in the pipes to enable new valves to be fitted without major changes.

If none of the radiators have lock shield valves, you may wish to check that you don't have a one pipe system before undertaking any major central heating works.