Radiator broken - girlfriend getting cold...help

[mike2000]

I'll tackle them one at a time. This is very much a learning process for me having had nothing to do with central heating before.

Mike

 

[Bahco]

Read the FAQs before you start. Tells you how to drain down, protect system etc.

 

[RigidRaider]

If I was you I'd do this one now, replace the water with Fernox added then tackle the rest in summer.

 

[mike2000]

One point I forgot to clarify. I have a number of valves in the system which just turn and turn indefinitely.

What does this mean, are they broken and if so, are they likely to be broken shut or open?

Also when I'm looking to buy new valves at Screwfix I see 15mm x 0.5" or 10mm x 0.5", what are these measurements?

I appreciate your continued help...

 

[numpty1]

have you pulled the plastic cap off?try moving the spindle with a pair of shifters,it is under the plastic cap.

 

[JohnD]

Also when I'm looking to buy new valves at Screwfix I see 15mm x 0.5" or 10mm x 0.5", what are these measurements?

the 15mm is the external diameter of the pipes, about as thick as your finger. 10mm is obviously smaller. Most people have 15mm copper pipe.

the 0.5" is the bit that goes into the rad - the new valves come with a new tail that you screw into the new radiator with PTFE tape on the threads.

If you are only changing one rad, you can buy a thermostatic radiator valve for a few pounds extra - these are always worth fitting, and a rad change means it is no extra work.

 

[mike2000]

Thanks for getting back to me with the explanation of the dimensions.

Mine are, as you suspected 15mm.

As for pulling the plastic cap off and turning the spindle with a spanner, I've done that and unfortunately it's the spindle that goes around indefinitely.