Radiator cold - lock shield valve top bit broke off

[powermaxlewa]

Hi all,

As it got cold, I wanted to test my heating system today. Got a new boiler with outdoor weather compensation a few months ago - so was curious how it would perform. One of the downstairs radiators (the only one without a TRV) didn't get warm at all. Checked some tutorials online and they said that I should turn the lock shield valve in a counterclockwise position with adjustable spanners. I did that in the past and it worked pretty well. However, this time, the valve felt a bit stuck and only turned maybe for half a rotation before it broke off! (See picture). I hope I'm not screwed? Best to call a heating engineer / plumber?

Thanks, all!

 

[yorksbuilder]

Do you have adjustable pliers or vise grips which may grip that shank well enough to turn it?

In any case, yes, you need to get that valve replaced, probably involving draining the system, so asking a plumber may be best

 

[powermaxlewa]

Do you have adjustable pliers or vise grips which may grip that shank well enough to turn it?

In any case, yes, you need to get that valve replaced, probably involving draining the system, so asking a plumber may be best

Cheers pal. I wonder why it was cold in the first place. Would the heating engineer have closed the valves when they installed the new boiler? It was working fine last winter with the old boiler...

 

[accelerator]

If it was staying completely cold it suggests the lockshield valve was left closed.

 

[powermaxlewa]

If it was staying completely cold it suggests the lockshield valve was left closed.

Thanks, mate! I guess I tried to do the correct thing then but was just too clumsy and snapped off the bit.