Removing Rads with Thermostatic Valve

[dk1uk]

Hi - I need to remove a few radiators to get behind them for decorating.

I've read that you need to be a bit careful where thermostatic valves are concerned - most of mine have the * (frost) setting, but not an off position. Is this a problem? I'm keen to not have to drain down the system.

If this is a problem, I do have some rads in the house with thermostatic valves that do have an off position - can I just temporarily switch the valves to the rads that I want to remove?

Many thanks

 

[Armo74]

Remove the head G clamp the valve pin remove the rad then you can use a female compression end stop. Then just reverse the process when putting it back on.

 

[dk1uk]

Thanks for the reply Armo. Assuming I don't have a G-Clamp - could I use one of my other rad's thermo valves (one that does have an off position) to do the same thing?

Thanks again.

 

[gas112]

No heads are not usually transferable just because it fits doesnt mean it will do the same job

 

[dk1uk]

OK, thanks, I see - I will buy a clamp tomorrow in that case - thank you.

 

[calorific]

I see the logic, but can't see where the other end of the clamp will sit?

 

[gas112]

Ditto


You could try puttin a 5p piece inside the head so it presses the pin down that little bit more ensuring it stays off

 

[dk1uk]

Inside the head of the thermo valve you mean?

 

[gas112]

Yep remove head and place in there

 

[dk1uk]

Will give it a try - thank you.

 

[longdogs]

TRVs are a pain in the ***e

 

[calorific]

Mind you keep an eye on it - it has been known for leakage to occur overnight when the ambient heat of the room has caused the valve to open just a tad. Enough, in fact.....

 

[calorific]

TRVs are a pain in the ***e

Depends on whether you use vaseline or not

 

[dk1uk]

That would be a disaster - just had all ceilings downstairs skimmed!

If I stick on a compression end cap, I should be OK though right? I've never fitted one before - is there a standard size for a rad pipe?

 

[Bosswhite]

I always used to take radiators off the walls to redecorate for customers, it always ended up with more problems than anticipated, dripping black water on carpets, joints that always leak afterwards, TRV`s were always a major problem. And Rad caps are almost non exsistent
these days with long handled small rollers one can easily paint behind a radiator, wallpapering can be fed behind a radiator, and can be rolled using a paint roller.
Who looks down behind a radiator anyway ?