Towel Radiator valve not working

[Ma2929]

Hi all,

My towel radiator isn’t working. I have bled it and there is no air trapped inside. I have adjusted the valves and these seem to do nothing at all so I am thinking either one or both are stuck. The types of valves are a little different to what I’ve seen online so I’m not sure how I can try free them up. I have tried turning them fully clockwise, not working, and also fully anticlockwise still not working.

Any suggestions appreciated

Matt

 

[simplesteve]

Have you tried opening the air release valve on the top !

 

[terryplumb]

Has it worked in the past ?
If so ,turn both valves fully anti clockwise. Close every working radiator off by it's Thermostatic radiator valve ( if fitted ,or it's wheel head valve if no TRV). Run heating and see if problem rad now heats up.

 

[Ma2929]

Hi Terry. Yes it normally works when you leave it well alone

I have tried what you said but still no luck. I have tried both valves in the fully clockwise position as well as the fully anticlockwise position (the valves go inwards - I assume they are shutting off - when you turn them anticlockwise, weirdly).

Any other thoughts?

 

[terryplumb]

Hi Terry. Yes it normally works when you leave it well alone

What exactly does that mean ?
When does it work ,and when does it not ?

 

[Ma2929]

It’s stopped working twice in the past because I think someone adjusted the valves. I got it working on both occasions by luck by making random adjustments to the valves

No such luck this time. I think the valves are are knackered and stuck somehow, not letting water flow. Pipework to the valves are warm but the rad isn’t

 

[terryplumb]

To establish if valves are not working,close both of them. Then open the air bleed valve ,a little water should come out and then stop. Then open one of the valves ,water should stream out the air bleed valve. Close that valve and open the other one ,again water should stream out the air bleed valve.
If water doesn't flow out when a valve is opened there is a blockage or that valve isn't opening.

 

[Ma2929]

Hi Terry. Thanks for your replies so far. There is water streaming out of the air bleed valve in every position I set the valves. Both fully clockwise, both fully anticlockwise. One in each direction. Still water streams out.

So what does this mean? Maybe one of the valves have failed in the closed position and not letting hot water flow through?

Anything else i can try?

Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

Inconclusive really. If you are telling us that water flows non stop from the air bleed valve on the radiator, irrespective of the two valves positions ,then one, or both of them ,must not be closing fully.
Are both valves the same style ? Does it only take one quarter turn to go from open to closed positions on those valves ,or does it take several full turns ?

 

[Ma2929]

Both are the same style.

The left one only does a quarter turn. When I turn it all the way clockwise, water drips out ever so slightly.

The right one takes many turns and goes fully in and fully out

If like you say, one or both valves, might not be closing fully, then shouldn’t the radiator be working?

 

[terryplumb]

Both are the same style.

The left one only does a quarter turn. When I turn it all the way clockwise, water drips out ever so slightly.

And if you open that valve does water flow out non stop ?

 

[Ma2929]

Yes it’s a slow drip but it is constant. Does the fact that it drips mean that it is in the open position (even though fully clockwise)?

 

[terryplumb]

If you open fully clockwise do you get a constant,and strong flow of water from the air bleed valve ? If you do ,but you only get slight dripping when turned fully clockwise to closed position,then that valve doesn't appear to fully close.

 

[terryplumb]

You may need to remove the rad and test flow from both valves.