I have a new house with a mess of a heating system. A couple of the radiators have these valves which have a screw on cap. They do not seem to be adjustable like a lock shield valve (thought one does turn a little with a wrench). So.. I am wondering what exactly they are, what they're for, and whether I should just replace them with a TRV or lockshield.
What sort of radiator valve is this?
- Thread starter nrage147
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they are adjustable you need to get a spanner on the flats on the spindle. Looking at those though they could well be stuck open. they are standard lock shield valves, or at least that one is.
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The top bit but be careful. If the valve is jammed you could break the spindle off and that could cause all sorts of wet havoc.
Thanks for the warning.. I might play it safe and get it (and many other valves) replaced.
Adjust the upper part, with the blue arrow. The plastic top you removed, was just a cap, to hide the valve, which is just a lock shield valve. Some have an adjuster cap. The idea is to balance the flow, through each radiator, using those valves.
Yes, judging by the look of that valve it's pretty old. You may well be able to get the spindle moving with a wrench but beware, it may start leaking after that.
Probably best to get such valves replaced, but you'll need to drain the whole CH system down to do that, unless the plumber you get is willing to use freezing kits on the pipes
Probably best to get such valves replaced, but you'll need to drain the whole CH system down to do that, unless the plumber you get is willing to use freezing kits on the pipes
Am I right thinking that is a fairly modern valve with an O-ring seal, unlike the traditional ones with a packed gland?
The valve in the photo, is a type, using an O-ring, rather than a packing type. The packing type usually has a much smaller, separate hex around the spindle, often with a bit of male thread showing.
I know, I've got several! So the one pictured isn't all that old I assume
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