Is your home experiencing uneven heating, with some radiators remaining cold while others are overly hot? A simple solution might be to replace your radiator valves. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of changing a radiator valve, ensuring your heating system operates at its peak efficiency.
Step 1: Safely Shutting Down Your Heating System
Before you initiate the radiator valve replacement, it's crucial to turn off your heating system and isolate the water supply. This step is particularly tailored for combi boiler systems. If you have a conventional system, seeking assistance from a registered heating engineer is recommended.
Here's what you need to do:
- Electrically power down all components for safety.
- Adjust room thermostats to the lowest setting.
- Ensure that no heating programs are active.
- Confirm that the system won't restart during the process.
Step 2: Locating and Draining the System
- Identify the drain off, typically situated at the lowest point in your house.
- Connect a hose to the drain off, leading it outside for efficient water runoff.
- Open the drain cock and wait for the system to empty, which may take around 10 minutes.
- Utilise a jubilee clip to secure the hose, preventing any spills.
- Place a towel underneath the valve and use a bowl to catch larger volumes of water.
Step 3: Removal of the Old Radiator Valve
- Undo the top and bottom nuts of the old radiator valve using an appropriate wrench.
- Use a hex key or plumber's wrench to remove the chrome tail connecting the valve to the radiator.
- If necessary, place the old valve back temporarily to collect excess water.
- Before fitting the new valve, consider cleaning the area.
Step 4: Fitting the New Radiator Valve
- Attach the new chrome radiator tail in place of the old one, using PTFE tape to minimise leak risks.
- Slide the nut and olive onto the radiator tail, then connect them to the water pipe.
- Carefully insert the new radiator valve body into the radiator tail, securing the nut and bottom of the water pipe.
- Remove the protective cap from the valve body and attach the top of the valve, gently tightening the nut.
- Exercise caution not to over-tighten, and use a cloth if employing tools.
Step 5: Restoring Mains Water
- Close all opened radiator valves, including the bleed valve at the radiator's top.
- Note the number of turns needed to close the lockshield valve, as it will require the same amount later.
- Turn the water back on, checking new joints for leaks during the system refill.
- Once satisfied, open the new radiator valve to allow water flow, checking for leaks again.
Step 6: Bleeding the Radiator and System Reboot
- Confirm there are no leaks from the radiator or valve before opening the bleed valve to release trapped air.
- Open the lockshield valve, referring to your notes for the exact number of turns.
- Reconnect power to the boiler and observe its operation for an hour or two.
- After running the heating, double-check all joints for leaks and turn off drain off valves and air valves.
Your radiator should now function flawlessly, providing optimal heating comfort. If you replaced the radiator valve for an upgrade, enjoy the benefits of your new, updated valves.
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