I need advice on changing a radiator valve cos leaking. I need to fit a new one-do I have to switch water off?

Answer 1

You have to drain the water from the system to remove the valve for replacement. If it's just a drip from the gland (where the spindle is !) tighten the gland nut a bit, it may save you a lot of work.

Answer 2

First check with Travis Perkins or Plumb Center(Correct spelling) if the valve you have can be fitted with new seals. If it is a Thermostatic valve then the answer is probably no but check anyway. If it does need changing then you will need to drain down the system to below that valve. If it is upstairs then it is a lot easier and quicker. When you take the old valve off have carpet protection at the ready as there will be a large amount of black sludge waiting to come out. As the job is now underway it could be the time to change the valve at the other end of the radiator as well as all of the others on the same level. Best of luck.

Answer 3

it depends on the type of system you have, as to the actions required. if you have a combi boiler there is no need to turn off your water mains, if it is gravity fed you will have a header tank in the loft ( the smaller one or the one with the least water in it) you can tie the ball valve up with a piece of wood and string if you dont want to turn the water off, drain the radiator using the drain valve near to it, take the radiator valve off and renew, ( a roll of ptfe tape would help here) once you are happy and all the valves are fully closed either remove the string / turn on the water and the header tank should fill the system for you, bleed the radiator with a bleed key at the top of the radiator to remove air, and fire it up, now if it is a combi boiler you simply drain off at the radiator change the valve as previously mentioned, and once you are done, you need to fill the system. underneath your boiler you should have a fill loop there are hundreds of types, but you may have a hand book on your boiler look at '' filling system'' simply fill the system to the appropriate pressure, bleed the radiator and check the pressure again, it invariably needs a top up,good luck take care, and remember thats what plumbers are paid to do.

Answer 4

Before you think of fitting a new rad valve,take off the plastic cap on the old valve. at the bottom of the spindle, you wil see a nut. Tighten this nut little by little, and you will see the water leak will stop. This nut is called a gland nut and it is a tapered fit. when the packing inside this nut wears, it has to be adjusted and you do this by tightening it slightly.

Answer 5

If you are changing the valve i would turn the water off under your sink. turn on the kitchen tap to drain the water out of your pipes. Then drain your radiator using the drain plug near the valve. Put a boxl under where you are working to catch any existing drips. Good luck

Dante

Answer 6

sorry but you have to drain the system to a level of the valve that needs replacing it takes longer to drain than to do the job
see if you can repair the leak if its a compression joint try to tighten it a little with care if its leaking out of the nut on the spindle you can repack the sleeve under the nut, hope this helps

REMEMBER TO TURN THE SUPPLY OFF FIRST

Answer 7

not only switch the water off , but drain the header tank , be careful the system may have an inhibitor in the water so that will need replacing as well , bleed system after filling, pump and rads

Answer 8

No just drain radiator.

Answer 9

YES