ChatterBank0 min ago
Radiator Valve Advice Please
6 Answers
I need to bleed a radiator.
The valve has a "coin slot" screw within a nut. Can't get the screw to budge. Can I bleed by taking out or loosening the nut?
The other panel just had the nut and looks as if the screw has been broken off at some stage.
Can I just bleed by the loose nut
The valve has a "coin slot" screw within a nut. Can't get the screw to budge. Can I bleed by taking out or loosening the nut?
The other panel just had the nut and looks as if the screw has been broken off at some stage.
Can I just bleed by the loose nut
Answers
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A photo would jelp.
Perhaps a little WD40 would help free the inner screw?
Loosening the outer nut might let you release the air in the radiator, but watch out for dribbles when the water starts to flow. I'd be a bit worried in case the nut couldn't be re-tightened so as to be watertight - it's probably sealed with hemp or joint sealer, and might need to be removed and re-sealed, and that would mean closing both radiator valves first to avoid a flood.
Perhaps a little WD40 would help free the inner screw?
Loosening the outer nut might let you release the air in the radiator, but watch out for dribbles when the water starts to flow. I'd be a bit worried in case the nut couldn't be re-tightened so as to be watertight - it's probably sealed with hemp or joint sealer, and might need to be removed and re-sealed, and that would mean closing both radiator valves first to avoid a flood.
The nut with the slot is meant to be loosened to bleed the radiator. The nut has a square profile which should be loosened using a radiator key, available at any hardware shop for a few bob.
The radiator should be cold to avoid injury - turn the key anti clockwise while holding a towel under the nut. When you hear air escaping stop turning and await escape of water when you can tighten the nut.
The radiator should be cold to avoid injury - turn the key anti clockwise while holding a towel under the nut. When you hear air escaping stop turning and await escape of water when you can tighten the nut.
I would replace the nut and valve:
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If you feel up to it and you have decent tools, you could close the radiator valves, remove the existing bleed valve unit and take it to a plumbers' merchant to find a replacement. You will also need something to seal the thread when you screw the new one into place (probably a tube of goo nowadays). Good luck.
If you do it the way atheist suggests, don't forget to count the number of turns it takes to close the radiator valves. The valve with just a protective cap is used for balancing the radiator with all the others in the system, so it's important to set it back to exactly where it was before you mess with it.
PTFE tape is the best thing for sealing threads.
PTFE tape is the best thing for sealing threads.
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