Changing the thermostat on a radiator

[FrancisB]

In the main bedroom in my house, the thermostat on the radiator does not work. As a result, the radiator is constantly on, even when the heating itself is turned off. Obviously, this makes the room uncomfortably hot and we have to have the winows open, most of the time.

We spoke to someone at British Gas. They said the thermostat itself costs around �7 - but the labour costs nearly �100.

This is well over-priced, surely? Is there any other way of having it changed, but at a much lower cost? I imagine there is, but I don't know for sure.

Can anyone help?

[BillyBB]

You could try getting quotes from an independant local plumber. Look for a persons name rather than a reactfast type company. Avoid quarter page adverts or larger.
If your radiator is on whilst the heating is off you have a more serious problem than the valve.
The �100 quoted is less than it costs British Gas to run that man and van for a day.

[CSG2306]

Hi Francis,

The thermostatic control can normally be replaced without removing the valve housing. I simply screws off.

Regards

[FrancisB]

Hi,

thanks for both your answers. I'm not a practical person, and so I wouldnt want to try it myself. I think the 'independent person' idea is a good one, I may try it.

Thanks