radiator valves

[flaming]

I could do with turning off one or two rads. occasionally but can't budge the valves. If I get them turned off by someone strong then I fear I will not be able to turn them on again. I don't want to wrench the somewhat elderly pipes/valves. Any ideas about making the valves loose enough for a weak-wristed person to operate on/off, please?

[Robert G]

It sounds as though the valves are old and haven't been closed and opened for a long time, in which case they do tend to stick. The same goes for stopvalves and stopcocks. They need to be operated every few months.

This being the case, you may not need to replace them with new valves, but considerable force may be needed to unstick them. This may be perfectly OK if done by someone who knows exactly what they're doing and uses the right tool. It shouldn't endanger your old pipework.

[stanleyman]

Spray the spindle with WD 40 to loosen and lubricate, allow time to soak in. You will need to remove the tops to do this. Using an adjustable spanner will be easier but only turn in a clockwise direction if you are sure they are open. Open and close a few times to free them off. If they leak you may have a nut gland to tighten, failing that you need new valves.

[flaming]

Thanks guys. I think I'd better get a professional in. I can see a flood coming on otherwise. This is a duplex flat in a block about 30 years old.It is difficult to make out the position of the old rad valves. i.e. whether they are open or closed. The pipes are fragile I think as a neighbour has had much trouble with leaks from pipes under the floors. I dare not touch the ones poking up from the concrete. I haven't any WD40, nut gland or adjustable spanner, so I could buy that lot and then be no further forward.

[Toureman]

Which ever method you use to free your valves when they are free never open them fully, after you open them just turn them back slightly then they won't stick.

This applies to all valves and taps.

My 14 year old daughter was very embarrassed when she had to call me in to our bahroom to loosen the hot tap for the bath because she had turned it full on and it had stuck.