Broken Radiator Spindle

Hello,

During re-decoration in my house, I decided to take the radiator off and somehow manage to break the spindle pin atop the lockshield valve (?).

I managed to take the radiator off with the water turned off but now find it impossible to turn it back on since there is no grip at all to turn the head, even with pliers or vice grippers. The thermostat valve (?) /other side is ok and able to turn that, but I am unable to turn the head on the return pipe valve?/lockshield valve?.

I feel I will probably have to replace this lockshield valve(?) in order for me to get it operational. I have scoured the internet on advise for replacing this, or to find an alternate way to turn the head back on, but I can't seem to find any information on this.

Can someone advise on how I can go about turning on this valve or how I can go about replacing it (and if it is possible for me to replace it - I am a novice).

Any help on this matter will be appreciated.

Regards

MT

Reply to
MT
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There are only two ways (off the top of my head) to replace it. One is to drain down the system then fit a replacement. The other is to use one of those freezing kits which will avoid the draining down but I've not used one so I can't advise you on how to use one. Once you've isolated the water to that part of the system then it's just a matter of undoing the nut holding the valve to the pipe and remove the valve. The olive and nut will probably stay on the pipe and can be reused on the new valve or knocked off and replaced with the bits that come with the new valve.

One thing though. Some systems are pressurised and don't use a header tank. There is a different technique for refilling these which someone with more up to date knowledge than me will probably nbe along to explain in a bit. If you have drained down the system then it is as well to buy some inhibitor to put in the tank before you refill.

Has the spindle broken off flush with the top of the valve? If it hasn't you may be able to file a slot in it an use a screwdriver to open it.

Reply to
malc

Thank you for the quick response.

I've tried to file a slot so I can try turning it with a screwdriver, but it still doesn't work; The valve seems to crumble whenever I try to turn it.There just isn't enough grip to turn it.

I think the only option left is for me to replace the valve either by myself or get an expert in to replace it.

You mentioned that in order to replace this valve, I would have to drain the system. Can you advise what is involved with that? - Is it a case of turning off the mains water supply and draining the water from the tank? What would need replacing - is it the bolt that holds the spindle? Or is it the whole interface between the pipe and the radiator? Also, how do I find this tank to put the inhibitor in?

Thanks in advance

MT

Reply to
MT

To replace valve....

Buy the bits you need and check they're right size etc. Then make sure HW cylinder is hot (cos you won't have any way of heating it for a while).

To drain system, make sure CH is completely off and can't come on. Then tie up ball c*ck in smaller of the two header tanks in loft (to stop it refilling). Locate drain off c*ck - lowest part of CH piping on ground floor (Just conceivable this may be outside). Connect hose securely to this, and feed to outside drain. Open drain c*ck, open a few upstairs rad-bleed valves (but not until water level is below bleed valve level. You can either shut off both ends of each rad before doing this (speeds up draining, and save water) or (preferable IMHO) open both valves fully on every rad so all old water is replaced.

Others here can advise on whether (and how) to flush through entire system while you're at it.

When all done (i.e. valve replaced), shut off drain c*ck, open all rad valves, shut all bleed-valves, release ball-c*ck. Allow to refill - adding inhibitor to header tank, if you wish (daft not to). Have a mate standing by, so one can check if your handywork is leaking while other trickles in inhibitor. Bleed radiators (and keep bleeding them for next few days).

When you're happy the system is full (including boiler - dunno how you bleed that) turn on CH and see what happens.

Remember you have no heating nor hot water while doing all this, so don't start the job in the evening!!

Reply to
Martin

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