Changing radiator valves

Mar 02, 2016 3 Replies

Our traditional oil fired wet radiator system has thermostatic valves on all the radiators except the four in an attached annexe (ex shop), although the annexe is a separate zone, so controllable up to a point.



I would really like to add stats to those remaining four rads, which means either getting a man in, or (gasp) DIY. Have watched various YouTube videos but all different. Some drain the whole system, some drain just the one rad being worked on, and some don't drain anything. It all looks very simple in theory, but in practice?



Plan A is to close both valves, open the bleed valve then partly undo the valve to be changed, allowing the contents of the rad to dribble into a bowl. When empty, freeze the pipe, change the valve, then (after allowing the pipe to thaw) open both valves and allow the system to refill itself from the header tank. Baring 'unforeseen circumstances', repeat for the next three rads.



A fantasy full of unforeseen gotchas?


If you have several rads to do, best to drain down the system. And a good time to add fresh inhibitor. But of course the wrong time of the year to do it. Wait until it is warmer, and the heating not needed.

IMO, isolate annexe, drain annexe down, replace valves, refill system, watch water pour out of new valves, repeat!

I agree having been forced to do it in December and Jauary!

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