Replacing a Worn or Damaged Valve

Below is a basic guide to help replace a radiator valve, if you do not feel confident to carry this task out yourself you should call professional plumbing service.


To replace a radiator valve, drain the system, and then lay some rags under the valve to catch the excess water as you undo the valve. Holding the body of the valve with a wrench, or water pump-pliers, use an adjustable spanner to unscrew the cap nuts that hold the valve to the pipe and also to the adapter in the end of the radiator. Boiler Installation London tradesmen can replace old radiator valves.


1). Lift the valve from the end of the pipe, if you’re replacing a lock shield the valve, close it first, counting the turns, so you can on the new valve by the same number to balance the radiator.

2). Unscrew the valve adapter from the radiator. You may be able to use an adjustable spanner, depending on the type of adapter, or you may need a hexagonal radiator spanner. Boiler Installations London plumbers use radiator spanners.


Fitting the new valve:

Ensure that the threads in the end of the radiator are clean. Drag the teeth of a hacksaw across the threads of the new adapter to roughen them slightly, then wind PTFE tape four a five times around them. Screw the adapter into the end of the radiator and tighten with a spanner. Slide the valve cap nut and a new olive over the end of the pipe and fit the valve, but do not tighten the cap nut just yet. First, holding the valve body with a wrench, align it with the adapter and tighten the cap nut that holds the valve to the water pipe and replace the valve head. Refill the system and check for any leaks.
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