How To Replace A Leaking Radiator Valve

How To Replace A Leaking Radiator Valve?

There is nothing more worrying for household owners than seeing a wet patch due to a leaking radiator.

The following guidance should give you the knowledge you need to identify the source of any radiator leak.  You will then be able to fix your leak quickly before any major damage is done to your property.

The most likely source of your leak is from a valve.  Valves compression fitting, which are not always reliable.  Also some valves are of poor quality, and can fail after a few years.

Step 1.  Switch off the Heating System

First of all, you need to turn off the heating system.  You can do this by flicking the power switch on your boiler, or where your boiler is plugged in.

Turning off your heating system prevents water being pumped around your central heating pipes.  It stops the water flow, allowing your to replace the valve easier.

Step 2.  Drain Some Water from your Pipes

You will be draining the system where your leaking valve is.  But first you need to prepare for water spillage.  Place some towels and smalls bowels under your leaking valve.

Now you will need to slowly drain water from your system, by loosening your valve compression fitting enough to leak water.  Do not completely remove your leaking valve at first, otherwise water will flow out too fast and flood your floor.  It is best to release water slowly so you can catch it easily, and remove it.

The valve compression fitting that attaches the copper pipe can be loosened via a spanner.

Step 3.  Remove the Old Radiator Valve

Now you need to completely remove the old radiator valve by undoing both nuts using a spanner.  Be aware that water will leak from your radiator pipe once you remove it.  Ensure you catch this water in a bucket or plastic tub.  Once water stops leaking from your pipe, you can then move on to the next step.

Step 4.  Fit a New Radiator Valve

After removing the old one, you will need to fit your new radiator valve.  For such a task, you need to be careful when it comes to make joint or connect it with the complete system. Here, the individuals are required to use proper tools or things by which they can perfect connection and avoid the unnecessary leakage.

Step 5.  Turn the water supply on

Now you will need to test your new valve for leaks.  Switch your boiler on.  As you have removed water from your closed boiler water system, it means you will have some air in there.  This means the boiler might make some bubbly noises when it is turned on.  To remove this air you need to do the following:

• Put more water into your heating system.  Your boiler manual will tell you how to do this.  Usually it is done via a valve underneath your boiler.  The valve allows you to put more water into your boiler system.  A gauge on your boiler will tell you how much pressure is in your system.  Let water into your system until the gauge is roughly in the middle, or in the green zone.
• Once you have filled your boiler to the correct pressure, then you will need to bleed air from your radiators.  Go to the radiator you was working on, then bleed air from it using a special radiator key.  At first you will see air coming out of the bleed hole.  Shit the bleed valve once you start seeing water flow out.

Step 6.  Check New Valves for Leaks

Place dry tissue under your new valve.  Turn your heating on, then check the tissue after a few hours.  If no water has dripped onto your tissue, it means you do not have a leaking radiator valve.

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