Radiators not warming up any ideas??

vivaladiva

moob wrote: »

I'd check to see if the thermostatic valve on the radiator is stuck. You remove the coupling (usually with your hand) unscrew and see if the metal pin that sticks up can be pushed down easily - it should then pop straight back up.

If not, give it a tap with a hammer - then replace.

See if that helps.

If it doesn't - try opening the lockshield valve on the opposite side - this controls the flow of water to the radiator.

Another thing is that they could be full of sludge - if that's the case, quite often a hose flush doesn't clear them 100% - you will need to add some radiator flush to the system - follow the instructions on the bottle, then add inhibitor.

One of our radiator valves seems to be stuck, but I can't get the top off to get at the pin. Should the top just pull off or do I need to undo something?

latecomer

give us a clue. What make is it or failing that can you post a picture?

vivaladiva

IIRC they're Wickes ones. (I was just going to edit my post to add that - honestly:D.)

Like this http://www.wickes.co.uk/Obsolete-Radiator-Valves/Radiator-Isolating-Valves-Combi/invt/159841

latecomer

Its hard to see on the picture but check whether there is a collar under the white top (where it meets the black part) which can be unscrewed. On my danfoss ones its grey and easier to see:

http://www.godfreys-online.co.uk/pageview.php?page=show_product&ecommerce_stockcode=013G6050

telsokari

i have the same problem

4 radiators all very hot but one is ice cold. The bedroom ones are the furthest away and are very hot.

i tried bleeding the radiator and got quite a bit of water out. But its still cold.

The pipes are also ice cold and there is no thermostatic valve. i switched the lockstart on and left it for 3 hours and it was still ice cold

any suggestions please?

marcs_2

Balancing the system is a good bet but if this dosn't work you might need to flush the radiators.
Usually a two person job. Turn the valves off on both ends, loosen the nuts nearest the radiator (you might need to support the pipe with another spanner), put your finger over the open end and turn the radiator upside down. take into the garden and give it a good blast through with the hose pipe.
Also try Fernox DS-40 System Cleanser. Available on Discounted Heating .co.uk

telsokari

thanks for that, will try tonight

but is it a problem that the pipes arent even heating up?

martinng

That works a treat for me. thanks!

ixwood

telsokari wrote: »

i have the same problem

4 radiators all very hot but one is ice cold. The bedroom ones are the furthest away and are very hot.

i tried bleeding the radiator and got quite a bit of water out. But its still cold.

The pipes are also ice cold and there is no thermostatic valve. i switched the lockstart on and left it for 3 hours and it was still ice cold

any suggestions please?

I'm not surprised you got plenty of water out. That's supposed to be in there. It's trapped air you're trying to get out when you bleed them.

telsokari

ixwood wrote: »

I'm not surprised you got plenty of water out. That's supposed to be in there. It's trapped air you're trying to get out when you bleed them.

thanks for your reply, but this was sorted last year. The valve to the radiator was faulty which when replaced made a huge difference

Thanks