Problems bleeding radiators.

Janey51

I am having problems bleeding some of my radiators. Old rented house, radiators from 80s I think. It seems as if the bit the key would fit onto has been damaged...almost like a damaged head on a screw.
DH used to do all this but he died in June so its up to me :rolleyes:
Anybody have any ideas?
Should I try and use a pair of pliers?

andrew-b

Before you do anything isolate the radiator using the valves either side by turning clockwise as your looking down at it (use an adjustable spanner on the lockshield valve as pliers can round nuts off - the valve at the bottom of the rad with the pull off cap - make a note of the number of turns so you can set it back to where it was later). If you don't shut off the valves and do manage to release the pin you'll get quite wet if you can't get it back in again quick enough! If you can manage to get the old pin out by whatever means and can find a suitable replacement pin then that would be the simplest but if i were you i i would replace the whole bleed valve.

To replace the bleed valve ideally you would need to drain down the radiator to below the level of the bleed valve (see the instructions for removing a radiator here - though you only need to undo the nut on one side of the rad to release some of the water and don't need to remove the radiator). If you can't undo the bleed valve the flow of water will be very slow though. Once you've drained off some of the water, do up any nuts you've loosened again securely. You could miss out the draining down bit but if you do you may get wet in the next steps - i prefer a more controlled approach that's less likely to muck up the decor with mucky radiator water!

Next get an adjustable spanner and loosen the outer nut of the bleed valve fitting - turning anticlockwise as you look towards the end of rad - it will probably take a bit of force but should come out.

Once you've removed it take it to a local plumber's merchant and ask for a replacement. Also buy some PTFE tape. Check the valve fits by loosely screwing it in ..remove it and wind about 3 turns of PTFE tape around the thread of the bleed valve in a clockwise direction (you put it on in the same direction as your going to turn it when tightening it so that it doesn't come undone again). Don't overdo the PTFE else it'll make the nut harder to do up. Screw the new bleed valve with PTFE tape back in by hand then tighten it with your adjustable spanner. It needs to be pretty tight...but not overtight else you may break the thread. Carefully cut off any excess PTFE tape with a sharp knife (craft knife or stanley knife) to neaten it up if it looks untidy. Close off the bleed valve and cautiously open up one radiator valve at a time (open the lockshield valve the same number of turns that you counted when you closed it) - you should hear water filling the radiator. Bleed the radiator using your key like you normally would until water drips out.. Thoroughly check all connections for leaks...if you get any leaks turn off the valves and tighten any leaking joints. Job done!

Good luck and let us know how you get on! Ask away if you have questions - one of us here will help you i'm sure.

Andy

Janey51

Ok Andy. I think I follow that
I did pick up a few things from DH. I even know what PTFE tape is

I will venture into his shed and find an adjustable spanner. I think I may need an elephant gun as it is so jam packed with stuff I can't bear to get rid off
Thanks.

andrew-b

Other thing that i thought of after (doesn't apply to me but may do to you) is that if you have a combi boiler you may need to repressurise the system after...tutorial on this here.

Andy