How easy to fit thermostat controls on Rads?

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi Guys!

How easy is it to fit thermostat controls on rads? We have 3 to put on to control the rads upstairs as they dont need to be as high.

Do you need to bleed them

My husband is thinking of doing them if it doesnt seem to difficult, or will it be better to get someone in and if so, how much would it cost?

Thanks

PP
xx

ormus

you will need to shut the system down. (switch off the boiler). then drain the system and fit the valves.
fill the system up and bleed every rad.
difficulty level will depend on what type of CH/boiler you have?

Penny-Pincher!!

ormus wrote: »

you will need to shut the system down. (switch off the boiler). then drain the system and fit the valves.
fill the system up and bleed every rad.
difficulty level will depend on what type of CH/boiler you have?

Thanks for the quick reply.

It is an older boiler (ideal classic) ...we have been here for 7years approx and was here when we moved in. It does look quite old and is just a standard gas boiler not combi.

Does that help? Sorry.

PP
xx

sunshine54

the new valves are a straight swap for the old ones, before you start, make sure you put them on the flow side not the return side (the flow will be hotter, check this first). turn off the boiler and pump

if you are only doing upstairs, look for the make up tank (usuallly the small one) and tie up the ballcock otherwise it will refill the system as you drain it.
look for a drain point on the downstairs pipework and fit a hosepipe to go outside. drain the system to below the level of the upstairs rads.
change the valves.
release the ballcock to refill the system, bleed all the rads, turn on the pump and boiler

gmgmgm

Simpler option could be to turn the lockshield a few turns clockwise to restrict the flow through the 3 radiators. Much lower tech, but will be easier than draining your ch system.
This assumes a simple fan layout of your CH of course... hopefully a real plumber will confirm if this works or not.

david29dpo

ormus wrote: »

you will need to shut the system down. (switch off the boiler). then drain the system and fit the valves.
fill the system up and bleed every rad.
difficulty level will depend on what type of CH/boiler you have?

Whats the boiler got to do with it?

ic

gmgmgm wrote: »

Simpler option could be to turn the lockshield a few turns clockwise to restrict the flow through the 3 radiators. Much lower tech, but will be easier than draining your ch system.
This assumes a simple fan layout of your CH of course... hopefully a real plumber will confirm if this works or not.

That would only restrict the flow in from one side of the rad - there'd be nothing stopping the water coming the other way. The rads that aren't being touched could be switched off, so that they don't get drained - but ultimately it'll be necessary to drain off the system.

Its not particularly difficult - I've drained and refilled a system in about half an hour.

EliteHeat

ic wrote: »

That would only restrict the flow in from one side of the rad - there'd be nothing stopping the water coming the other way.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

derrick

ic wrote: »

That would only restrict the flow in from one side of the rad - there'd be nothing stopping the water coming the other way.

Same difference, if it is only going in at x-litres per minute is only coming out at same rate! It can't "come the other way", as it is only being pumped one way!

This will work.