Radiator is cooler than the others

kerri_gt

Hi, our bathroom radiator is significantly cooler (not quite cold though) than all the others in the house. This only started happening after we had a new circulator fitted a few weeks ago (other one jammed and was kaput). The bottom pipe leading into the radiator is warm, though I'm not convinced it's as warm as the others. There is a TVR on the rad but neither myself or OH get it off to check the pin. I've bled the rad in case this was the issue but there is no air in it at all.

I've tried turning the other rads off but this doesn't make a diff. Previous to the circualtor problem, this rad was fine. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the problem could be - or is it most likely to be the TVR?

kerri_gt

andrew-b wrote: »

TVR on a rad...wasn't there enough room in the driveway or garage! TRV perhaps

Because the pump has been replaced recently i would check it's setting first. There's a small dial on the side with numbers 1 to 3. If it's on 1 try turning to 2 and see if it solves it.

:rotfl::rotfl: Thanks - I'll have a look at the pump setting.....and then check the petrol and oil in the TVR :o

kerri_gt

Ok, I checked the pump and it was already set at 2, I've turned it to 3 but it doesn't seem to have made a diff....is the problem likely to be the TRV?

oz0707

I have same problem. Also my rad seems hotter at top than bot. Only seems to have happened after I have reduced (significantly) time heating is on. Have just closed all the other rads and turned pump upto three. Does it matter which side valve of the rads' you turn off? (guessing not)

ormus

a gentle tap with a hammer is the normal method of getting a TRV to unstick.
works most of the time.
otherwise its a case of dismantling and cleaning it.

sometimes a good flushing out is required. esp if not done for donkeys years.

oz0707

Hmm rented house, time to call landlord!

kerri_gt

Thanks andrew - I'll try your tips - the water coming from the rad is clear btw so doesn't seem to be a sludge issue. I have a sneaking suspicion its the TRV that's the problem, given that the pipe below it is warm ...just need to get the darn things off now...wish me luck lol!

kerri_gt

Quick update....took Andrew's advise, turned all the other rads off, cranked the boiler temp up and turned the pump to 3. Could feel that this made a diff with the pipe coming into the rad and one side started getting warmer. Gave the rad another bleed (still no air) but just trying to get the water to feed through. Then, by some stroke of luck I gave the TRV another twist and manged to get it off with hand-power only - I had squirted a bit of WD40 round the joint a couple of days ago so I think this loosened it. As soon as the TRV came off...bingo! the rad heated up a treat. The joint was a bit manky (bit of corrosion and stuff from being in a bathroom) so I gave it all a good clean, lubricated the pin and popped it all back together. And finally - we have a warm radiator in the bathroom so I'll have a toasty warm towel when I get out the shower tomorrow - yippee!