radiator help, Thermostatic Radiator Valve pin came out.

angiepie

I am just after a bit reassurance really after a bit of a DIY mishap...

I Have had one cold radiator since moving into my new house, I know I should have contacted a plumber but money is a bit tight at the moment,
I researched on youtube and have tried to free the pin. I gave it a good wiggle with some pliers but it wouldn't budge, I mistakenly pulled at the pin and it shot out completely I had water everywhere, I tried to put the pin back in a few times but the water kept shooting it back out.
I finaly gave it a good push pack in and it seems to be in place this time. i quickly but the the plastic head back on. I am still really shook up with what happened lol
I am now scared to leave the house incase it leaks,
is what I have done correct? will it be safe to leave?

Chunks

There are many experts on here that will be along shortly and will no doubt contribute. I fear that the valve will need replacing. Putting the head on and also closing the valve down to zero or * (or whatever closed/off setting is) should hold the pin in place until it's replaced but leakage is a possibility....

angiepie

Thank you for your reply, I have it set to zero at the moment and there is no leaks yet.
I may try turning it up a notch and see what happens.

Is it normal for the pins to come out completely and then be put back in ok?

could realy do without having to replace the valve, It will mean calling out the experts which I just don't have the money for at the moment.

southcoastrgi

No dont leave the house, stay there until least next summer when you can turn the heating off, get friends & neighbours to do your shopping



But seriously it can, has & will happen to even very experienced trades so don't feel too bad, as above turn it off however to be on the safe side the other end should be turned off as well, this will prob mean removing the cap & turning the valve with a spanner or grips, you can't really repair them so a new valve will be needed, but at least after that your rad should work

southcoastrgi

Yes sometimes you can just put the pin back in & it's all ok, all you can do is try it & see if it leaks, but don't take the head back off

angiepie

Lol thank you for your reply the pin did seem to go back in ok after a gave it a good push and there has been no leaks since. I'm tempted to take the plastic head back off to see if the pin is still in place ok. maybe try pressing it down to see if it springs back in place ok?

or should i just call in the professionals?

angiepie

Because the pin came all the way out a couple of times does this mean it needs replacing? even though it seems to be in place now

Chunks

Refer back to post no. 5 angiepie. Also, if you don't currently have a leak, probably best to leave as is. Replacing TRV's isn't that complicated (and they aren't that expensive). I am an ok diyer and I have replaced mine - 6 rads - flushed them out too while I was about it. See if a friend can sort it for you but get a wiggle on before it starts to get too cold!

southcoastrgi

angiepie wrote: »

Because the pin came all the way out a couple of times does this mean it needs replacing? even though it seems to be in place now

No not necessarily, as long as it's not leaking & it's now working hopefully it should be ok, however the pin on it's own isn't what makes the trv work, so the bit under the pin may still be stuck & if it is then the rad won't work & would need the valve taking off & if you have to do this you might as well replace the valve