Radiator valves stuck (not TRVs)

ilikecookies

Hello,

Wondered if someone might be able to advise.

Fired up for the heating for the first time the other day. All hunky dory except one rad was really slow to heat up (though it did eventually get piping hot).

Thought I'd just check the valves to confirm all was OK assuming the flow was restricted for some reason. So removed the heads and both are stuck tight. This rad is in the same room as the thermostat so doesn't have a TRV.

Squirted some WD-40 but they just don't seem to want to move and obviously I don't want to snap them.

Just wondered if anyone had any advice? The valves are only a couple of years old as we upgraded the radiator.

Can they become so stuck that the only option is to put new ones on? Just seems odd that both would be stuck!!

Thanks in advance for any advice ...

Grenage

The metal pin that's on the TRV, is it stuck up and can't be pressed down? I've given them a gentle tap with a hammer when stuck.

FreeBear

ilikecookies wrote: »

Squirted some WD-40 but they just don't seem to want to move and obviously I don't want to snap them.

WD-40 will rot any rubber seals in the tap - Not all taps use rubber O-rings on the stem seals, but it is something to be aware of.

There should be a nut around the top of the stem - Try slackening it off slightly and see if the tap will turn. If it doesn't, then you will have little choice but to drain the system and replace.

flashg67

Grenage wrote: »

The metal pin that's on the TRV, is it stuck up and can't be pressed down? I've given them a gentle tap with a hammer when stuck.

Pedant alert - Thread title is - Radiator valves stuck (not TRVs)

Grenage

Aww, I completely glossed over everything but the TRV bit.