Anyone seen one or these weird radiator valves? Plumbing content

Wolfy_2

So I was going to remove a radiator (pretty ancient looking) for decorating and close the thermostatic TRV and lockshield but at the lockshield end instead of a spindle is this under the plastic cap. Looks like a flat screwdriver head operated lockshield but I can't find any pics online apart from some discussions warning not to mess with old lockshields as they tend to leak. Do I need to get a plumber in to deal with this?

Norman_Castle

It looks like an upright flat piece has broken off. Have you compared it to the other radiator valves? Its likely they will have been fitted at the same time.

Wolfy_2

Thanks. All the older rads seem to have a similar valve with a grey cap over them. One in my daughter's room looks very similar, looks like a screwhead fitting of some kind.

JohnB47

Wolfy_2 said:

So I was going to remove a radiator (pretty ancient looking) for decorating and close the thermostatic TRV and lockshield but at the lockshield end instead of a spindle is this under the plastic cap. Looks like a flat screwdriver head operated lockshield but I can't find any pics online apart from some discussions warning not to mess with old lockshields as they tend to leak. Do I need to get a plumber in to deal with this?

It's just an old design of Stop Plug. The slot in the top allows you to unscrew the round brass bit at the top. Do a search for 'Brass Stop Plug' and you'll see various modern versions. To get the rad off, I think your only option is to drain the system - there is no way to 'stop' the water at that end before you disconnect the rad.

Wolfy_2

JohnB47 said:

Wolfy_2 said:

So I was going to remove a radiator (pretty ancient looking) for decorating and close the thermostatic TRV and lockshield but at the lockshield end instead of a spindle is this under the plastic cap. Looks like a flat screwdriver head operated lockshield but I can't find any pics online apart from some discussions warning not to mess with old lockshields as they tend to leak. Do I need to get a plumber in to deal with this?

It's just an old design of Stop Plug. The slot in the top allows you to unscrew the round brass bit at the top. Do a search for 'Brass Stop Plug' and you'll see various modern versions. To get the rad off, I think your only option is to drain the system - there is no way to 'stop' the water at that end before you disconnect the rad.

Thanks John much appreciated and glad I never attempted to fiddle with it now!! I think I will leave it on for now as the wallpaper is being stripped this week and wanted to get it off before but worst way they can strip it best they can and leave a little patch behind which I can do when the rad finally comes off. I will get a plumber in and have the rad and the old hardware replaced. Plumber might as well do a couple of the old rads while they are here with system drained. Thanks again