Rad Valve Question

[WaterTight]

Hi,

Is there any special reason why a plumber might install a rad with a lockshield valve on one side but leave no cap (adjustable or lockshield) on the other?

Click to see:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2iktatf.jpg

The rad is in an extension and so at the end of the pipe run and an after-thought as far as system design.

Or would it only be missing because a) he lost it b) a kid took it off while playing with it c) dog ate it

If this is the case it should be fine and dandy to adjust it manually if you want it off yeah?

 

[MarkB]

It's a thermostatic radiator valve and the head is missing.

Without it the valve will be fully open with no way of closing it manually. The pin in the centre is sprung and the thermostatic head is needed to control it.

Mark

 

[Bernie2]

Hmm!

If the dog ate it, try seeing if it gets hotter if you turn its tail one way and cold if you turn it the other?

No being serious, the head is missing, don't touch the pin in the middle they can be very hard to get back in if they come out. What you need is as Mark said a new thermostatic valve head.

Those usually work like a kind of bag or bellows which expands as the air inside them gets hot and pushes that pin down to close the valve. The pins usually have ring washers inside the head that stop it from leaking, pull the pin out and they can leak all over the place.

How do I know? Guess?

Yes! Sir done it many times before. I am not a quick learner.

 

[Puddle]

The head could have been removed as radiator used as by pass,so if all rads close down this remains open

 

[REDSAW]

my best advice to you is,
if you cant tell a l/s from a trv body,
dont touch it and get your books out again until u do.

nice tip bernie,