Radiator valve - easy to replace or major job?

[Matty1973]

Hello,

My home was built in the late 60's and I assume the central heating system is original. We live on an estate so our heating/hot water comes from a central main boiler and enters our property via a big copper heat exchange. In the bathroom the TRV radiator valve use to leak so we turned it off. However this means it gets quite cold in the bathroom and due to a change in circumstances we need to sort this out.

I bled the radiator to see if that was an issue but there was no air inside, initially some black water came out but it quickly became clear. I took the plastic TRV controller off and the valve was all rusty which I cleaned with a wire brush. The central pin in the valve moves freely up and down but after leaving it on for a few minutes a drop of water was visible at the central pin so it is still leaking.

I am no expert but I am guessing the valve needs replacing. The bathroom is on the middle floor of a 3 storey house so there are 2 radiators on the floor above, 3 on the same floor and 3 downstairs.

How big a job is replacing the valve if that is indeed required? Does the whole system need draining? This is probably all beyond my capabilities so I would have to get a professional in, but it would be very useful to have a rough idea of the magnitude of the situation before they come. I have noticed several properties have completely replaced their radiators so may be the system is coming to the end of it's lifetime.

I'll try and attached a few photos. If not showing please see the repost below.
1) Before wire brush
2) After wire brush
3) Whole radiator
4) Valve at other end

Many thanks if you can advise at all.

Matt


View attachment 9610

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[petercj]

Hello,

My home was built in the late 60's and I assume the central heating system is original. We live on an estate so our heating/hot water comes from a central main boiler and enters our property via a big copper heat exchange. In the bathroom the TRV radiator valve use to leak so we turned it off. However this means it gets quite cold in the bathroom and due to a change in circumstances we need to sort this out.

I bled the radiator to see if that was an issue but there was no air inside, initially some black water came out but it quickly became clear. I took the plastic TRV controller off and the valve was all rusty which I cleaned with a wire brush. The central pin in the valve moves freely up and down but after leaving it on for a few minutes a drop of water was visible at the central pin so it is still leaking.

I am no expert but I am guessing the valve needs replacing. The bathroom is on the middle floor of a 3 storey house so there are 2 radiators on the floor above, 3 on the same floor and 3 downstairs.

How big a job is replacing the valve if that is indeed required? Does the whole system need draining? This is probably all beyond my capabilities so I would have to get a professional in, but it would be very useful to have a rough idea of the magnitude of the situation before they come. I have noticed several properties have completely replaced their radiators so may be the system is coming to the end of it's lifetime.

I'll try and attached a few photos.
1) Before wire brush
2) After wire brush
3) Whole radiator
4) Valve at other end

Many thanks if you can advise at all.

Matt


View attachment 9610

View attachment 9611

View attachment 9612

View attachment 9613

When I tried to open the attachments you have posted I got a message saying they are 'invalid', might be worth reposting them...

To post photographs:-

After clicking on Reply / New Thread scroll down to Go Advanced then Manage Attachments then Add Files > Browse > Upload >Done .... you should then be able to Preview your post with pic in place.

 

[Matty1973]

Thanks for pointing out the problem.

Reposting pictures.
Looks like the order has reversed so now is

1) Valve at other end
2) Whole radiator
3) After wire brush
4) Before wire brush

 

[Blake]

Micro bore pipe is prone to dirt and debris if not installed and cleaned correctly. You would need to drain the top floor and middle floor where the rad is located and then replace the valve. It would also give you an opportunity to see what colour the water is in the system.

If found to be dirty, you can try adding chemicals to clean and then inhibitor to try and stop it getting any worse. probably best to get a plumber in to take a look. Post in the plumber wanted section and see if anyone on here is near you.

 

[Matty1973]

Judging from the thick black liquid that came out initially when I bled the radiator I would imagine the water in the system is not great! Although it did run clear after a short while, I imagine it has not been cleaned since it was installed.

Is this a job that will be hundreds or thousands of pounds? If it is too big a job then it may not be worth doing. I am a little hesitant about going forward with it if it is going to be too expensive.

 

[AWheating]

black water from the air nipple is not uncommon even on a cleanish system. You would be best to get a couple of quotes from local plumbers/heating engineers to get an idea of the costs involved.