Replacing Giacomini

[Geminineil]

Hi, I need to replace five faulty Giacomini valves that are faulty. Having looked at the 15mm Westherm replacements the 'nuts' that screw the old valve on are slightly larger than the new replacement ones.. so am not sure what to do.. the plumbing merchant said that there is a 'screw in new part' that screws into the side of the radiator but not sure if this is the case before removing the old one. The joint on the existing pipe feed also has a larger nut but I guess with a hacksaw I could replace that (although length of pipe might be a problem through a tiled bathroom floor)

Bottom line is... 1. Is it possible to buy larger 'nut' replacement valves? or 2. is there a screw in option on the side of the radiator? or do I need to replace the radiator completely?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

whenever i have bought new rad valves they have always come with new parts to screw into the radiator.

 

[REDSAW]

what you have on your rad is 'navy unions'.
these need to come out using a rad spanner (big hex key) inserted inside, change to metric ones that should be supplied wiith new valves.
don't cut the pipe to the rad, cut the olive carefully then replace nut and olive with a new one.
sorted.
dont forget to use lashings of ptfe tape.

 

[Geminineil]

ok.. now need to get a hex key... and how to cut the brass olive? use a hacksaw 'along ' the direction of the pipe? just need to be very careful I guess....

final question.. does the 'bung method' work in stopping water coming out big time? I have found what I think is the expansion tank and can see how to fit the bungs.. just seems easier than drainig the whole system...

Thanks for all advice given..

Neil

 

[REDSAW]

ok.. now need to get a hex key... and how to cut the brass olive? use a hacksaw 'along ' the direction of the pipe? just need to be very careful I guess....

final question.. does the 'bung method' work in stopping water coming out big time? I have found what I think is the expansion tank and can see how to fit the bungs.. just seems easier than drainig the whole system...

Thanks for all advice given..

Neil

look into pipe of rad, it could be hex or even a 2 pronged keyway to ensure you buy the right one.

cut olive at 45deg untill nearly through then tap up nut, this usuallt breaks the olive off, saves on cutting copper pipe too far which marks the pipe and can cause leaks.

do you feel lucky punk, well do ya?.
if you want to chance the bung then go ahead, they dont allways work be warned!