Replacing a radiator valve is often necessary when you have a radiator that doesn’t heat as effectively as the rest, is slower to come up to temperature, or when the valve itself becomes stuck or immovable.
Any of these signs mean it’s time to replace the valve with a bit of quick DIY. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you get it done easily.
The best part? You don’t always need to drain the entire radiator system to complete this job!
If you want to replace multiple valves at once, it’s usually best to drain most of the water out first. However, if you prefer to avoid this, you can replace one valve at a time.
Step 1: Double Check You’ve Got the Right Valve Size
Most homes in the UK use 15mm radiator valves, so this is generally the safest size to buy for replacements.
Still, it’s a good idea to measure your radiator pipe with a tape measure to be sure.
If you’re unsure, you can always contact Radiator Village for advice on the correct valve size, whether you have one of our Single Radiators or Double Radiators installed—or even if you don’t!
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Put some towels down beneath the radiator, especially covering the space under the valves to catch any leaks. Then turn off your heating and allow the radiator to cool completely.
This preparation works whether you have Horizontal Radiators or Vertical Radiators.
Step 3: Turn Your Valves Clockwise
Tighten the valves by turning them clockwise as far as they’ll go. This stops any water from leaking out during your valve replacement.
Step 4: Let the Air Out
Use your radiator key to bleed the radiator just enough to let any trapped air escape. This avoids pressure build-up that could cause problems when you switch the heating back on.
This step is important whether your radiator is a sleek Flat Designer Radiator or a stylish Oval Radiator.
Step 5: Remove the Faulty Valve
Keep a bucket handy, as some water will escape when you unscrew the valve. Turn the valve counterclockwise until air and water flow out, then wait for it to stop before continuing.
Use a spanner to twist the valve bolt counterclockwise until it loosens completely, then remove the valve.
Step 6: Screw in the New Valve
Screw the new valve on by hand until it’s snug, then use a wrench to tighten it firmly—but don’t over-tighten to avoid damaging the threads.
After installing, test the valves by hand to make sure they move freely.
Final Step: Turn the Heating Back On
Once everything is secure, switch your heating back on and check that your radiator is heating properly. This works for any type of radiator, including White Radiators and other models from Radiator Village’s collection.
