Can I fix a radiator valve myself?

[POPholditdown]

I can’t turn the kitchen rad on, the valve won’t budge. It’s just a basic one like the photo, not a thermostatic one.

It worked fine last year, but we’ve not had it on since last winter.

I really want to avoid paying someone to sort it, as I’m hopelessly trying to save for a new bathroom but smaller repairs are not letting me🙄

Any ideas on what I can try?

Just to add, I had tried to take the plastic bit off, but it won’t come off either.

It's probably just some calcium build up. If you turned the valve off a while ago it might just need a bit of persuasion.

The plastic bit will come off, hold the rad in place to make sure you don't pull it off the bracket (hand on top pushing down) and give the plastic cap a good tug.

Spray some WD40 on the value and use pliers to turn anti clockwise.

Yes you can but...

If you can’t isolate the radiator (are there isolating valves etc?) or at least the floor the rad is on it’s probs best that you drain the system at its lowest point (usually a drain valve outside or off a downstairs rad at the lowest point on the system). Have a plastic tub and old towels as if the system is anything other than new you will get black sludge dripping out.

The valves are fitted with nuts so you’ll need wrenches to undo each of them (use both wrenches at the same time on the compression joint).

To refit you should be able to use the same nut and olive on the compression joint as the valves are usually std sizes but buy some ptfe tape and wrap it around the olive (6-8 turns should be ok). Then push valve back so that the pipe is as far in as possible and tighten the nut.

Once finished refill the system and bleed all radiators to get the air out of them.

It’s really not that hard...diy forums, here and youtube are your friends if you decide to give it a shot. 👍

I recommend YouTube - I fixed a leaking valve using an easy tutorial.

Was about to recommend YouTube, myself. If anything, it will help you to decide whether you can manage the job yourself, before you find yourself in over your head.

Thanks all, I’ve tried looking online but the results are mainly bringing up thermostatic valves.

I’d found a couple forums that suggest just breaking the plastic off with a screwdriver or similar but wanted to see if there was a less destructive way..

The pipes leading to the rad are new, but the rad itself is old (builders ghosted me before finishing certain jobs!). It was fine last year after being off for a good while before we moved in.

My stepdad tried to get it off too, but it was a no go.

I’ll go and try some more gental persuasion.

Have you tried warming the plastic with a hairdryer to soften it?

please put up a photo of your own valve.

from the top and the side.

why did you turn it off?

I will upload tomorrow if I’ve not managed, just setting off for work..

I probably turned it off at some point as I didn’t want it on at the time but wanted the heating still on in other rooms