A question about a hot water radiator bleed valve. I read the advise on previous questions and bleed all my radiators except one where the bleed valve broke off when I tried to turn it with the key. My question is that on the other side of the radiator near the floor there is a black knob that turns which I assume should shut off the radiator. If my assumption is correct then I should be able to shut this off and then remove the bleeding valve and replace it without bleeding the system.. Does this sound right? Thanks,.JOE B
It has been a long time since I have seen a system like that, but I believe you are correct. The knob on the opposite side of the bleed, is a flow control, which is used to adjust the amount of heat from the radiator. If you turn this all the way off, it should stop the water flow, providing it is not corroded. However, be careful when removing the bleed as the radiator will still have water in it. Try not to drown the neighbours.
make sure both sides of the rad is off if there is only one shut off you have the pressure dropped from the system and youll have back pressure from the system.. call a gasfitter..
Very easy but quite slow. Open the bleed points on the upstairs radiators and the system will fill evenly. Shut the bleeds when the water reaches them of course. If the pump is accessible loosen the big screw head on the top of it and the will bleed air from the pump. When you think the system is full and the noise of entering water stops then go around to all of the upstairs radiators and check that there is no further trapped air.
You may be able to do this but there are usually two pipes going to the radiator and they may be tied in with a radiator on another floor. Be prepared for some water to come streaming out and do this when there is no hot water in the system. If you have the new valve ready to go with pipe dope or Teflon tape on it you will not get too much water coming out and it will not be under much pressure if you remember to shut off the water supply going to the automatic filler valve at the furnace. Plastic sheets and towels or rags should be in place just in case to catch the water and don't panic or it will take you longer to get the new valve started in the hole. A helper with a thumb to go over the hole to stop the water flow and give you time to do what you need to do may be required so have one of those handy as well.
