Plumber - How to replace a radiator valve without draining the central heating system

Replacing a radiator valve sounds like a tricky job, but it doesn't have to involve draining your entire central heating system. I’ve done this countless times, and I'm here to share some tips that should make you feel confident tackling this project yourself. First off, gather your tools. You’ll need an adjustable wrench, a cloth or towel to catch any drips, and a new radiator valve. It’s also wise to have some radiator inhibitor on hand, as this will help protect your system once you've replaced the valve. Before you start, turn off your heating system and allow it to cool down. Once it’s cool, you can proceed to isolate the radiator by turning off the valves at both ends. This ensures no water comes gushing out when you remove the old valve. Next, carefully loosen the old valve using your adjustable wrench. Be prepared for a small amount of water to escape, so keep that cloth handy. Once the old valve is off, clean up the threads on the radiator to ensure a good seal when you install the new one. Now you can fit the new valve onto the radiator. Make sure you tighten it securely, but don’t overdo it. After that, you can re-open the valves and slowly add water back into the system. Remember to add your radiator inhibitor at this point to keep your central heating system in top shape. Let the radiator fill up, then check for leaks. If everything looks good, turn the heating back on and give your radiator a test. You should feel it heating up in no time. That’s it! You’ve replaced your radiator valve without the hassle of draining your central heating system. Remember that a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your heating system running efficiently. If you want to dive deeper into the plumbing world, don’t forget to check out the video above for a step-by-step guide. Happy plumbing!