Broken Radiator Valve, what's the solution?

[RalphMartins]

Hi Everyone,

The metal spindal on the top of one of our radiator valves is snapped off and the radiator is always off, is there a quickish fix for this or will I have to drain the whole system to replace it, pictures inculded, thank you!!

 

[exedon2]

Combi or sealed system or tank feed?
If first 2 just drop system pressure turn off other rad valve old towels on floor and swap valve minimum water to deal with.
If tank feed either drain down or if big system freeze.
You could actually probably get that open with a decent pair of grips .

 

[Ben-gee]

Radiator seems unusually low to the floor?

 

[Ben-gee]

Or maybe it’s an extremely posh long pile carpet I suppose?!

 

[RalphMartins]

Or maybe it’s an extremely posh long pile carpet I suppose?!

Lol I wish it was that posh, no it's just riding up a bit in that picture...

 

[RalphMartins]

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[RalphMartins]

Combi or sealed system or tank feed?
If first 2 just drop system pressure turn off other rad valve old towels on floor and swap valve minimum water to deal with.
If tank feed either drain down or if big system freeze.
You could actually probably get that open with a decent pair of grips .

Thank you for the reply! It's a combi boiler, I don't know how to drop the pressure so may come back here for some advice, I did think about grips but I lent mine out, when I get them back I'll try that first, thank you!!

 

[RalphMartins]

Combi or sealed system or tank feed?
If first 2 just drop system pressure turn off other rad valve old towels on floor and swap valve minimum water to deal with.
If tank feed either drain down or if big system freeze.
You could actually probably get that open with a decent pair of grips .

Is it not possible to loosen that top nut, take that spindle out and put a new one in? Sorry if that's a silly question...

 

[exedon2]

Anything is possible but by time you have identified existing valve and bought a identical valve as you won't be able to get parts just easier to swap valve.

 

[RalphMartins]

Anything is possible but by time you have identified existing valve and bought a identical valve as you won't be able to get parts just easier to swap valve.

OK understood, thank you!

 

[RalphMartins]

Combi or sealed system or tank feed?
If first 2 just drop system pressure turn off other rad valve old towels on floor and swap valve minimum water to deal with.
If tank feed either drain down or if big system freeze.
You could actually probably get that open with a decent pair of grips .

Ok I'm not getting them back anytime soon, would these do short term?

 

[RalphMartins]

Anything is possible but by time you have identified existing valve and bought a identical valve as you won't be able to get parts just easier to swap valve.

Ok so I got some grips and promptly broke the rest of the spindle off, so I'm going to replace the whole thing, how can I measure it to get the right size? Thank you!

 

[gmartine]

File the broken spindle top flat and use a hacksaw to cut a slot to fit a slotted screwdriver. Make sure it's a nice tight fit or it will just cam-out.

 

[RalphMartins]

File the broken spindle top flat and use a hacksaw to cut a slot to fit a slotted screwdriver. Make sure it's a nice tight fit or it will just cam-out.

That is a great idea, thank you!!

 

[gmartine]

Assuming you have enough spindle to work with of course, avoid the damage if you choose to cut a slot.

 

[RalphMartins]

Assuming you have enough spindle to work with of course, avoid the damage if you choose to cut a slot.

There's not much spindle left, can I cut into the outer casing a tiny bit to make the groove deeper?

 

[gmartine]

Be it at your own risk as the head contains some sealing o-rings.

It was just a quick idea to try and get you out of a bind but now there's an element of jeopardy and there's no guarantee you'll be able to undo anyway if seized. Best to replace now imo.

 

[RalphMartins]

Be it at your own risk as the head contains some sealing o-rings.

It was just a quick idea to try and get you out of a bind but now there's an element of jeopardy and there's no guarantee you'll be able to undo anyway if seized. Best to replace now imo.

Will do thank you, how do I know what size to buy?

 

[gmartine]

It looks like the most common size 15mm x 1/2"

You'll be able to keep the existing nuts in place and just replace the body.

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/white...source=1#product_additional_details_container

 

[RalphMartins]

It looks like the most common size 15mm x 1/2"

You'll be able to keep the existing nuts in place and just replace the body.

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/white...source=1#product_additional_details_container

Amazing thank you, I'll let you know how it goes...