Replace TRV4 valve on a gloworm system

[Kittyg]

Hi guys,

So sorry if this has been posted hundreds of times already!

I need to change a broken TRV4 valve on an upstairs bathroom rad.

Do I need to drain the whole system to do this on a Gloworm Ultimate boiler system?

If so, is the pipe in the pic (above the boiler) the drain off?

Thanks so much, my sister's just split from her plumber bf

 

[SimonG]

Is it a sealed system? If so you could release pressure and snatch it.

Is it open vented? If so you could bung it and snatch it.

Or drain down and swap it out. But don't forget inhibitor and issues with potential air locks.

 

[Kittyg]

Is it a sealed system? If so you could release pressure and snatch it.

Is it open vented? If so you could bung it and snatch it.

Or drain down and swap it out. But don't forget inhibitor and issues with potential air locks.

Cheers Simon,

My uneducated guess says it's an open system, got a cold water tank in the loft what appears to be a indirect tank in the airing cupboard then the boiler in the kitchen.

So I guess I now look at how to bung and snatch!

Unless there's any benefit to draining down?

 

[SimonG]

I avoid a drain down where I can. Draining down can cause it's own problems.
Snatching is quicker so cheaper for a customer.

 

[Kittyg]

I avoid a drain down where I can. Draining down can cause it's own problems.
Snatching is quicker so cheaper for a customer.

Gotcha, cheers pal.

Wish me luck and happy New Year!

 

[steadyon]

Don't forget that if its only the head that's broken you can replace it without any drain down / bunging / freezing / snatching. Picture of the broken valve might be useful.

 

[Kittyg]

Don't forget that if its only the head that's broken you can replace it without any drain down / bunging / freezing / snatching. Picture of the broken valve might be useful.

I'm fairly sure it's the whole unit, I've taken the head off and tried tapping the pin but it still won't turn down or off...
[automerge]1577801580[/automerge]

Don't forget that if its only the head that's broken you can replace it without any drain down / bunging / freezing / snatching. Picture of the broken valve might be useful.

Ok, so I got some pics...

 

[steadyon]

1. Use something like a coin to press the pin in. If it goes in and comes out, the valve is likely to be OK.
2. If it doesn't go in, try turning it with pliers, but DON'T pull it out. If turning it a few times allows it to go in and out, then again the valve is probably OK.

 

[Kittyg]

1. Use something like a coin to press the pin in. If it goes in and comes out, the valve is likely to be OK.
2. If it doesn't go in, try turning it with pliers, but DON'T pull it out. If turning it a few times allows it to go in and out, then again the valve is probably OK.

Cheers Steady

I actually did that yesterday just to see what would happen! It is a LOT cooler today on the frost setting but still Luke warm.

Wonder if just replacing the head will help, I've got one anyway so I guess I may as well.

 

[centralheatking]

Cheers Steady

I actually did that yesterday just to see what would happen! It is a LOT cooler today on the frost setting but still Luke warm.

Wonder if just replacing the head will help, I've got one anyway so I guess I may as well.

If the pin is stuck a replacement head will not help, I carefully give the pin a light sharp tap with the blunt end of a toffee hammer. PLUS Kitty how did you get your picture to move please I am very envious ...HYN...centralheatking. Also you should put the head back on at hottest setting then turn it to off I just reviewed your pictures chk

 

[Kittyg]

Ha, the pic is a GIF I made with Samsungs AR Emoji! You should be able to use any GIF's though.

Gonna swap the head over later to test.