old radiator valve that won't close...can it be fixed?

R. Kalia_8

I have a radiator with a 1-1/2" valve, i.e. too big to replace with a TRV. Even when the handle is turned all the way clockwise, the radiator gets hot.

My question is, do I have to replace the whole valve, or can it be fixed? Is it like an old leaky faucet where one can replace the rubber washer?

Long Beach Ed

If you can open it...

If you can get it apart, you may be able to fix it. But you may also break it or a pipe trying to open it. Be prepared for the worst and use two big wrenches. Then see what went wrong with it.

Long Beach Ed

Dale

I agree

With the if it can come apart fix idea. However is this a steam or hot water rad? If steam and the size sounds like it may be then the way to stop it heating is the other end, the vent. Air in heat can't come in.

R. Kalia_8

No, hot water. The unusual size is because it was formerly a gravity system and the rad is quite close to the boiler.

Actually this is related to the problem...I originally wanted to replace it with a TRV, then I wanted to replace it with a new manual valve, but I can only find hot water valves up to 1-1/4". The 1-1/2" valves are labelled "for steam".

So what will happen if I use a replacement valve intended for steam? I'll lose the ability to control flow rate? Otherwise, is it OK?
If not, where can I find a 1-1/2" hot water valve?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

It's my understanding that valves "for steam" may be used for either hot water or steam but valves "for water" should only be used for water.

The water valves have rather sloppy construction (and even an intentional hole) as they were not intended to provide 100% positive shutoff. I'm not sure how "tight" steam radiator valves were made, but do know that I've seen them used in water systems.

If you have TRVs on the rest of the radiators and are attempting to regulate flow with a hand valve, I wish you luck! Neither type of valve is designed for anywhere near precise flow regulation--at least not with forced flow...

No way to size down the supply piping to 1¼" and add a TRV? Unless the supply branch comes straight up out of the main, it's usually possible to move the piping slightly.

J. Cricket

> No way to size down the supply piping

> to 1¼" and add a TRV? Unless the supply branch

> comes straight up out of the main, it's usually

> possible to move the piping slightly.


I don't have the skill, and a plumber declined to do it. It's an enclosed porch and so precise temperature control is not that important here. I just wanted some level of control, if only the ability to turn it off. So I'll use a steam valve, thanks!