Can I shut off my two highest radiators?

Aberagejoemn

I'm remodeling my upstairs and all the drywall and insulation is down in the attic where there are two radiators. Can I shut off the two supply valves and run my boiler? Since these are the two vertically highest radiators is that going to pose a problem?

Thanks!

JohnNY

Assuming we're talking about a steam heating system, the short answer is yes.
The long answer is to not leave them like that for longer than you need to. When you are able to turn them back on, lower your thermostat so the boiler shuts off, wait about an hour, then reopen the radiators' valves and set your thermostat wherever you like it again. That will prevent a slug of cool water, if water does collect in those radiators while turned off, from rushing down to a hot boiler.

If you've got a hot water type of heating system, then just turn them off and don't worry about anything. Turn them back on at will.

Aberagejoemn

Thanks, and yes it's a steam system. I have one radiator removed upstairs so shutting off the supply wasn't a problem for that one. The other has a garden valve type handle and it wouldn't budge. I'm too nervous to put a wrench on it to shut it off so I turned the air vent upside down assuming that would lock the air in, which didn't work; the radiator warmed up. I think the one burst will get me through the weekend.

Thanks,

BobC

If turning the vent upside down did not work, that air valve is probably leaking air. You could try removing that vent and replacing it with a 1/8" NPT threaded plug.

Bob

gerry gill

Yeah, turning the air vent upside down should of worked. Try a different air vent.