Radiator valve fixed shut?

pnm2

In troubleshooting one of my radiators that never heats, I first noticed the shutoff valve doesn't turn all that much in either direction before stopping, and so I thought I'd start there.

I discovered that there appears to be some sort of permanent "wall" keeping it closed (see photo).

I don't know why someone would've done that, but it is fairly close to the thermometer so maybe that's the reason?

In order to open things up, do I need to replace the valve entirely or is there some other way to open this "wall"? Or am I better off keeping it closed due to its proximity to the thermometer? I was thinking I'd throw a #4 vent on it, since I'm partial to the idea of all my radiators operating, even if some to a lesser degree.

KC_Jones

That's a gate valve. When open that "wall", known as a gate, will lift up opening the valve. Need to get it freed up to allow for flow so the radiator will heat.

pnm2

How do I open it? The valve hardly turns, and when it does there's no change to the gate.

KC_Jones

pnm2 said:

How do I open it? The valve hardly turns, and when it does there's no change to the gate.

How much is it turning? Gate valves typically take a lot of turns to open completely, sometimes a turn or 2 before you see much movement.

pnm2

Very little. Maybe a quarter turn, tops. Maybe I need to put a lot more muscle on it? It just felt like it came to a pretty complete stop, but I haven't yet tried excessive force since it felt like it was at the end of its turn.

pnm2

Never mind, got it! Just needed some extra force. Thanks!

KC_Jones

Glad to help.