Radiator Valve Doesn't Close

heretic

Some rad valves are designed to fully close. I have had good luck replacing several that were leaking or seized.

too hot

Radiator Valves Don't Fully Shut Off

Have moved into an older house with poor heat balance btwn 1st and 2nd floors using hw cast iron radiators. Seemed strange that none of the radiators could be fully closed down, then I noticed a metal pin hanging downward from the valve knob designed to engage stops on the valve body and prevent over-turning. I'll just bend that out and see if now I can close the valve, I thought, but it didn't work. The valve turns endlessly (same on all radiators).

Are such valves designed to keep a certain flow going at all times? These are two pipe systems, independent from one another, so far as I can see. Shutting one should not affect the others. What's the best solution to getting room by room control over radiator-based heat? Also, could I simply replace the valves with simple shut off valves?

(See my other posting on thermostatic valves).

Thanks from Lincoln, MA

Al Letellier

Rad valves

The valves you are describing do not shut off the flow, but are designed to regulate the flow into the radiator, always maintaining some flow. The best and easiest way to regulate room by room is to use thermostatic valves at each radiator. You can start by only doing the rooms that overheat. These valves are designed to prevent overheating only and don't control the temp if the room gets cool. Have a pro check out your system piping arrangement to make sure you can use them without interfering with total system flow.
Assuming you have an old two pipe system, it shouldn't be a problem, but assuming can lead to all kinds of problems.

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