How to isolate a radiator. ( Turn it off )

Have a leaky rad or need to renew? When you have a leak on the radiator itself. Look out for rust marks on the corners. This video shows you how to isolate and remove the rad.
Need spare parts? Visit Al`s Amazon plumbing shop www.amazon.co.u...
Not the video you were looking for? Save further searching. We have over 150 plumbing/heating videos that you really can do yourself! There is also an ask `AL tab` tab on our website. www.dereton33.c...

[@thebackseatgamer3146]

5 yrs on and this is still actually so helpful, Thank You

[@dereton33]

Yes some things never have an expiry date.

[@h1ruxlopez595]

And still making comments

[@benviney4229]

another two years later and it’s still helpful

[@disobeytoday4685]

February 2023 you just saved us from a ruined carpet / ceiling Thank you

[@ProfoundDecisionsLRP]

Awesome video - bathroom swimming in water and the plumber we called this morning never showed up. Finally realized I needed to attempt the job myself. This helped immeasurably. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this up.

[@dereton33]

No Problem Matthew, pleased you fixed it ok.

[@MorganMagpie]

Posting on my wife's account. Brilliant video, simply excellent. A previous tenant hadn't reported a hole in our bedroom radiator, so when we got a little cold the other night and turned it on....yeah, pretty much as you'd think. I was rummaging around in the middle of the night trying shut the property's water off, and now in the bright light of day this gentleman shows us how to turn the radiator off with a screwdriver and pliers. Fantastic.

[@dereton33]

That`s no problem, I am pleased you shut it off OK.

[@marcuswilson3485]

​@@dereton33Hi. Once it's isolated, can you still use the other radiators in the house?

[@MsKassandraKotaku]

My radiator in my rental property just started leaking and when I reported it he tried to explain turning the other side off until someone can get here tomorrow. I could not figure out what in the world he was trying to tell me but this was so clear on how to turn off both sides until it can be fixed. Thank you so much! As someone who did not grow up with radiators they are confusing and a bit scary. So thanks for posting this video!

[@dereton33]

No problem Kim.

[@LillythD1986]

Thank you so so much, Al! An 'easy to understand' video, straight to the point and sound advice! You've saved my bedroom floor/kitchen ceiling from being completely destroyed! Keep up the great work!

[@dereton33]

Thanks Kate.

[@marcalankelly]

You sir are an absolute hero! I'm not at all DIY savvy and my radiator was leaking something fierce. Thanks to you I've stemme the flood.

[@dereton33]

Glad I could help

[@gaolsiar1376]

Awesome video, you saved our kitchen floor on boxing day morning, when there were no plumbers or handy mates to call. Much kudos to you!

[@dereton33]

Glad to help

[@alvino108]

What a lovely guy, really helpful video.

[@jamiehinch9239]

Had to isolate a leaky rad tonight, thank goodness for this video on how to sort it..thank you.

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@lukey4626]

Your a life saver 5 am and I fall downstairs and radiator come off the well thanks bud

[@dereton33]

You will have to watch that scotch ha ha.

[@lukey4626]

@dereton33 haha I was on the way to work 😅

[@danielcurtis8725]

Thank you for your video. Very useful as just been called out for a leaking radiator and as an electrician this was not covered in college

[@dereton33]

You are welcome!

[@jimmymcgill2557]

I've been coming back to this video about twice a year for the last 5 years! thank you mate absolute legend!👌🏻😬

[@dereton33]

No problem Jim.

[@damnbeaches1331]

Same! 😂

[@BilalAhmad-ff3xq]

I have a gas radiator with turn valves on its left & right side. Now I am not usually in the room, so how do i 'turn that off'? Edit: maybe I should specify, it's a room radiator

[@jackmorris4099]

I’m glad it’s not just me then

[@jwalker2480]

Hhahaha first time here but ill be back

[@philipglendinning5126]

Thank you so much for your video. The spare room radiator was leaking from under the thermostat so if it wasn't for your easy to follow instructions to isolate the radiator 👍🏻

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@NatalieRicewhoorderedrice]

The best videos! my first go to when my flat plumbing goes up the spout!

[@dereton33]

Thanks Natalie.

[@beat00t10]

Will turning the valve round isolate it or do I need to take the top off and do the last step?

[@dereton33]

You will need to only do the last step if the thermostatic valve does not shut the heat off.

[@DiegoSynth]

Thank you very much! My radiator was slightly warm even though the main valve was in "zero". After closing both valves in the pipes it went cold like the other radiators in the flat.

[@dereton33]

Excellent!

[@janicecole55]

thank you, just managed to stop the water flowing out of a tiny hole in the plastic radiator pipe

[@dereton33]

Glad it helped

[@lewisboans3923]

Didn't even think to turn the other side hahah thanks!!

[@UberAlphaSirus]

One thing with lock shields, remember how many turns it took to turn it off. As when you turn it back on wide open you will throw all the balancing out and end up with the rad taking all the heat, leaving all your other rads tepid until the trv turns it off when that rooms warmed up,

[@dereton33]

Sirus Yes good point Sirus. Al.

[@stephenmagar8779]

I did as you taught in the video. But still it is not getting hot. Is it controlled by the main switch? My house owner controls it all from her room.

[@dereton33]

Yes it has a main switch to the boiler.

[@ac-cl3yv]

Thank you for your video! I want to turn on the radiator in other bedrooms not the master bedroom. However, the main switch (with a screen) for my home’s radiators is in the master bedroom and so the radiator in the master bedroom has no temperature valves. Is it safe to use pliers to screw the head of the valve so that the radiator will not turn on when I turn on the main switch?

[@dereton33]

You can turn them down but leave the valves open by just a half a turn as that rad might be your bypass rad. Some flow has to pass through it.

[@ac-cl3yv]

@@dereton33 thank you! Didn’t receive a notification so only saw your reply now. I read online that a bypass radiator could the one in the master bedroom or in the toilet. Is there a way to check? And how do I know if there’s actually a bypass radiator?

[@sarahcowell2113]

I took thermostatic valve off. It was at zero position when removed, but it will only fit back on when it’s turned to number 5. So when it’s back on how do I make sure the numbers work properly

[@dereton33]

Tighten it back on with number 5 facing you. It will then work properly. You will find you can turn it back down to zero if you want.

[@Moolabohoooo]

Hi Thank you for this video. I have a towel rail without air bleed valve and it has a small leak on one of the top corners even though I have turned off valves that you have shown in this video. Is there anything else I can do? Thanks again for the informative videos you put on.

[@dereton33]

No not without draining the system. One of the valves must be letting by.

[@Moolabohoooo]

Thank you very much Al 😊

[@reedy8585]

On the thermostatic side of my radiator it only turns down to a frost icon which if I'm not mistaken would still allow a low flow through to stop it freezing up. Am I wrong or is there a specific way to shut off this type of value?

[@dereton33]

It would only allow a slow flow through if the temperature reached 5%. If not sure then use a cap.

[@alexslater4786]

Thanks! Crisis averted. Much appreciated

[@dereton33]

No problem

[@MrPaulbibby77]

Thank you sooooo much this sorted my troubles this morning !!!!

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@TelstarTAK]

Thanks for all your great content. I want to treat my boiler heat exchangers. Can you isolate all the rads by turning off at both ends as you describe, in order to introduce a descaling treatment into just one open radiator to circulate through the combi bolier?

[@dereton33]

Yes you can, good luck with it.

[@MrLightningthief101]

Thanks a lot, clear and to the point, absolute gentleman!

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@jadedean8217]

Does gas go into the radiator? Or just the boiler my dog pulled the pipe off the wall for the radiator and water was everywhere cuz of the fire works when I was at work not worried about gas leak

[@dereton33]

Just the boiler, water to the rads.

[@You-Deef]

I tried to bleed mines and the valve won't close, constant steady flow of water, the control marked 0-5 won't stop leak either, can't get plumber till morning..

[@dereton33]

You need to turn off the locksheild valve as well as setting the thermostatic valve to 0.

[@adamandlorraine]

I closed both the trv and the other end valve clockwise. Undid bleed valve and it continues to spray out water. A pint so far. Does that mean my valves aren't closing. Or do I keep waiting for it to stop spraying out?!🏊‍♀️

[@dereton33]

The TRV is not working.

[@adamandlorraine]

@@dereton33 I put a small metal disc under the valve head and turned it down to the frost mark so it was pushing down harder on the pin. That stopped the flow. Then I later replaced the trv head and WD 40 on the pin because it got stuck in the down position after that!

[@kimfowler5997]

Hi. My hubby who was a plumber passed away last yr. He didn’t tell me how to turn a radiator off. I’ve turned off TVR. On the other end is a lock shield. But I can’t get cap off. Any ideas pls?

[@dereton33]

If there is a screw then undo that first, if not then just pull hard in an upwards motion and it will pull away.

[@dereton33]

Sorry to hear about your husband Kim.

[@kimfowler5997]

Thank you. I’ve pulled the cap off now. And I’ve even worked out how to move the TVR past frost. There’s to little plastic sticks I pulled out and turntable it to zero. Thank you for your help. New radiator ordered

[@michaelthacker7852]

Thanks! Our radiator pipe on back wall has broken. Flooding every time we use the hot water. Will try thus later and hopefully it does isolate the radiator slash stop the leak when the pressure is on. Atleast unt😢we can fix it. Il update if it works for the reason I'm trying to temporarily use it for. Can't bath or shower rn and it's not cool lol ( woman on partners account)

[@dereton33]

Good luck with it.

[@jwalker2480]

Mr radiator isnt leaking its just wayyy to hot in my apartament is it ok to leave off all winter?

[@dereton33]

Yes .

[@sub_hun]

Hi great video, can all the radiators be switched off, like can we only use the boiler to warm up the water? THANKS!

[@dereton33]

Yes you can!

[@youtubeaddict5663]

My radiator looks like this (1:24) on both ends. I can turn the left knob clockwise but I can’t turn the knob on the right. Will this still turn off the radiator? Mine has a bubble in the radiator which is making my carpet soaking wet ☹️

[@dereton33]

You will need to turn off both valves. Take the valve cap off and use a small spanner or pliers to turn it off.

[@youtubeaddict5663]

@@dereton33 there are no valve caps on either side and I can only turn the one on that left, the one on the right won’t turn :(

[@youtubeaddict5663]

@@dereton33 I’ve been able to turn off the rad so it’s not heating up, it’s stone cold, but it’s still dripping so I’m assuming it’s not completely isolated?

[@rickyjohnson8904]

Great video. What do I do if brass isolation valve has broken off? Please help!!!

[@dereton33]

Turn off the main and drain the system.

[@asukatanaka-wy6si]

three houses, eight raidiators, and 6 years after finding this video, the first part makes me piss myself every single time.

[@dereton33]

The video is working well then ha ha.

[@emmastephens3686]

Hey thanks for the video. I've got a leaking radiator and I've turned off at the thermostat valve. I'm not clear though, should I also turn off the lockshield on the other side, or will the thermostat alone do the job? Thank you.

[@dereton33]

Hi Emma, you will have to turn off the lockshield as well.

[@Casio61]

Cheers - going away tomorrow, leaking radiator. Just saved me a fortune on an emergency plumber.

[@dereton33]

+Casio61 . That`s great, get yourself another beer with the money you have saved. Mines a pint of John Smiths. Ha ha.

[@Casio61]

Definitely owe you one!

[@jordandillon5913]

Does this work when the bottom like nut connected directly to pipe is leaking?

[@dereton33]

Yes.

[@jordandillon5913]

Thank you so much. Absolute gentleman might just of saved my floor from being destroyed.

[@cliffcarlo180]

Hi Al My rad in the downstairs loo needs replacing because it is showing signs of rust at the bottom. MY LSV, both ends, are stuck solid. How do I free them up so that I can turn the rad off. Without doing any damage of course. My plumber can't get here for another week to replace the rad but has told me to isolate the rad in the meantime. Cheers in advance.

[@dereton33]

Hi Cliff, try spraying with some WD 40, then a small spanner on the packing gland nuts, loosen them off , then put a spanner on the brass top and they should turn, sometimes it is worth turning a fraction anti clockwise to break the seal. This reminds me I have not done a video on this so I will get it sorted. All the best Cliff.

[@cliffcarlo180]

@@dereton33 Cheers Al I will certainly give that a try today. Thanks again for your advice. All the best to both of you 👍

[@goneonholidaybymistake84]

Brilliant videos. Finding these vary useful. Are thermostatic valves reliable? I'm taking the radiator off and it needs to be left off for a while (re-wiring the property, plastering) - do you recommend putting a valve clamp on or a cap or something, or do you think it should be fine?

[@dereton33]

If it is going to be a while then a cap on the end is recommended.

[@goneonholidaybymistake84]

@@dereton33 thanks!! Will do.

[@Godsadvoc8]

Hi Dereton, I would like to just isolate the radiator in a room I sedom use, as even when turned to zero still really hot. Was wondering if it would be ok to just close the lock key on the opposite side of the therm knob? Many thanks.

[@dereton33]

Yes that would be fine.

[@terrencebishop4996]

Thanks dude. Top fella

[@harleyreycahayag1261]

Can we save gas if we turn off the rads during summer? our boiler has be turned on to supply the hot water.

[@dereton33]

Yes it will save gas.

[@harleyreycahayag1261]

Thanks very much @@dereton33

[@staceyreid2260]

hi Dereton, I have turned my thermostatic valve to 0 however the other side of my radiator doesn't have any of the caps etc that you showed?

[@dereton33]

Some times they are missing just use a pair of pliers on the hexagon brass shank.

[@denzel444]

Mate my one doesn’t want to turn when I takeoff the valve. Any advice?

[@dereton33]

Use a tight fitting small spanner.

[@denzel444]

@@dereton33 thanks did the trick. Need radiator on in this weather

[@scottsch5196]

This was very helpful thank you

[@dereton33]

You're welcome! Cheers Scott.

[@dawkinsm]

Hi Al. Thanks for the video. I have one noisy rad - typically in the main bedroom. It has a lockshield on one end and a Thermostatic valve the other. I've removed any air but still it makes lots of clicking sounds - not gurgling. Any ideas how I should tackle this. I have tried changing the thermostat to another setting which stops the sounds for a while but they start again. Thanks. M

[@dereton33]

Mike Dawkins The sounds could be the rad heating and clicking with expansion, might be worth taken off the wall to check you have the plastic mounts inserted on the brackets. This noise can also some times be, the pipework under the floor to the radiator touching each other, or too close to the floor boards.

[@johnbarwick7607]

dereton33 Do you have to turn both end of the rad off or would the one do. thanks clueless!!!

[@dereton33]

Just the one to turn it off . Al.

[@johnbarwick7607]

dereton33 Thanks very much I really enjoy watching your video's.

[@leedorney]

That was exactly what I needed to know 👌 thank you 😉

[@dereton33]

No problem Lee.

[@victorknight7608]

Very good. Well explained with no bullshit!

[@dereton33]

Thanks.

[@lindahurcombe9121]

Hi which value turns the radiator on the one to the left or right and do I turn it on with a pair of plyers as the knobs don't appear to do anything?

[@dereton33]

They both do, however one is a lockshield valve which has to be turned with pliers. Sounds like your hand turn knob will also need the pliers to turn. The plastic turn tops sometimes wear out, so pliers are best.

[@Super-Sayem]

Thank you mate this is just what I needed

[@dereton33]

No problem 👍

[@SP-wp8eh]

rad got damaged . leaking from a hole under rad. rust .turned it off as instructed here . leaking from hole . how long will it leak till empty . kitchen large size rad. Back to bed but hope its fixed . don't mind no rad as it's summer . My floor is destroyed :( . Not something I can afford to fix right away

[@dereton33]

Jean Pittaway It will carry on dripping for a few days.

[@experiment18a40]

Thanks for this video. I didn't know there was valve on both sides soon as I turned the other one it stopped

[@dereton33]

No problem

[@Leafs1]

Still cant turn off radiator. Have caps on each end. One end took cap off and turned off, radiator still on. Took cap off other end and the brass top spins and spins.

[@dereton33]

You have a broken valve. It will have to be replaced.

[@elizabethdukes9708]

Pipaaaaaaaa

[@elizabethdukes9708]

Please help I have the oldest radiator it has the round handle but I can't get it to turn and I had a leak from it

[@eitsritz9962]

Hi I isolated the radiator in my kitchen a few months ago as it was leaking from a rust spot and I wasn't using it but it has suddenly started leaking again. Do you know why this would be if its isolated already

[@dereton33]

The rust hole has got bigger and the remaining water in the rad is now coming out.

[@jbaillie01]

Is there fix if the valve dosent hold when you shut off. Before draining and changing. My job is the lockshield side. Thanks

[@dereton33]

No it will have to be drained down James.

[@jbaillie01]

@@dereton33 thought so.i did inhibitor. So just did it from another rad

[@Melted_Butter]

Is it normal for some water to drip out from the inflow screw valve after you’ve turned it off with pliers?

[@dereton33]

No, but it does usually stop on it`s own.

[@Melted_Butter]

dereton33 thanks for reply. I tightened the larger nut bit below it and that seemed to stop the flow.

[@itsme7679]

If I do this methode will it reduce my gas bill?

[@dereton33]

Yes.

[@lemonskins]

hi, I got a leak ( more like seeping) blank cap on my radiator. Will it be OK to isolated that rad premanently as I don't really used that room? will the leak get worst? and if I have isolated it will there be any more water going into the radiator? Your advice will be appreciated. thanks

[@dereton33]

Hi Kee, turn off both ends and the rad will be isolated and the leak will slowly come to a stop.

[@lemonskins]

thanks for the advice, will sort it out tonight.

[@goneclear7278]

Thanks Alot mate this professional video and I mean that helped me alot

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@BjornJernsonn]

concise and informative, great video!

[@dereton33]

Thanks.

[@gilormsplay]

Always useful info.

[@dereton33]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarkNealon]

I've got a thermostat at one end and a 19mm nut at the other... I'm guessing that's not a stop valve, right?

[@dereton33]

No.

[@samikettyles2818]

i have screw type but when take off i dont have same as yours, im thinking its broken off as its just a hole with threads

[@dereton33]

Need a picture to see.

[@ndspdcuriosgal]

This just saved my life

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@quickboyair1363]

Super helpful thank you!

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@stequality]

I'm using pliers but it won't turn it seems very stuff. Any ideas ? Thanks

[@dereton33]

A small spanner will give you more leverage, once it moves it will turn with pliers after that.

[@richardhyde8853]

I have a rust hole in a rad which is leaking. I followed the steps in your video and it is still leaking.

[@dereton33]

It is either a rad valve not completely closed or the water left in the rad which will stop eventually.

[@dirtcheapdownhill2848]

Great vid lovely personality 😊

[@dereton33]

Thank you.

[@ottomcvicar6]

Brilliant video. Thank you.

[@dereton33]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BLUEX2022]

Thanks saved me with the wife nagging me 😅😅

[@dereton33]

No problem 👍

[@davebentley4829]

can i still run my other rads if i take a rad away

[@dereton33]

Yes.

[@oldschoollondoner4674]

Is it ok to turn off a bypass radiator completely, does anyone know?

[@dereton33]

Yes so long as at least one other is left on.

[@oldschoollondoner4674]

@@dereton33 Thanks for that, will turn down flow to bypass rad in partners bedroom as she complains of feeling too warm often, will adust valve on the right of the rad, no other way to control heat on the bypass rad otherwise, I think control on the left is for balancing so best not touch it.

[@elizabethdukes9708]

@@dereton33 yuh

[@tiffanygoyeneche2765]

You're a life saver!!

[@dereton33]

Ha ha thanks.

[@caleyfae1361]

Thank you!

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@thebaws1661]

Thank you dude!

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@educationistnargiz]

Thank you so much

[@dereton33]

You're most welcome

[@davidhughes9453]

You are great! Thank you so much.

[@dereton33]

No problem David.

[@khusroali8026]

Brilliant thanks

[@dereton33]

Very welcome

[@laurentis111]

thank you man

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!

[@goonertaj1684]

Here in 2021... and thanks

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@Mralism]

Very useful...

[@dereton33]

Thanks a lot

[@sophiedoosaah7753]

Thank you for that

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@JaggedSilver]

This video saved my ignorant bacon

[@dereton33]

+JaggedSilver . No problem.

[@CpT1977]

Thanks bud

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@mohammedal-ashwal7795]

Cheers mate

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@blackberry84]

saved me today!

[@dereton33]

No problem

[@idrizadrx]

Thank you 🙏

[@dereton33]

No problem Ola.

[@kashrow]

Thank you sooo much

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@margoc88]

I tried this and the radiator still keeps turning on 😫😫😫

[@dereton33]

The valve is not closed properly. Try a small spanner on the locksheild valve.

[@drpuffin7286]

I wish this guy was my neighbor

[@dereton33]

Ha ha thanks

[@carlsonbench1827]

Clockwise = closed. Thanks

[@dereton33]

Yes.

[@dylanchateau6706]

I’ve turned off both valves, and loosened the air valve, now water is coming out the air valve

[@dereton33]

If it does not stop in a while then one of your valves is letting by or not fully turned off.

[@ShahidKhan-sb6kb]

I tried turning mine off but made even hotter

[@dereton33]

Turning it the wrong way or the valve head is broken.

[@ShahidKhan-sb6kb]

@@dereton33 ok thank you

[@dannymcleod1899]

Great stuff. Easy to understand tips and info. Keep up the good work to save us stupidos. 😉👍

[@dereton33]

No problem.

[@farhanprine]

Thank you, great explanation!

[@dereton33]

You are welcome!

[@RaptorFeather]

Thank you!

[@dereton33]

You're welcome!