Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Updated. Part 1.

If you need to replace a radiator valve whether its a standard valve for another one or to replace a standard valve with a thermostatic valve or a thermostatic valve for a new thermostatic radiator valve. Then I have made this video for you.
I will explain in detailed step by step instructions, what's needed so you can replace the radiator valve with little fuss or mess.
I will pass you all my "Tips & Tricks" I have learnt over the years. Which other videos seem to miss out.
I will show you how to do all this with out draining the system. Saving you time and stress.
I have made two versions of this video the short basic version and a super extra extended version which is much longer. That video goes over all the problems and variations I come across when changing a valve.
If you want to support me further then please leave a Donation in my “TOOL BOX FUND” that is really appreciated.
www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s...
Please don’t forget to subscribe for more help videos.
My site
www.markballard-ltd.com/
Links To Other Help Videos
. How to replace a radiator valve EXTENDED version,
• Replace Radiator Valve... .
. How to plug / bung a loft tank.
• Loft Tank Plugging / B...
. How to remove a radiator for decorating.
• How to Remove Radiator...
. How to refit a radiator after decorating.
• Re-Fit Radiator After ...
. How to replace a radiator valve.
• Replace Radiator Valve...
. How repair leaking radiator blanking plug.
• How To Repair a Radiat...
. How to flush out your radiator
• How to flush Out a Rad...
. How to add inhibitor into your, with out draining the system.
• How to add inhibitor. ...
. Boiler continuously losing pressure.
• Boiler Keeps Losing Pr...
. The Gas Safe Register.
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
The aim of my videos are to help you, whether you are a complete beginner or if you have experience in this work. With easy to follow instructions.
I have links to my other video on "How To Re-Place a radiator valve which goes into much more detail covering all the problems I come across when changing a radiator valve. your Radiator Valves".
There are also other useful links to other heating and plumbing problems.
Being a Gas Engineer for over 20 years has given me a great deal of experience which I wish to pass on to you. Being a keen DIY person my self. I will show you in real peoples homes how to do jobs also faults and problems I regularly find.
Even if you have know intention of fixing the problem your self, with my videos you should be able to identify problems and be able to call an engineer, who can then get straight to the problem. I hope my video helps you.
Please don’t forget to subscribe for more help videos.
Chapters.
0:00 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Introduction.
2:32 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Valve Types.
3:17 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Thermostatic Valve.
4:40 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Dropping the pressure.
8:28 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Getting Valve Ready.
11:42 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Removing Valve.
14:02 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Valve Pipes.
15:06 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Fitting new valve.
19:24 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Fitting thermostatic Valve.
21:56 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Questions & Answers.
22:32 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Flow and Return.
23:30 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Radiator valve threads.
24:51 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Remove olive and nut?
26:23 Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. 8mm and 10mm pipes.
26:54. Replace Radiator Valve with Out Draining the System. Preparation.
If you want to support me further then please leave a Donation in my “TOOL BOX FUND” that is really appreciated.
“TOOL BOX FUND” Donate
www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s...

[@nasa16816]

Sharing your years of knowledge to help people out who can't afford an engineer is very generous. Thank You.

[@rajan246]

Anxiety levels for a call back coming back down to manageable. Thank you very much. I'll contribute once I'm not running at a loss!

[@barryjohnson9114]

Worked like a dream. Worked well on a lower floor radiator. Thanks for all your helpful advice.

[@markjohnstone1618]

Mark, you are brilliant. So generous with your tips and advice. I am about to embark upon changing a couple of TRVs and thought I was going to have to drain the entire system. This is brilliant advice. I've subscribed to your channel, so looking forward to more from you. Thank you

[@colinthomas5462]

Excellent comprehensive tutorial, thanks very much, gave my confidence to change a radiator valve.

[@Icon-renovations]

Great video first time changing a valve saved me money and I got the job done easy enough. Well done 👍

[@iffybanterben1351]

Huge thank you, really gave my the ability and confidence to change the valve on my radiator. Saved me alot of money on a call out and a plumber. Thanks again, really great video :)

[@OfficeBoyBuilder]

This is an absolutely brilliant video! Super informative, clear and helpful. Thanks for taking the time to create and post (both) of these videos. I'm an avid DIY'er and love to have a go at things myself first, so this sort of video is exactly what KZbin was created for IMO. Thanks!

[@lessnelgrove4131]

Great video Mark. Your approach worked perfectly for me - thank you. One thing some people might need to consider is where an adapter is used in a TRV (instead of a normal olive) to step down from 15mm to 10mm.

[@stevecrook8994]

Great video, told me exactly what I needed to know, job completed with no issues

[@andreaslenahan4416]

I successfully changed out 3 radiator valves for thermostatic valves based on your earlier video. Excellent videos! Thank you for producing them with brilliant detail and confidence inspiring tone!

[@darlingms]

Thanks! Your video gave me the confidence to replace a faulty TRV that wouldn’t shut off - the added bonus of knowing what problems might arise helped me be prepared but luckily it was a straight swap

[@karlbishop9670]

And this is the SHORT video???😯

[@oldvlognewtricks]

Damn you, algorithm! Why didn’t you show me this video *yesterday*? Excellent details about locking upstairs radiators and supporting valves. Thank you.

[@lardenr123]

Great Video Mark, I have to replace a Bathroom towel radio, and this has given me the confidence to do this, as I have to change the valves as well.

[@bertiebinges200]

Thanks for the video. I had to change two valves after replacing an old downstairs radiator which is on a system with a combi boiler and my plumbing has never gone right before. This worked like a charm. Even to the extent that after allowing water to flow out of the existing valves, when i took the valve off no water came out at all. I had turned the boiler off (as the video advises) and all the other downstairs radiators off as well. The lack of water flowing from the pipes gave me the opportunity to remove the old olives and replace the nut Marvellous!

[@imw4956]

Absolutly fantastic explanation, thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos you an absolute top heating engineer.

[@ironmantooltime]

I've used this approach for all my smart valves. 👍

[@jimannie375t]

Many thanks, great video which covers everything I think I need to know and without boring music in the background.👍

[@videouploaduser1]

Thankyou for this video, I’ve always struggled with TRV’s and fitting radiators. I just followed your guide and managed to add two TRV’s to my CH in 2 hours, I did it without draining the system too which I didn’t think was possible.

[@Hermitmaster]

Thanks very much for this video. I wouldn't have called a plumber for something simple like this as I'm comfortable with DIY, but I just needed tips for the details which I could have searched and pieced together for ages but this video had everything in one place. Will be buying you a pint via the toolbox fund. Cheers.

[@ThoughtandMemory]

Just fitted a radiator following your video. Saved us £200 plus and everything works. Cheers

[@johnmofBristol3623]

Thanks Mark, This is the second video on this topic I've watched and yours is very clear on the steps and far more helpful as you are not confusing the story by trying to address Combi and gravity in the same video. I have found that the TRV is on the wrong end of the radiator and it has started making a right old racket! I will be trying it out on Saturday as my wife is away for the weekend giving me the chance to clear up if it goes bad!

[@rrrabit1342]

Wow, what a comprehensive demonstration! I have done DIY for years and changed rads etc. But never used this method. Didn't know it was ok to use the same olive on the pipe and I have always used PTFE tape on the nut threads! So definitely learned something today. Thanks for this, top job Mark.

[@malbancroft1932]

followed your directions everything went great , a fine tutorial thankyou

[@bertbox69]

I consider myself a competent diy'er. My uncle who was a plumber taught me much and so has my mate in the trade. I used Marks ideas here and changed a TRV and lockshield valve no problems AND removed the old olive as suggested. These things are doable with the right tools, confidence and aptitude, I don't like the insinuation by many 'plumbers' that it shouldn't be touched or attempted by anyone other than them. It's just their money they are thinking of. As long as you are not a hamfisted halfwit and take your time and have the correct tools, you can do it. I've seen many tradespeople do piss poor jobs at £100 per hour, I personally don't trust them,the good ones are too few. Thanks Mark for taking the time to explain it thoroughly

[@chrisallen8926]

Mark, great video, just done my valves without a hitch and very long title bleeding afterwards...just a thought, found an unused mastic spigot a perfect bung for the rad when the valve is pulled away, cut it with a 10mm tail once it was in and snug.....couldn't have done any of the rest of it without your help tho. Many thanks

[@PatJuhNL]

Whilst looking at the thumbnail I thought the guy from the Hangover made a career change! Thanks for the tips on changing valves 👍🏻

[@jamieharrison7939]

Must be his twin

[@Steve-rv1ql]

Really excellent videos, changed my first TRV today having run around town finding some rubber bungs (Toolstation) to isolate my loft tank and depressurise the system. Following the process Mark described, a piece of cake, done in under an hour. Now have 5 more to do, total cost inc valves to complete everything just over £100, absolute bargain compared with a plumber (if you can find one). Thanks Mark, really helpful.

[@frenchfrench4514]

Yep, Marks literally robbing himself. These Internet "plumbers" and other tradesmen giving away experience for free never fails to amaze me.

[@johnmckay1423]

@@frenchfrench4514 The main reason I've learned to do quite a lot of these basic jobs myself is that all the good tradesmen are very busy and I'd have to wait months. Even if it's a job that will take me a whole day (find out how to do it, visit the shops to find the bits I need and then spend hours methodically working through it, it's probably a one hour job for a professional and I find they're often not interested - they'd much rather take on bigger jobs so that they spend less time doing quotes, driving around from job to job and billing 5 different people. No complaints, they've got to make a living, but I'm not necessarily taking work away from anyone.

[@normanboyes4983]

@@frenchfrench4514 The truth is - if you costed the homeowners time on a similar basis to a plumber. The time spent trying to find a plumber or getting one to respond and turn up, the homeowner taking time off work to be at the property then it is no wonder that for small jobs it is expedient to DIY (if you have the house). To be blunt - plumbers do not want this sort of work anyway - there are bigger fish to fry.

[@jonsmith8582]

Thanks for this video , just changed a faulty radiator valve after watching this and it worked out a treat !

[@zacsmith9820]

Thank you, this was a great tutorial and explained everything that I needed to know, all the little tips really helped. Thank you very much!

[@AlisonMorris-bp4wx]

Helpful, relevant and clear. Exactly what I needed, thank you 🙂

[@WeWereGoodOnce]

Great video, thanks. I had two valves to replace, one upstairs and one downstairs. I managed to do both following your advice, and I'm an absolute beginner.

[@neil_down_south]

Thanks for great videos. I've now replaced 2 rads, including changing the 4 valves/tails, all new nuts and olives. Did buy an olive puller as too scared to try hacksaw method! Do any of your videos cover new bsp valve into heated towel rail - unsure about whether/where to use ptfe tape/jointing compound.

[@stephenmaskrey6527]

Great video I'm someone who dose the basics in my own home and would have drained the system, but your way is far better, thanks for sharing

[@nigelclark7360]

I always drain the system

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Very good, detailed, explanation 👍

[@user-zm1nt4tq3v]

Thank you so much for this experience and understanding the process

[@rajshu6408]

Very clear and thorough video. Thankyou.

[@Ruben-ni7zq]

Great video. Exactly how I change my valves…👍 (keen DIY’er.) saves money on replacing inhibiter and in my case underfloor heating biocide which seems to be really expensive….

[@dhiruparmar8908]

Thank you simple and direct information

[@ithayakumarchinnaswamy8072]

Hi Friend . It was a proper explanation and good for the beginner: Thanks

[@Brian.001]

An impressive head of hair, sir! Respect!

[@Harkendown]

Re tapered joint. I bought a shank of hemp 40 years ago which I’m still using. Never had a a leak at that joint. ( plenty elsewhere) PTFE should be regarded as a lubricant. It has no bulking out property. Thanks for the video.

[@skyrider29]

Thanks for that Mark, excellent informative video 👍

[@garranstvall1442]

Great tip... thanks Mark 👍🏾

[@cferns2260]

WELL DONE MATE...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@pauldowninguk]

When you use an adjustable wrench, you should push into the sliding jaw. That way you are supporting/compressing the jaws rather than trying to pull them apart. You were tightening/loosening by pulling away from the slider etc. One of the first things i was taught in my early plumbing days.... Still a good video!

[@NEVILLE100]

Great Video, very useful tips. Thanks Mark.

[@bobblack4048]

Thank you for a very interesting and informative video Mark. During the course of my life I've changed many radiator valves. I have always drained the system. This video has shown me something I would never have thought of. The use of PTFE tape on the threads was also a surprise. I knew the olive sealed the valve but I have always taped the thread when reconnecting the valve. I am 71 years old and still learning. Thank you.

[@TheWellington2006]

Another helpful video, I used a freeze pack to change a valve, which turned into a right mess as I needed to change the olive at the same time,hence the ice suddenly popped out and I had a nice waterfall. But watching this I can see the mistake I made with the pressure.

[@allservepropertymaintenance]

Hahaha, been there done that, felt like I was standing Under a waterfall, f only for 5 seconds before. Managed to stem the flow.

[@ojmbvids]

9:08 - I can't remember where/why I was told to use PTFE on the threads, and have often wondered what's the point for exactly the reasons you gave. I just kept doing it anyway because that's what I've always done - glad you've put my mind at ease and I can now stop doing it! I guess it's the people you learn from knowing it's essential in some cases (e.g, outside taps) and getting in to the habit of doing it on everything without thinking about why.

[@Dtp2296]

PTFE on threads is not for sealing, teflon is the most lubricating substance there is. You put it on threads so you can tighten the nut up more past the point friction would allow you too, therfore being able to tighten the joint further and easier which in turn compresses the olive more and creates a better seal. No jointing compound needed then. This guy may have been in the trade a long time but this is the reason plumbers and mechanical engineers use ptfe on threads, plus i've never used ptfe tape to seal anything

[@JasperJanssen]

@@Dtp2296 never used Teflon tape to seal? Not a gas fitter, then.

[@adamsmith6594]

@@JasperJanssen and neither will you be if this governmnent carries on much more. None of you will be.

[@colinthomas5462]

Thanks for your very helpful tutorial.

[@frankobrien9124]

thanks Mark that was very very helpful to me.

[@davidprice5707]

your explanations are brilliant thanks

[@theedge1420]

So Clear and Concise. Thanks a bunch Bud

[@pc090144]

Well done sir got me out of a tricky jam this vid did. thanks again

[@acook9378]

This is the best Video I've seen on this subject!

[@Falco45able]

Brilliant! Cheers👍

[@thearodriguez5251]

Clever guy so thoughtful & innovative!

[@mrb6417]

Fantastic demonstration, simplified for any level DIYer, I have a 10mm pipe that is partially blocked with solder inside I cannot change it easily as it is cemented in the floor, any hints on how I can remove the solder please???

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Excellent video, many thanks.

[@gasfitter78]

I sometime use a 15mm compression cap on the tails to stop the water

[@Andy5c]

Hi great video. Im just about to attempt this myself. I get the principle if the rad and bugibg it once the water slows, but just cant quite trust when I take the valve off the pipe from the floor how does water not spurt everywhere. Mine is a bottom rad so would the pressure from the upstairs rads not try rush out? Should I turn all other rads off? If so both sides or just the one?

[@michaels2125]

Excellent tutorial 👌🏿 👍🏿

[@liammoffat7277]

What a lovely fellow. Great video, thanks for all the information

[@pokepals4840]

Thank you so much! Really helped me out 👍

[@colinaindow674]

Great video thank you for sharing it

[@user-bz3wn1zo7e]

Great video, showing all the details.

[@MrAvant123]

Great vid, not replacing the olive is slightly risky though.

[@smithy3269]

A few points with this ... depending on the fitting the old olive that has already been compressed might not fit in your new fitting. You say without draining the system - if this was an downstairs radiator you would half drain the system as you know gravity 🤷🏻‍♂️. You don’t need any paste on a compression fitting, if it leaks you haven’t done it properly.

[@deanmorgan3253]

Any true plumber knows to paste compression joints, belt and braces comes to mind

[@dentann1686]

Really informative. Thank you

[@BasilTS]

I wish that all plumbers are as good as you .... very well done

[@theondebray]

I would add: to minimise draining, I would go round the whole house & shut off all rads at both ends first. Most of the water (and pressure) will stay in the rads, and its a good opportunity to check / lubricate all valves), plug off the top tank (or depressurise a sealed combi system); Also, I made my own tapered bungs to the size I want using a thin cardboard cone & filling it with silicone mastic - leave for a week till fully cured, then soak in water before rubbing off the cardboard. Always add 1L of corrosion inhibitor if you can, it acts as a lubricant apart from anything else. Nice vid, thanks.

[@rtyrtyrtyus]

I have done a radiator as a DIY. I shut off all radiators in the house at both ends. Then for the radiator I wanted to remove, I drained it at the radiator after scooping out as much loft tank water with a jug and shut off the mains fill with a towel to stop it filling the loft thank. Then I painted the radiator and put a TRV on. I did that to the loft tank to clean with a cloth and remove the scum water. There is a loft tank in my home. I then put inhibitor back in via the cleaning magnetic filter and refilled the system from the mains water in the loft tank. I also shut off the stop cock for peace of mind. Clean loft tank AND a new painted radiator and inhibitor.

[@theondebray]

@@rtyrtyrtyus Good job. 👍👍

[@hommer45]

Thanks for the video Mark.. I've fitted plenty of valves but felt I better have a refresher and good job I did,, there was a couple of things lets say slipped my mind,ha ,,So thanks again and great video

[@glyntutt1586]

Always useful to put full bore valves on the main supplies so that creating air locks thus no drain down of system is easier. Good also once or twice a year to test such valves as they can corrode and fail over time. Great video.

[@rustysanchez8416]

Glyn, glyn, glyn. Did you really just suggest full bore valves? On the main supplies??

[@glyntutt1586]

@@rustysanchez8416 YES! On each floor I have a couple of valves on the flow and return of the heating circuit which enables me to isolate that floor (or zone) whilst I carry out the work. In much the same way, I also always install a 40mm waste pipe which is connected to the waste water system when I install a header tank or hot water/heat sore, it is all about making future maintenance easier, planning in advance and enabling drain downs or value replacements so much easier.

[@LAUGHINGMAN91]

Watching this video exactly because we can't afford to get a man out for 1 radiator. Not worth the time of anyone involved. Ours is actually a towel rail radiator so things are a bit different, but there's a lot to carry over from this vid. Top info, thanks!

[@al-syed3469]

thanks easy and clear instruction

[@truthwillout7909]

Very informative video, subscribed to your channel, many thanks

[@naimsaby9473]

Good work I like yr video very informative

[@mrginga4044]

I do love the bungs saved me many a time from an air lock

[@homeistheearth]

This is the way we do it when we cant use or find the drain. I prefer drain, when you then take out the valve you suddenly have air suck in because some other radiator valve opens because you shut of the boiler and the room went cold.. blob blob blob and you sit there with a finger in each hole. The plug you make you can use a fitting, Danfoss valves fit a 3/4" endfitting when it's a half inch. Also here we most often have he inlet in the top, then you can drain in the return with the bucket, and only have to lower water a few inches. The vacuum advise is actually a very good one, it can save your "life" when doing this job and there suddenly is air drawn or a valve opens or your just impacient.

[@artwelldube6798]

Great Well explained Thanks

[@adierob1]

Great well explained video

[@johnmoore9267]

that was well explained, i was impressed!

[@kad480]

Great vid and will help a lot of people. Just one thing i have to say only coz i found it funny. You said you rolled the carpet back. I dont think there was any carpet in the room coz there are no grippers on the edges. Also in one clip there is a unit on the floor with no carpet under it or any grippers there. 🥴

[@mohammedzaman9189]

very big help for pepol who can not afford a plumber these days.

[@crozzy28]

Great video 👍 is it ok to leave the old nut and olive from the old valve when fitting a new one? Also would you use joint compound on the new valve before offering it up to the fittings.

[@aa-iy6yn]

I like Your video a lot, but have one key observation. The thermostat itself should NEVER be above heating pipe. In this case it should be mounted horizontally not vertically. Vertically mounted themostat is heated with warm pipe below and "thinks" there is warmer in the room than it really is. This disrupts its regulatory capacity.

[@aa-iy6yn]

@@danimayb Principles of Physics.Chapter on heat convection, elementary school. Warm air heated by a pipe rises upward. It tricks the thermostat into thinking the room is already warm and closes the heater too early. The radiator will somehow work, but incorrectly.

[@Toca_waffle843]

that makes sense.

[@stephaniehs1323]

This is most excellent.

[@tonymoon4525]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@leahryan1983]

Awesome mark thankyou

[@DavidGoulbourne-sx1nj]

Excellent video

[@bizarreboom8791]

Liked and watched till the end! Helped a lot and gave some great tips, all changed and functioning again. Only issue I had was water coming back up the exit pipe. Didn't know how to stop this so used your kitchen roll trick👍

[@richardwitherstone7396]

Ive been a plumbing and heating engineer for thirty years and I've earned a lot of money putting right and getting out of trouble people that have attempted DIY, things do seem easy until things go wrong, that's when i get a call, keep your videos coming sir, plenty more work for me!🤣👌🏻👍🏻

[@madE19971]

This what we need

[@a10nmw]

Informative video. Thanks

[@dhanydhanasiri6402]

Brilliant 👏

[@colinsmith4699]

A good video

[@kbc138]

How happens if you need to replace both valves, do you do one side as per video above then do you fill radiator close the 1st replaced valve then bleed it to remove pressure then remove other side by draining off excess water? Concerned that when you do the other side the vacuum in the system is no longer there which causes the water to thrust out. I would appreciate info about changing both side on the same radiator.

[@LazerBrain11]

Great tutorial! Couple of suggestions, releasing the system pressure from the air release is time consuming and depending on the type of air release can be very difficult to catch the water. Much quicker & cleaner to drain the pressure from the boiler drain point. While you are there, if the boiler is above the rad you are working on, it's helpful to either close the boiler isolation valves or just close the boilers auto air vent. This prevents air ingress and better holds the water inside the system while your working. Very nice to see your use of jointing compound on the olive faces, many 'professional' plumbers use no jointing medium at all! 👍👍👍

[@MarkBallardLTD]

Agree with all you said. I would do it that way. Don't want people turning wrong valve as ever boiler is different. Thanks my friend 👍👍👍

[@adierob1]

The last thing you want to be touching are boiler isolation valves because they are never exercised the minute you shut them then open them the rubber o-ring inside splits and they start weeping from the spindles

[@sajeedfozdar7149]

@@adierob1 well said mate! stay the f away from boiler isolation