Radiator balancing and temperatures

Yorky

Is it possible to adjust the heat supply to one radiator by just turning the lockshield valve without balancing the entire system? The radiator furthest from the boiler is significantly colder than the others and the plumber has (apparently) just opened the lockshield valve on that radiator.

Also, should there be a temperature difference between radiators i.e. there is a variation of up to six degrees c between the radiators. Or should they all be the same temperature?

smashey

Moved to Gardening/DIY with a re-direct left.

crosstownk

You need to adjust the balance valve on the radiator in question. Remove the lockshield off the valve thats usually unadjustable and, using a pliers (or similar) open it 1/4 turn and see if it makes any difference. Keep opening it until it becomes hot enough. Then check your other rads - some may be open too much and some may not be open enough. Once one is adjusted it can sometimes upset the behaviour of other radiators. Keep at it - its a case of trail and error.

JamesM

Yorky wrote:

Is it possible to adjust the heat supply to one radiator by just turning the lockshield valve without balancing the entire system? The radiator furthest from the boiler is significantly colder than the others and the plumber has (apparently) just opened the lockshield valve on that radiator.

Also, should there be a temperature difference between radiators i.e. there is a variation of up to six degrees c between the radiators. Or should they all be the same temperature?

Short, middle of the night answer - Open the lockshield on the furthest one fully, and close down the hotter ones until you get an even temp on them all.
Jim.