Radiator valves: Changing to TRV

larbakium

Hi,
I would like to change my current radiator valves to TRV valves.
I have seen some how-to's but majority involved draining the system and re calibrate, which I believe could be outside my diy capabilities.

Is this the only way to replace the valves or should this be diy easy enough job?

If I need to go to a plumber for this any idea what price I would be looking at to replace the valves. There are 12 radiators in the house.

Thank you

Dardania

It's definitely do-able as a DIYer - I did it. And it was the first time I did any plumbing. Opening the first radiator is a worrying proposition, but once you get used to draining down safely, it's fine...

experience here: https://www.boards.ie/b/thread/2056752730

for the re-calibration (rebalancing) I got around that problem by marking a line on the valve body, and the rotating bit as to where it should go back to - worked perfectly (as long as you remember the number of turns to get there!)

It's definitely a worthwhile upgrade - the impact on comfort is hard to quantify, but after fitting the TRVs, I felt quite relaxed about leaving the heating on, basically any time I was in the house, and no one room overheating.
 I've since gone on to fit TRVs for some relatives, and they were quite comfortable also with the result

For prices, were you to do it yourself, I found these to be quite a good valve, and reasonably priced supplier: https://www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk/radiator-valves-c-28.html/thermostatic-radiator-valves-c-28_37.html/acl-drayton-lifestyle-rt212-trv-p-330.html
you can get the rust inhibitor also, and if you don't have one already, a decent programmable thermostat (I have this type, albeit wireless, in my own home - easy to use & effective): https://www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk/room-thermostats-c-21.html/programmable-thermostats-c-21_31.html/hardwired-programmable-thermostats.html/honeywell-cm907-7-day-programmable-thermostat-p-271.html
Or of course, the likes of NEst or similar offers from the various utility companies

dodzy

larbakium wrote: »

Hi,
I would like to change my current radiator valves to TRV valves.
I have seen some how-to's but majority involved draining the system and re calibrate, which I believe could be outside my diy capabilities.

Is this the only way to replace the valves or should this be diy easy enough job?

If I need to go to a plumber for this any idea what price I would be looking at to replace the valves. There are 12 radiators in the house.

Thank you

The system, if currently balanced correctly, will not need rebalancing as this is done with the LSV (Lock shield valve) on the other side of each of the rads. So, drain down the system (there might be a drain valve on one of the DS rads)

Ensure that the water supply to the system is turned off.
On a sealed system , turn off filling loop.
On unsealed system, prop the ball cock in the attic CH filler tank.
Connect a hose pipe to the drain valve and run to an outside shore.
Open the bleed nipple on a rad or 2 upstairs to speed up the draining process.
Close off drain valve once system is empty.
Fit TRVs.
Refill system.
Close off bleed nipples once system is filled.
Test system and bleed other rads if required.