How to free a stuck thermostatic valve
Radiator not heating after the summer? The thermostatic valve is often stuck. How to free it simply, without special tools.
BDW Invest ·
After several months of inactivity, the small metal pin that opens a thermostatic valve can get stuck. Result: the radiator no longer heats, even at maximum.
The steps
- Turn the thermostatic head to maximum.
- Unscrew the ring holding it to the valve body, by hand or with pliers, and remove the head.
- A small pin appears. Press it gently with a screwdriver handle or pliers, then release: it should spring back on its own.
- Repeat several times to free it, without forcing.
- Put the head back and screw the ring on again.
To prevent it happening again
At the end of the heating season, leave the valves fully open rather than closed. The pin then stays up during the summer.
If the pin stays pressed in or water escapes, do not force it and tell your manager.
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