The radiators is completely cold or cold at the bottom
The radiator is completely cold or cold at the bottom
First, turn the thermostatic radiator valve to maximum.
There are two valves on your radiator, one on either side. Check that both valves are fully open. This can be done by opening the thermostatic radiator valve (if fitted) to its highest setting. The valve on the other side of the radiator is known as a lock shield valve. Some radiators have this type of valve at both ends, and you might need to take the plastic top taking off so you can check it's open. You may need a pair of pliers or a small spanner to turn this fully anti-clockwise. If this works and your radiator gets warm, then there’s no need to report a repair.
Watch our video on how to open and close your lock shield.
If this doesn’t work, then unscrew the top part (the plastic bit) of the thermostatic valve anticlockwise, which should remove the top. Sometimes this part of the valve breaks inside and by removing it the radiator may then work.
It is also possible that the pin inside the brass part of the valve has stuck down in the off position. This will sometimes pop up when the plastic top is removed. The top part of the thermostatic valve is not connected to the water side of the valve, so don’t worry - you won’t get wet by removing it. You shouldn’t need to touch the brass part of the valve.
One of the radiators is still cold
Turn all the other radiators off using the TRV and leave the affected one on the maximum setting. This will force the heating to flow through this radiator. Ensure that the lock shield valve is also open fully before trying this.
If the radiator now gets hot, it's likely that the problem was an airlock, and you will have now sorted the problem and you can turn your other radiators back on.
If this doesn't work, or you keep having problems like this with your radiators, then report a repair to us.
How do I report a repair?
You can report a repair to us at anytime, anywhere using My Account or contact us via Live Chat. Let us know when reporting that you’ve followed the advice and what you’ve tried to get it working, this helps us to assess what to do next to get the right person for the job.
