Project details
Skill
3 out of 5ModerateRequires basic plumbing skills and the strength to bust loose old threaded fittings
Cost
$50 to $100
Estimated Time
60 to 90 minutes
Add a new control to your old radiator by installing a thermostatic radiator valve.
What Does a Thermostatic Radiator Valve Do?
Thermostatic radiator valves control the heat output from a single radiator for better energy efficiency. In doing so, you also create mini-zones in your heating system.
Thermostatic Valve Installation in 13 Steps
- Drain water from radiator.
- Use pipe wrenches to disconnect old valve from radiator.
- Remove spud using a spud wrench and pipe wrench.
- Apply thread sealant to new spud, then wrap single-strand wicking around the spud threads.
- Use a spud wrench and pipe wrench to install the new spud.
- Apply pipe dope and single-strand wicking to the threads of the existing pipe.
- Install the new thermostatic radiator valve and tighten with a pipe wrench.
- Apply pipe sealant to face of spud.
- Tighten connection between spud and new valve using a pipe wrench.
- Drill hole in radiator cover.
- Feed wire through hole, then screw sensor to side of radiator cover.
- Connect the sensor’s wire to the valve.
- Slide radiator cover into place.
Tools & Materials
- pipe wrenches
- Spud wrench
- Drill/driver
- twist bit – 3/8-inch