New bleed value into existing radiator

[ilall]

Hi,

I've a number of radiators which have completely stuck bleed values (old fashioned rads).

Is it possible to drill in a new bleed value at the other end?

 

[mysteryman]

If the existing ones are 1/2 inch BSP, you can remove and replace them with new. The old ones can be in very tight.

If they are straight into the steel of the radiator, you may be able to drill and tap to 1/8 inch BSP and screw in a vent valve purchased from a merchant.

 

[ilall]

If the existing ones are 1/2 inch BSP, you can remove and replace them with new. The old ones can be in very tight.

If they are straight into the steel of the radiator, you may be able to drill and tap to 1/8 inch BSP and screw in a vent valve purchased from a merchant.

Hi thanks,

Did a quick goodle search on vent valve (sorry I didnt know what one was) and came across this:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RADIATOR-VALV...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item2308ad4b3a

Is it the answer I'm after, basically i think you can drill it straight into the rad although as i'm not a plumber i'm not overly sure whether what you are suggesting is similar to the link??

 

[mysteryman]

That will be for a standard half inch connection. Automatic air vents can leak. I would replace with a standard vent valve if yours are half inch BSP.

I suspect that you are not familiar with these, in which case you should seek professional help. This is the sort of job that can go badly wrong.

Please try to find out what sort of fittings you have at present if you want further advice here..

 

[Whitespirit66]

Do people really use those auto vents on their rads? At 12 quid each (inc. P&P), it would cost me £144 for my 12 rads. Just so I don't have to bleed my rads once a year? Then they need to be replaced after approx 4 years.

Makes no sense, financial or otherwise.

 

[sooey]

They're good for the tall designer rads with lots of vertical columns. They can be murder to bleed but the air vent does the trick usually.