Rattling radiator valve - trapped debris?

[RigidRaider]

Bedroom rad makes a loud clattering sound while the CH is running. I thought it might be kettling but have checked 3 other rads and they are silent. The sound comes from the valve at the flow end, so I reckon it could be a piece of debris or a lump of solder from our recent new boiler installation rattling in the upward part of the flow pipe, unable to get past the valve. Does this sound right to you?

I can take the rad off the wall and flush it out but I think the obstruction is is the "wet" part. I guess the only remedy is to partially drain down or do some deft work with a hose and lots of towels to try to flush it out by removing the valve. Any suggestions? Just reducing the flow might stop it, I suppose.

 

[kevplumb]

make sure the valve is on the right way if not bidirectional

should be an arrow on the body

when it starts if you open it does it stop

 

[RigidRaider]

Thanks. Had a fiddle with it after posting and yes, if you reduce the flow the noise stops, which would confirm that it's something being held in the upwards water flow and rattling against the valve.

However I think I've got the Drayton TRV4 at the return end of the rad - would that matter? It doesn't specify direction on the Pdf on the Drayton site.

 

[kevplumb]

View media item 17469
arrow indicates flow direction

if its wrong the valve may be chattering

 

[Burnerman]

I thought these ones were bidirectional? Clearly not!
John

 

[gassafeman]

The angled ones are, the straight ones are not.

Paul.

 

[kevplumb]

really


View media item 17470
not according to drayton

 

[Burnerman]

I've fitted about 10 of these this year, put them all on the flow.....didn't notice the arrow! Didn't look that closely, I guess Could have sworn the instructions said they were bi. Oh well!
John

 

[kevplumb]

I've fitted about 10 of these this year, put them all on the flow.....didn't notice the arrow! Didn't look that closely, I guess Could have sworn the instructions said they were bi. Oh well!
John

tbf john

i think everybody thinks all trv's are bidirectional now

must admit i checked just to be sure

 

[Burnerman]

Yes, fair comment...I'll refresh my memory later!
Cheers
John

 

[RigidRaider]

Drayton help line confirms that any bought in the last couple of years will be bi-directional.

 

[kevplumb]

bout time they updated their info then



if its crap in the pipes only way to get it out is drain it

 

[glasgowgas]

Drayton help line confirms that any bought in the last couple of years will be bi-directional.

or the valves you bought have been lying on the shelf in the merchantds for a couple of months

 

[D_Hailsham]

the valves you bought have been lying on the shelf in the merchants for a couple of months

Bi-directional TRV4's have been around for more than 10 years.

The pic posted earlier shows a double headed arrow. All Drayton TRVs use the same body, it's just the head which is different.

 

[glasgowgas]

the valves you bought have been lying on the shelf in the merchants for a couple of months

Bi-directional TRV4's have been around for more than 10 years.

The pic posted earlier shows a double headed arrow. All Drayton TRVs use the same body, it's just the head which is different.

just a bit of humour Mr Hailsham, just a bit of humour