How to install thermostatic radiator valves?


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Old 05-04-15, 08:08 PM
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How to install thermostatic radiator valves?

I saw a short video on this old house about how to add a thermostatic valve but my only question is after loosening the valve on the left the guy just moves the whole radiator slightly forward but wouldnt this loosen or damage the right side and then cause it to leak later on?

Is the radiator designed so the right fitting can be moved a little without leaking?

My local plumbers charge 125 per hour to do the job and I'm planniing on replacing at least 4 of them. I would rather do this myself I just question the one part.

I have a water boiler weil mclain unit and is a 2 unit home and I have issues with second floor being too hot while first floor is colder .
 
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Old 05-04-15, 08:12 PM
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Old 05-04-15, 10:14 PM
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Make sure you have BIG pipe wrenches. I've put those valves on and the old fittings can be a bear to get apart.

Moving the radiator too much can cause a leak. I also noticed in the video that when he mated the valve to the radiator he had to pick it up and it appeared to be slightly off the floor.
 
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Old 05-04-15, 11:28 PM
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Will I be able to move to the side then slightly without causing a leak or is there a way to do this better? I rather take longer and not have leaks. What size wrenches are recommended?
 
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Old 05-05-15, 02:11 AM
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I saw a short video on this old house about how to add a thermostatic valve but my only question is after loosening the valve on the left the guy just moves the whole radiator slightly forward but wouldnt this loosen or damage the right side and then cause it to leak later on?
Quite possibly, maybe even probably.

Is the radiator designed so the right fitting can be moved a little without leaking?
No.

What size wrenches are recommended?
I would use an 18 and 24 inch wrench.

I would put ZERO stock in that video. Please post some pictures of YOUR radiators, each side, and then I/we can give you better answers. IF you do not have individual shut-off valves on each radiator you wish to add the thermostatic valve(s) to then you may not even be able to add the valves.
 
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Old 05-05-15, 03:47 AM
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Each radiator does have valves I will post pictures in a few hours. Thanks for all the advice. Can you tell me the proper way to change the valve or show me a site or video detailing the proper way? I don't have any leaks in the system and my only fear is creating a leak in a system that works for the most part very well . The only complaint is the uneven heating between upstairs and down stairs.

Or the bathrooms are always very hot comparEd to the rest of the house. It would be nice to customize every room.
 
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Old 05-05-15, 05:55 AM
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here are the pics and i included a few with a tape measure next to the pipe ive had problems before with getting the right size fittings when its galvanized pipe. can anyone tell me by the picture do i get the 3/4 or 1 inch trv because the pipe measure 1 inch and the 90 degree elbow is 1 1/4 on the outside. Name:  20150505_064928 (1).jpg
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Old 05-05-15, 06:13 AM
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My thought at the moment is to loosen the left side without the valve and then loosen the valve side. Replace both With new fittings and the inner piece that goes inside the radiator that uses a spud Wrench or can I reuse the threads already on the radiator?
 
 

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