Banging radiators

[davidbrt]

Hi

My radiators hammer until I adjust one of the thermostatic valves. We are nearly at sauna heat, either that or we have a house sounding like a machine gun going off. I have heard that one of the valves/thermostatic valves may be round the wrong way - but how do you find out which one and change it - or could it be something else?

Thanks.

[suzie1]

the radiaters may need bleeding

[Dodger666]

Generally the thermostatic valve is fitted to the flow into the radiator. However, there are valves that can work on either the flow or the return side of the radiator. To check which your valves are on your rads look to see if they have a directional arrow on the side, some do. If not, when starting from cold keep feeling the pipes. The flow pipe will get hot before the return pipe. If you find a valve is on the return and should be on the flow then it needs changing.

It's also possible your system needs a good clean out. To do this drain it down, pour some cleanser in and run for a few days. Drain down again and refill, adding an inhibitor. Cleanser and inhibitor can be got from any DIY store. Companies will offer to give your system a power flush but this will cost and arm and a leg.

[gucciman]

try taking the trv head off the valve, if that sorts the problem then you need a new head