What happens if all lockshield valves are fully open?
On most radiators, this is the valve you can’t turn by hand. By closing a fully-open lockshield valve by a few turns (with a pair of grips or screwdriver), you can slow down the rate at which water enters the radiator and reduce the speed with which it gets hot.
Should all lockshield valves be fully open?
Most lockshield valves have a plastic or metal cover. You should remove these and open all of the lockshield valves completely. This requires that you turn them anticlockwise. You should also fully open the TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves).
What position should the lockshield valve be?
return side
Systems are normally balanced by adjusting the lockshield valves usually fitted on the return side of each radiator. This ensures that each radiator circuit in the system has an equal pressure drop and receives the correct flow of hot water to heat the space in which it is fitted.
How far should I open a lockshield valve?
You should open the Lockshield valve on the first radiator by one-quarter of a turn. Now open the Lockshield valve on the last radiator on your list. Each radiator in between should have its Lockshield valve opened slightly more than the previous radiator.
How many turns on a lockshield valve?
Depends on the make but 4 – 6 would be fairly normal. You cant unscrew it out so no worrys there.
Can you open a lockshield valve too far?
On a new system all lockshields valves fully open – probably no problem, but as the system parts get older (pump etc) you may find some rads will get hotter than others – then balancing will be necessary.
How does a lockshield valve work?
A lockshield valve is the valve on a radiator that is usually covered with a plastic cap. Lockshield valves need to be adjusted when balancing home radiators in individual rooms. A lockshield valve will balance out each radiator within your heating system, ensuring they all heat up at the same rate.
How do I know which is the lockshield valve?
Lockshield valves explained The lockshield valve, on the side of the radiator opposite the on/off valve, may be adjusted to balance the output of your heating system. The lockshield itself is the plastic cap that covers the valve to ensure that you don’t accidentally change the setting once you’ve adjusted it.
How many turns should a lockshield valve?
Can you turn off a lockshield valve?
If you have to remove a lockshield valve from the valve cap on the right side, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise until it’s loose. Then, take the cap off the valve and use a pair of pliers to turn the valve clockwise as far as you can.
What is a Lockshield valve?
A lockshield or a lockshield valve is a type of radiator valve. It connects a radiator to the return pipe to the boiler.
Do I need to adjust my Lockshield valve?
Lockshield valves need to be adjusted when balancing home radiators in individual rooms. A lockshield valve will balance out each radiator within your heating system, ensuring they all heat up at the same rate. To learn more about balancing radiators, check out our titled guide, How To Balance A Radiator.
How does a Lockshield valve balance radiators?
A lockshield valve will balance out each radiator within your heating system, ensuring they all heat up at the same rate. To learn more about balancing radiators, check out our titled guide, How To Balance A Radiator.
What is a Lockshield and how does it work?
The lockshield itself is the plastic cap that covers the valve to ensure that you don’t accidentally change the setting once you’ve adjusted it. Balancing the output of heat is a fairly simple operation that you should be able to perform. If in doubt, we’ll advise you.