Leaking CH radiator question!!

[veggiechicken]

VC Put me up a pic of the valve at the opposite end of the rad please.

Potty

This is the best I could do, and that meant leaning over the toilet
And a better one of the thermostat end. If the Thermostat is set to O, as it is, is that turned off?
With the unnumbered end, the cap just keeps turning and I'm not sure whether that is the thing that turns it off, or something under the white cap?
And is it righty tighty to turn it off?

[Bigmallly]

Sometimes the white cap pulls off and there is a nut under it but the cap normally turns the nut.........I'm sure Potty will explain better.

[veggiechicken]

I tried (gently) to pull the cap off but it didn't seem to want to move. I'm afraid to try too hard as you've seen what happened to the loppers and the hammer

[Bigmallly]

Yep, wait till Potty comes back.

[veggiechicken]

I'm sure there is a market for funny shaped radiators

[bearded bloke]

Give a good sharp tug VC,underneath will look like ...

[Potstubsdustbins]

OK the thermostatic radiator valve first, it is turned off at this time but dependent on the make if the room goes very cold it may start to pass water. Unlikely but I would leave the bowl there until you can get someone to look at it.

At the other end is what we call the lock shield valve. This is the valve we use to adjust the amount of water going through the radiator so that all rads get a fair share. The white cap pulls off (it may be stiff) under there you will see a 1/4" brass rod sticking up from the centre of the valve with a square end on it. This is what you use to turn the valve off with a small spanner, pliers or what ever is to hand. You turn it clockwise for off just like an ordinary tap.

The most important thing is to count the number of turns required to turn off the valve, any where between 1/2 a turn to 6 turns and when you turn it back on use the same number of turns, this will keep the system balanced and working correctly.

Hope that's clear.

Potty

[veggiechicken]

OK, I've pulled off the cap but I just couldn't get a grip with pliers on the brass rod thing to turn it more than a tiny bit, not even a 1/4 turn. It looks a bit corroded - blue. I'll ask my neighbour tomorrow if he can have a go at it. Also I'll try to get hold of a local plumber to repair it.
I'll probably leave the heating off until I can get it sorted - I don't really need it on as the woodburner heats upstairs and I'll put an electric heater on in the bedroom.

Thank you for your patience - I've learnt a lot even if I haven't been able to sort it.

[bearded bloke]

Just a thought,if the top of the radiator is higher than the bath or even the toilet bowl,you could put a short piece of hose pipe on the drain-cock & let the water drip into the bath/bowl until your plumber arrives

[veggiechicken]

Its only a very small leak, about a tablespoonful since this afternoon. If I can't get it sorted soon, I'll try the hosepipe into the toilet option - thanks

[Bigmallly]

Or try putting a stubby screwdriver into the hole and see if it will nip up a touch.

[veggiechicken]

"Nip up a touch" ? Which way do I turn it for that?

[Bigmallly]

Clockwise normally.........you will know if it's wrong cos water will pi55 out..............

[veggiechicken]

Oh great................

[Bigmallly]

It won't pi55, just maybe dribble....................