Replacing the radiator key may become necessary over the years. This usually happens due to wear and tear, when you detect that it is rusty or that leaks are occurring. In all these cases, it is crucial that you replace it as soon as possible. However, you may be delaying this moment because you don’t want to call a professional, but did you know that you can do it yourself? It is very easy.
In order to change the radiator faucet without help, you just have to follow a series of steps that we will tell you throughout this article. It is a very simple process -more than you can imagine- and you will only need some basic tools that can be found in almost every house. Are you up for it?
Reasons to replace the radiator faucet
Before we get down to work to change the radiator faucet, it is important to know when it is the right time to put a new one -or not-. And it is not always easy to detect the cause of the different problems that your radiator may have. To make your task easier, we review some of the main reasons that may require replacing this part of your heating system.
- Water leaks, even though you tighten the faucet very well. This may be due to wear and tear, which is common, especially if the faucet is quite old. The best thing to do is to replace it.
- You find it impossible to control the water flow. This problem implies not being able to regulate the temperature of the house, which generates a feeling of discomfort in the rooms, because either the radiator gets too hot or the opposite happens. It seems to be time to replace that faucet.
- The radiator key is broken. A blow or any other circumstance, such as excessive rust that has weakened it, will require you to replace it as soon as possible. You will then be able to enjoy the efficiency of your radiator again.
As you can see, the reasons for changing the radiator faucet are many and quite diverse. However, many of these situations can be prevented with proper maintenance. While there are circumstances in which this may not be sufficient – such as a blow or a problem that comes as standard – keeping the key always in perfect condition will allow you to extend the life of the part and delay this small installation.
How to change the radiator key
With everything seen above you can make a better decision on whether or not to change the radiator faucet. In case it is time to do it, you can try to do it yourself, without the help of a professional.
Acquire the necessary tools
Although it may seem obvious, it may slip your mind the moment you get down to work. For this reason, it is worth remembering that you need to have the necessary tools at hand so that you can change the radiator key. To do this, you will need the following. We hope this short list will help you:
- A new stopcock (it is better if it is not second hand). This way, you will avoid any damage that you cannot perceive right now, but that will start to become evident when you put your radiator to work. There are different models to choose from.
- Two wrenches, preferably adjustable to fit the dimensions of the nuts that hold your old radiator key.
- Also, you will need a Teflon tape that you can find at any hardware store.
As you can see, these are commonly used tools that if you can’t find, you can certainly borrow from your neighbor.
Closes the valve
When you have the tools, it is recommended that you close the valve to prevent water from escaping during the process of changing the radiator tap. However, we advise you to place a container at the bottom in case, during the work to be carried out, there is a small leakage of water. This will prevent the floor from getting wet, something that can be dangerous if it is parquet, as it can end up lifting it.
Remove the old radiator key
Once you have completed the previous step, it is time to remove the old radiator key. To do this, you will need to take the two wrenches. These will help you loosen the nuts, of which there are two. Therefore, you need to have this tool in duplicate. This will not take too much time.
Install the new key
Now that you have removed the old radiator key, it is time to install the new part. To do this, take the Teflon tape and place it on the thread of the wrench you purchased. Then, place it in the place where the old one was and start tightening the nuts again with the wrenches. Do this without rushing.
Wait before opening the valve
When you finish changing the radiator key, let a few minutes pass. After that, you can open the valve. It is advisable to be attentive when you turn on the radiators to check if there are any leaks. If you have not tightened the nuts properly or if there is a problem with the placement of the new key, you should solve it as soon as possible, turning off the heating.
Check, again, all the steps you have taken, loosen and retighten the key, or put it on again, checking that the Teflon tape is well glued. You may have missed a small detail that you didn’t notice. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference.
Be sure to reserve a day when you can carry out all the steps at your leisure. This way, haste will not play a trick on you. But, in case something went wrong when changing the radiator faucet or you see that the problem is not solved, do not hesitate to call a professional plumber.
And remember, to keep your new radiator faucet in perfect condition for many years to come, remember the importance of maintenance. Regular cleaning, lubrication and checking that it is working properly (that there are no leaks) is essential. This may save you some money and also delay the time of having to replace it again.
