How to Isolate a Radiator: A Complete Guide

Are you looking to remove your radiator but don’t know how to isolate it first? It is like turning off a radiator, but you must close the lock shield valve while isolating it, which is not the case when turning it off. In this article, we will tell you in detail how to isolate a radiator without the help of an expert.

What does it mean to isolate your radiators, and why is it important?

Isolating a radiator means shutting off the water supply to that individual radiator. When the water supply has stopped flowing into your radiator, it is isolated from your central heating system.

It is important to isolate your radiators before you decide to remove them or you will end up with a situation where water is drained all over your home’s floor. The reason is that your home heating system is connected to your radiators, which are connected to pipes that circulate water around your home. So, always remember that if you plan to remove your radiator, you must isolate it first.

Reasons for Isolating a Radiator?

Reasons to isolate your radiator can be different for all individuals. Some want to isolate the radiator because they plan to remove it for relocation or decoration.

And some isolate radiators because they leak too much or don’t need heating in some rooms of their home. No matter the reason, isolating a radiator is a vital DIY plumbing technique you should know how to perform when the time comes.

Are there any tools required for isolating your radiator?

Yes, there are a few important tools that you need to arrange before you start to isolate your radiator. The tools are the following:

• Adjustable Pliers
• Spanners
• Piece of cloth
• A small steel or plastic container

Safety considerations

There aren’t any necessary safety considerations for isolating your radiator

However, we suggest that you wear old clothes, as while bleeding, removing, and separating, the radiator might spill out some gunk on your clothes that might stain them.

Also, ensure you have arranged all the above tools to ensure improper isolation without damaging your radiator or injuring yourself.

How do you isolate a radiator yourself?

Before isolating your radiator, you will need to understand your valves. Your radiator has two valves: the manual valve and the lock shield valve. Also, another type of valve attached to your radiator externally is known as the thermostatic radiator valve.

The role of a manual valve is to control the flow of hot water into your radiator. And the role of a Lock shield valve is to control the amount of heat your radiator releases to balance the system.

Related article: How to balance your radiator?

Now, talking about the TRV (thermostatic radiator valve), it is set to a desired temperature according to your preference. When that temperature is reached, it restricts the further flow of hot water into your radiators.

After a quick overview of your radiator’s valve, let’s delve into the process.

Isolating a Radiator with a Turn Valve

Just locate the valve at your radiator’s bottom left or right corner and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns. After doing that, you will have successfully turned off your radiator.

Isolating a Radiator with a Thermostatic Radiator valve

If you have invested in a thermostatic valve for your radiator, locate it at the bottom of the left or right side of your radiator. After discovering it, you will find the number dial on it. Just turn those dial ratings up to zero by turning them clockwise. And your radiator will be turned off.

Isolating a Radiator with a Lock shield valve

The Lock shield valve is a vital radiator isolation valve that should be closed carefully without being damaged. You will have to follow a step-by-step procedure, which is the following:

Step 1: Identify the lock shield valve

To identify a lock shield valve, look for the valve that does not turn and has a plastic cap on it.

Step 2: Remove the cap

Now you will have to remove the cap of the lock shield valve to see the valve. Some caps come with screws that need to be unscrewed, and some caps can be easily removed by pulling them upwards.

Step 3: Turn the valve clockwise!

After removing the cap, place the pliers to the valve and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns.

After you have closed both valves, meaning no more hot water flows into your radiator, it’s time to bleed out the remaining water. To bleed out your radiator, place a towel and plastic bowl first, then use your bleeding key and attach it to the bleed valve to remove excess water.

Related article: How to bleed out your radiators

How Much time will it take to Isolate a radiator?

Isolating a radiator is a simple and easy job that should not take more than 5–10 minutes if you have the right tools and know the procedure.

However, removing a radiator, including turning it off and refitting it again, might take around 30 minutes or more. It is suggested that you also ask for the help of another person while removing or replacing your radiator.

Will isolating the radiator stop a leak?

It depends because leakage can be caused due to many reasons. Isolating a radiator may not stop the leakage, and you will need to find where the water is leaking from. If your radiator leaks, it might have gotten rusty and old, and you will have to remove it or replace it with a new one. If the valve leaks, you will need to find the exact valve. However, it is suggested that you contact a gas safety engineer to inspect leakages and let him resolve the faults.

Related article: Is your Radiator leaking?

Can you remove a radiator and still use central heating?

Yes, you can use central heating after removing your radiators. When you remove the radiators, you will isolate them from the central heating system by turning off the valves. However, remember that when you remove your radiator, you restrict the flow of water, so it is suggested not to remove all radiators in your home but to remove one or two so that your system does not get affected.

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