my upstairs radiator in little bedroom os stone cold and the switch is full on?

eileen, February 2009

Does the radiator have a thermostatic valve, if so see if you can remove it without breaking it - the heat makes the plastic on some valves brittle, once removed tap not hit, the pin and see if it pops up, also check that the lock shield valve at the other end hasn't been turned off by other members in the house.

I have a job of sheltered housing flats in Cambridge, the quinn barlo valves fitted to the 300 odd rads there seize regularly, so leave the trv fully open once freed up to avoid it seizing again.

b penny, February 2009

Is it warm at the bottom.If it is it needs bleeding.Turn the boiler off get a cloth and only crack the bleedvalve open.Dont be tempted to undo it totally as it could fly out and you will flood the place.Hold the rag to the bleedvalve till you start to hear it hissing then start to tighten it back up.Once a drip of water comes from the bleedvalve,tighten fully then put the boiler back on.Hopefully you should then be ok.

Tony S, February 2009