How to Turn a Radiator Off (Any Valve): A Clear Guide
There are many reasons to turn off a radiator.
There are also many different types and sizes of radiator.
These factors affect what steps you take to turn your radiator off.
Read on to learn more.
Considerations before switching off your radiator
Long-term switch off
There are several reasons why you might want to turn your radiator off for a long period of time. For example:
- You have a rental property that’s going to be unoccupied
- You live in a large property and don’t want to heat empty rooms
- You’re about to go on an extended holiday during the winter.
In this case, consider turning your thermostat down to a minimum temperature (e.g. 10–12°C) rather than off entirely. This will protect against frozen pipes.
And if the property will be fully unoccupied for an extended period in winter, consult a heating engineer before draining or depressurising the system.
Short-term switch off
If your radiator is not heating up, has a leak, or you suspect another issue, isolate it quickly by closing both valves (see steps below).
If the leak is significant or involves a pipe rather than the radiator itself, turn off your boiler and the mains water supply (via the stopcock) immediately.
Then contact a heating engineer.
You'll also need to turn it off if you're going to bleed your radiator or get a power flush.
Bleeding vs. switching off
Bleeding a radiator is different to switching it off.
Bleeding involves releasing trapped airlocks to help the radiator perform better.
The most common sign that you need to bleed a radiator is if it’s cold at the top but warm lower down.
Turning off your radiator
Your radiators are turned off and on with the radiator valves.
Which type you have comes down to the age of your radiator.
(You might also need to balance your radiator, i.e., turn its valves to adjust it.)
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRV)
Step 1: Finding it
You’ll usually find the valve on a TRV radiator on the flow pipe.
This is the pipe that brings hot water to the radiator, usually at the bottom of it.
It will have a numbered dial on it for adjusting the heat the radiator gives off.
On modern systems, you'll see a second valve on the opposite side of the radiator.
This is the lockshield valve, and unlike the TRV, it won't have a numbered dial.
Step 2: Turn clockwise
On TRV radiators, to close the valve, turn the valve clockwise to 0 on the dial. Your radiator will now be turned off.
To do this on modern radiators, find the second valve on the opposite side of the radiator called the lockshield valve.
It is usually covered by a plastic cap.
To close it, remove the cap and turn the valve clockwise as far as it will go, with pliers or an adjustable spanner.
When both valves are closed, your radiator is fully isolated from the heating system.
Non-thermostatic (manual) valves
Step 1: Find it
Find the manual valve on either the left or right side at the bottom of your radiator.
The valve on the opposite side is the lockshield valve, which is usually covered by a plastic cap.
Step 2: Turn both valves clockwise
To turn your radiator off, turn the manual valve clockwise as far as it will go.
For the lockshield valve, remove the plastic cap then turn it clockwise as far as it will go (using pliers or an adjustable spanner).
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For more central heating tips, see our full guide.
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