How to Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves | This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey enhances the performance of an old radiator with a new thermostatic valve. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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What Does a Thermostatic Radiator Valve Do?
Thermostatic radiator valves control the heat output from a single radiator for better energy efficiency. In doing so, you also create mini-zones in your heating system.

Cost: $50 to $100
Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Skill level: Moderate. Requires basic plumbing skills and the strength to bust loose old threaded fittings

Shopping List for How to Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves:
- thermostatic radiator valve
- pipe sealant (dope), seals threaded fittings
- single-strand wicking, improves water-tight seal on threaded fittings
- canvas drop cloth, used to protect floor

Tools for How to Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves:
- two pipe wrenches, used to loosen and tighten threaded fittings
- spud wrench, used to loosen and tighten spud
- drill/driver, for drilling holes and driving screws
- 3/8-inch-diameter twist drill bit, for drilling hole in side of metal radiator cover

Thermostatic Valve Installation in 13 Steps
Drain water from radiator.
Use pipe wrenches to disconnect old valve from radiator.
Remove spud using a spud wrench and pipe wrench.
Apply thread sealant to new spud, then wrap single-strand wicking around the spud threads.
Use a spud wrench and pipe wrench to install the new spud.
Apply pipe dope and single-strand wicking to the threads of the existing pipe.
Install the new thermostatic radiator valve and tighten with a pipe wrench.
Apply pipe sealant to face of spud.
Tighten connection between spud and new valve using a pipe wrench.
Drill hole in radiator cover.
Feed wire through hole, then screw sensor to side of radiator cover.
Connect the sensor's wire to the valve.
Slide radiator cover into place.

About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Install Thermostatic Radiator Valves | This Old House
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