Balancing The System

In its simple form, the balancing of a system is adjusting the radiator valves to make sure that the radiators all heat up at the same rate. If one radiator is too cold, it will require more hot water to flow inside it, and if one is too hot, then its water flow needs to be restricted. Balancing is done by using the “lockshield” valve. This is the valve at the opposite bottom corner of the radiator to the main on/off TRV (thermostatic radiator valve). Should you not feel confident to balance your system you can call a professional plumber like a Belgravia Plumber. Before you start, you must make sure that all the radiators register the same temperature drop. Do this by using clip on thermometers which are available to buy. Clip one of the thermometers on the inlet pipe that sits under the radiator valve and clip anotherother on the return pipe, that also sits under the valve.

The temperature difference should be around 11°C (20°F). If this not so, screw down the lock-shield valve on the radiator a small amount to raise the temperature difference. Open this valve a small amount to lower it. The balance is now hopefully now correct, you will now be ok to adjust the pump’s speed slowly with small turns until the best temperature of the radiators is achieved. Shut down the pump before making every adjustment. Again if you have any doubts don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumbing service like Belgravia Plumbers. If you ever have the need to have a variable headed pump installed the plumber will balance all the radiators, and adjust the pump speed so that the best temperature can be found for all the rooms. Sometimes a room’s temperature can’t be altered purely by opening a radiator valves, but it should be adjustable by changing the circulating pump speed.