Shouldn't my heater work if I can move the valve?
502 sats \ 8 comments \ @ek 9 Nov DIY
A bit of a different ~DIY post. I just want to fix my heater. The situation is as follows:
  1. the heater works for the residents above me
  2. I assumed this means that the heating was turned on for everyone in the house since it's usually central heating but I didn't 100% confirm (is there even another way to heat a building?)
  3. I read an article that a common issue when you want to turn on the heating in the winter is that the valve is stuck. So I unscrewed the knob and realized it's not really stuck, I can easily move it. It moves out easier than moving it back in (not sure what that means). Here's a video:
Does that mean the problem is not that it's stuck? I also noticed that by pulling it out, nothing happens. Shouldn't the heater already make some noise because water comes in? There is big resistance when I pull it out as much as you can see in the video so I didn't pull it out further since I know that pulling it out completely is really bad. Is the degree of movement you can see in the video fine?
Could something else be the issue?
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10k sats \ 7 replies \ @Satosora 9 Nov
What kind of thermostat do you have? One with a needle?
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26 sats \ 6 replies \ @ek OP 9 Nov
lol I didn't realize I need to turn it on. I thought it's only mechanics. It works now. Thank you!
Guess I have a more sophisticated heater than I thought. I thought the thing that I screwed off is somehow regulating the temperature by expanding and pushing the valve back in when it increases.
Now the valve also pushes itself out as I read on the internet.
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343 sats \ 5 replies \ @Satosora 9 Nov
Sometimes the thermostat sticks if it is an older design. You will also need to let it run for a while. If there is air in the system, then you might not get heat because you are on the lower level.
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24 sats \ 4 replies \ @ek OP 9 Nov
I am on the fourth floor. I have put it on full power now and water is pouring in. The heater is definitely getting hot, maybe it just won't get as hot as possible with some air in it.
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1010 sats \ 3 replies \ @Satosora 9 Nov
Okay, open it to the max and let it circulate. If you have to, open some windows. You want to clean your piping out if you can. If there is some sediment, it could mean that your heater wont work as efficiently. Also air will make it less efficient. Let it run at max for an hour or so if you can. Dont be frightened if there is gurgling sound.
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23 sats \ 2 replies \ @ek OP 9 Nov
Thank you very much for all your advice, you’re a life saver! I rather freezed the past days than look into it but yesterday night was too cold haha
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26 sats \ 1 reply \ @Satosora 9 Nov
You should have asked last night, I would have given you the same answer. You wouldnt have had to freeze then!
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23 sats \ 0 replies \ @ek OP 9 Nov
I simply perfected my burrito form in bed last night
Maybe I should keep a sleeping bag in my place for emergencies. 👀
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