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A radiator with an adjustable head does not stop heating - valves at the bottom of the device

Larsik300 11967 11
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  • #1 19159461
    Larsik300
    Level 4  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 12
    Hello. I have a question, maybe someone had a similar problem. I have a radiator with a head (as in the photo). I am unable to turn it off. When I turn the red head with numbers, it turns easily in every direction. The only thing I can do is to slightly reduce the flow of water and heat in the radiator (the noise of water in the radiator decreases). I can`t turn off the radiator. At the bottom of the radiator I have such valves (2nd photo). Thank you in advance for any help.
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    #3 19159520
    krzysiek_krm
    Level 40  
    Posts: 4612
    Help: 716
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    The photo shows only the valve, someone has dismantled the thermostatic head.
    The flow is controlled by how deep this protruding "rod" is pressed.
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    #4 19159585
    marian6666
    Level 15  
    Posts: 83
    Help: 8
    Rate: 129
    You have two options, either you "find" a cap that you screw on instead of the head and then cut off the water flow to the radiator, or you unscrew the two caps at the bottom and close the water flow to the radiator there.
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  • #5 19159622
    Larsik300
    Level 4  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 12
    I bought the apartment "with a radiator included" a week ago. And I discovered a partially hidden radiator behind the cabinets that cannot be turned off. The photos show the existing condition. Is there the correct valve under the caps? And I can easily unscrew them - the caps? And only under them is a valve that will block the water flow to the radiator?
  • #6 19159666
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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    #7 19159698
    krzysiek_krm
    Level 40  
    Posts: 4612
    Help: 716
    Rate: 598
    Larsik300 wrote:
    Is there the correct valve under the caps? And I can easily unscrew them - the caps? And only under them is a valve that will block the water flow to the radiator?

    You can unscrew the caps, there should be Allen keys under the caps, about 6 mm, screw them on and it`s ready. You can even dismantle this radiator - that`s what these local valves are for.
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    #8 19159702
    sunrise84
    Level 42  
    Posts: 7221
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    krzysiek_krm wrote:
    You can even dismantle this radiator - that`s what these local valves are for.


    After previously draining the water from it.
  • #9 19159706
    kierbedz4
    Level 36  
    Posts: 2707
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    Rate: 1004
    Screw a new head onto this valve and you will easily close the hot water flow to the radiator.
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    #10 19159767
    bratHanki
    Level 39  
    Posts: 5659
    Help: 451
    Rate: 1367
    The radiator is behind the cabinets and the head was probably not installed due to lack of space. There is still a cap, but it is from a specific valve manufacturer, as it may not fit from another one, and you will probably need to screw the valves under the radiator.
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    #11 19159775
    BUCKS
    Level 39  
    Posts: 3820
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    Larsik300 wrote:
    Is there the correct valve under the caps?

    the entire element in the first photo is a connection with shut-off valves, one on the supply and the other on the return.
    There will be Allen keys under the nuts, which can be used to completely disconnect the radiator from the installation.
    In practice, this valve is used to isolate the radiator from the installation for the duration of some renovation, maintenance, etc., or you can do the so-called orifice, i.e. limit the water flow and thus reduce the amount of heat the radiator will give.
    In the second photo you have a thermostatic valve, which requires a thermostatic head to work properly, which is missing in your case.
    The red element is used to make the so-called initial adjustment and setting the appropriate water flow.
    You can limit the water flow only with the red element or additionally with those at the bottom in the first photo.

    If you want the radiator to heat, you need a head, and if you want to "turn it off" completely, you turn both Allen keys on the lower connection and that`s it. But sometimes, after unscrewing these nuts, water may leak from the Allen key at the bottom. If the connection is functional, after unscrewing the nuts at the bottom, no water can leak there and it must be dry.
  • #12 19159798
    Larsik300
    Level 4  
    Posts: 7
    Rate: 12
    Thank you for your answers and help. It was enough to unscrew the caps at the bottom and tighten the appropriate valve with an Allen key. Regards
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Topic summary

✨ A user reported an issue with a radiator featuring an adjustable thermostatic head that could not be turned off. The head was easily adjustable but did not stop the heating. Responses indicated that the thermostatic head might be missing, and the flow could be controlled by valves located at the bottom of the radiator. Suggestions included using Allen keys to adjust the valves to stop the water flow or replacing the head with a compatible one. The user successfully resolved the issue by unscrewing the caps at the bottom and tightening the appropriate valve with an Allen key.
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FAQ

TL;DR: If your radiator won’t shut off, the head is missing; use a 6 mm Allen key to close two bottom valves—"about 6 mm," as one expert notes. Then fit a new thermostatic head for control. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #19159698]

Why it matters: For homeowners and tenants facing a radiator that keeps heating, this FAQ explains safe shut-off and head replacement.

Quick Facts

How do I turn off a radiator that won’t stop heating when the top “head” is missing?

Without the head, the valve stays open. Isolate the radiator using the lower connection. Remove the caps and close both Allen‑operated valves (supply and return). This completely disconnects the radiator from the system. Check that the area stays dry after tightening. [Elektroda, BUCKS, post #19159775]

What’s under the plastic caps at the bottom—is it safe to unscrew them?

Yes. They cover hex sockets for the local shut‑off valves. Unscrew the caps to access the Allen drives. Tighten them to stop flow. “You can even dismantle this radiator” after closing them. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #19159698]

Why doesn’t the red numbered ring stop the heat?

It is the preset ring for initial flow adjustment. It limits flow and noise but does not shut the radiator off. Use it to balance output, or use the bottom valves to isolate. For full control, add a thermostatic head. [Elektroda, BUCKS, post #19159775]

Where’s the rest of the thermostatic head?

It was removed. The photo shows only the valve body. A thermostatic head presses the valve pin to regulate flow. Without the head, the pin remains unregulated and flow continues. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #19159520]

Can I remove the radiator after closing the bottom valves?

Yes. These local valves exist so you can isolate and remove the radiator. Close both, then you can proceed. “You can even dismantle this radiator” after shutting them. Have containers ready for residual water. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #19159698]

Do I need to drain the radiator before taking it off?

Yes. After isolating it, drain the radiator to prevent spills. One member confirmed, “After previously draining the water from it.” Catch the water and protect flooring. [Elektroda, sunrise84, post #19159702]

What controls the flow inside the valve if the head is missing?

A spring‑loaded pin controls flow. The deeper it is pressed, the less water flows. The thermostatic head normally presses that pin. Without the head, heat continues. [Elektroda, krzysiek_krm, post #19159520]

What if water leaks from the bottom after I unscrew the nuts or adjust the Allen?

Sometimes water leaks from the lower connection after loosening. A functional connection must stay dry. If you see moisture, the connection or seals need service. Close valves and call a plumber or the building manager. [Elektroda, BUCKS, post #19159775]

How do I install a new thermostatic head so I can control the heat again?

Match a compatible thermostatic head to your valve. Screw the new head onto the valve body. Then use it to close or modulate the hot water flow. This restores normal room temperature control and shut‑off capability. [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #19159706]

Why might the head be missing on a radiator hidden behind furniture?

Installers often leave the head off when there is no space to turn it. A generic cap may not fit; caps are manufacturer‑specific. You may need to close the bottom valves instead. [Elektroda, bratHanki, post #19159767]

Quick steps: How do I shut off this radiator without the head?

Follow these steps:
  1. Remove the two caps on the lower connection.
  2. Insert an Allen key into each socket and turn clockwise to close supply and return.
  3. Verify the radiator cools and the lower connection stays dry. [Elektroda, BUCKS, post #19159775]

Can I just throttle the heat using the bottom valves instead of a head?

Yes. You can use the lower valves as an orifice to limit flow and reduce heat. The red ring can also limit flow. For precise, automatic control, install a thermostatic head. [Elektroda, BUCKS, post #19159775]

Is there a video to help me identify the missing head and valve?

Yes. A member pointed to a video explaining thermostatic heads and valves. Use it to visualize the missing parts before buying a head. [Elektroda, Rysiek2, post #19159469]
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