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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Heating and Cooling
Heating Systems
Radiators for Buildings
How to Turn a Radiator Off Download Article Co-authored by Hunter Rising
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Turning the Valves on Your Radiator
|
Removing a Lockshield Valve
|
Video
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 547,349 times. Learn more...
Radiators use water and steam to heat your home, but if you want to cool down or perform maintenance, you’ll have to turn it off. Radiators, whether they're 1-pipe or 2-pipe systems, are easy to turn off with the turn of just a few valves. No matter the type of radiator you have, with a few simple tools you can keep your radiator from running.
A Guide to Switch Off a Radiator
Find the thermostatic valve on the left side of your radiator, and turn the valve clockwise until the dial reads 0. Locate the second valve on the right side of your radiator, then twist it clockwise until it stops. This will turn off the flow of hot water so you can cool down.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Turning the Valves on Your Radiator
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1 Locate the thermostatic valve on the left side of the radiator if you have one. Most times, the thermostatic valve is on the bottom of the radiator. If the valve is not near the floor, then it can be found at the top of the radiator’s left side. Look for a dial that has numbers on it to determine if it’s a thermostatic valve.[1]XResearch source
While some radiators just have an on and off switch, a thermostatic radiator allows you to control the amount of heat it puts out.
If your radiator doesn’t have a thermostatic valve or is a 1-pipe system, you can skip this step.
2 Turn the valve clockwise so the dial reads 0. Twist the valve by hand until it doesn’t turn any further and the arrow on the dial points to 0. This means the temperature is set so the radiator won’t run.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Find the second valve on the right side of the radiator. This valve is also located near the floor but on the right side. The valve should have a plastic twist cap on top of it.[3]XResearch source
If you don’t have a thermostatic valve, all you need to do is turn this valve.
4 Twist the valve clockwise until it doesn’t turn anymore. Once both valves are closed, the radiator will be completely turned off so you can cool down.[4]XResearch source
Let the radiator cool down for at least an hour before touching it.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Removing a Lockshield Valve
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1 Remove the screw from the valve cap if there is one. Look on the right side of your radiator near the floor to find the valve. Use a screwdriver and turn the screw counter-clockwise until it’s loose. Set the screw aside in a safe place so you don’t lose it.[5]XResearch source
Not all lockshield valves will have a screw.
Check the valve beforehand to determine if you need a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver.
2 Take the cap off of the valve. Lockshield valves have caps that don’t control anything when if you try to turn them. Remove the cap to access the actual valve underneath. When the screw is removed, simply lift the cap off the valve and set it aside so it doesn’t get lost.[6]XResearch source
If your valve cap had a screw, store the cap and screw together.
3 Turn the valve clockwise with a pair of pliers. Grip the top of the metal valve with a sturdy pair of pliers and turn it clockwise. Keep turning the valve until it doesn’t go any further. When it’s all the way to the right, the radiator is off.[7]XResearch source
The metal valve may be hot, so do not touch it with your bare hands.
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Warnings
Don’t touch the metal on the valve with your bare hands since it may be hot. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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Things You’ll Need
Removing a Lockshield Valve
Screwdriver
Pliers
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Co-authored by: Hunter Rising wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 547,349 times. 13 votes - 63% Co-authors: 4Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 547,349 Categories: Radiators for BuildingsArticle SummaryX
To turn a radiator off, locate the thermostatic valve on the left side and turn the valve clockwise until the dial reads 0. Next, find the second valve on the right side of the radiator and twist it clockwise until it won't turn anymore. Once both valves are closed, the radiator will be completely turned off. If you have to remove a lockshield valve from the valve cap on the right side, use a screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise until it's loose. Then, take the cap off the valve and use a pair of pliers to turn the valve clockwise as far as you can. For more tips, including how long it'll take for your radiator to cool down, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Gordon Cooper
May 4, 2022
"This has helped me to turn off my radiators - much appreciated, thanks."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Hunter Rising wikiHow Staff Writer 13 votes - 63% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 4Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 547,349
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May 4, 2022
"This has helped me to turn off my radiators - much appreciated, thanks." Share yours!
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Co-authored by: Hunter Rising wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 547,349 times. 13 votes - 63% Co-authors: 4 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 547,349 Categories: Radiators for Buildings Article SummaryX
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1 Locate the thermostatic valve on the left side of the radiator if you have one. Most times, the thermostatic valve is on the bottom of the radiator. If the valve is not near the floor, then it can be found at the top of the radiator’s left side. Look for a dial that has numbers on it to determine if it’s a thermostatic valve.[1] 
2 Turn the valve clockwise so the dial reads 0. Twist the valve by hand until it doesn’t turn any further and the arrow on the dial points to 0. This means the temperature is set so the radiator won’t run.[2] Advertisement 
3 Find the second valve on the right side of the radiator. This valve is also located near the floor but on the right side. The valve should have a plastic twist cap on top of it.[3] 
4 Twist the valve clockwise until it doesn’t turn anymore. Once both valves are closed, the radiator will be completely turned off so you can cool down.[4] 
1 Remove the screw from the valve cap if there is one. Look on the right side of your radiator near the floor to find the valve. Use a screwdriver and turn the screw counter-clockwise until it’s loose. Set the screw aside in a safe place so you don’t lose it.[5] 
2 Take the cap off of the valve. Lockshield valves have caps that don’t control anything when if you try to turn them. Remove the cap to access the actual valve underneath. When the screw is removed, simply lift the cap off the valve and set it aside so it doesn’t get lost.[6] 
3 Turn the valve clockwise with a pair of pliers. Grip the top of the metal valve with a sturdy pair of pliers and turn it clockwise. Keep turning the valve until it doesn’t go any further. When it’s all the way to the right, the radiator is off.[7] 