How to Turn a Radiator Off

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: April 20, 2024 References

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Turning the Valves on Your Radiator

Download Article

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]
X
Research 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.
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]
X
Research 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]
X
Research 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]
X
Research source}
- Let the radiator cool down for at least an hour before touching it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing a Lockshield Valve

Download Article

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]
X
Research 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]
X
Research 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]
X
Research source}
- The metal valve may be hot, so do not touch it with your bare hands.