Basic TRV not working

decoy

Hi,

I have an issue where my one Basic TRV has stopped working. I have a bunch of the standard ones, that are all working fine. Ive had the system for about a year.

I noticed the radiator (the problematic valve was attached to ) was always on and the app was showing the little disconnected 'X'. Its constantly making a winding sound and the LED lights move from both ends to the middle, this happens every few seconds and when attached or detached. The only other thing it does do is goes into the setup (spanner symbol) when I remove and reattach it to the radiator. It goes thru the process but fails and returns to its winding noise cycle.

Ive reinstalled it a few times, removed the batteries for extended periods of time, tried repairing, tried other TRVs on the radiator in question and tried the 'faulty' one on other radiators, its not changing and seems to be the common problem.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Any solutions?

Jillox

I have a similar issue. Everything worked fine last winter. One valve indicates on the app that everything is fine but the radiator is permanently on. I haven't found a solution yet. Anyone else?

wateroakley

If you have tried resetting the TRV by removing the batteries, leave out for at least 30 secs, and reinsert … sounds like a faulty TRV.

Bridged

Have you tried putting some spray oil into the troublesome radiator valve? Apologies if grandmother and eggs!

decoy

Hi,

so this is still an issue and as Im heading back into winter itd be nice to have resolved.

Thanks for these comments and suggestions.

Yes I have tried the reset method several times to no avail.

Im hesitant to spray with a lubricate as this can void warranty in some cases.

I had written to Tado several times, using the chat. First time I was eventually given a link and asked to send photos, videos descriptions etc but never heard back and never got a response or link in follow up queries. The whole process seemed designed to just send you in circles.

Its disappointing as I really love the system. But its about the worst customer service Ive dealt with in resent years and surprising considering the about of money these systems can amount to.

Im hoping, in vain, to hear from someone from the company that could help in solving this matter

srichards

If it doesn't settle then it's faulty in all likelihood when other valves work on the same radiator. I think mine started making random Werrpppp noises and not behaving sensibly at all. Tried it on another radiator. Same result. Normal TRV worked fine on the radiator the suspect smart one was usually on. Did all the usual things of changing batteries and leaving them out. Nothing worked. Replaced it with a new one and that was fine.

If you use a face of a coin to push down on the radiator valve itself you can check it's moving freely. If it isn't then a bit of WD40 or silicon spray isn't a bad idea. Leave it to dry and wipe off any excess on the top of the pin.

hugbilly

I had one TRV which failed in similar fashion. I’ve been meaning to dismantle it to see if I can work out what’s happened but it has some rather shallow headed cross head screws which I don’t have a suitable driver for . . .

decoy

I would expect Tado would replace a faulty Smart TRV, it didn’t even work 6
Months before it died but impossible to contact them.
All the pins are functioning (actually had replaced the trv base from a standard one so to be able to use the smart valve). But thanks for the suggestion.
Coincidentally, the whole system died the day after my last post. Nothings working now, bridge refuses to connect to the internet, regardless of trying tados suggestions (changing cables, location, resets etc).
Starting to reconsider this purchase

wateroakley

@decoy Hello. Sorry to hear that the Tado system has totally failed for you. Best suggestion is to reach out to Tado support, this is easiest from their web page. @Emcee is on-line frequently during working hours and may be able to reach out to the support teams for you.

policywonk

@decoy have you tried the procedure recommended by @srichards? Your basic TRV is claiming that either it can't push the pin down on the stat, or that the pin does not follow it back up. Hence those spanner messages.
If the pin is stuck, the actual thermostat base that's plumbed in is faulty. @srichards procedure can work, it isn't guaranteed, however it usually works as a trick to free up the pin. Once freed up everything should work but the problem may return within a year.
If the pin is stuck I'd advise that the thermostat base is replaced with a good quality one.

decoy

Hi @policywonk yes as mentioned Id had replaced the trv base and tested the pin prior, pin move freely. I have also swapped out my working trvs onto this radiator and they work fine. Removed batteries, changes batteries, re-paired etc

The faulty trv makes a grinding sound regardless of whether its attached to the base.

Thanks

policywonk

Darn. Maybe the Tado side of the TRV has actually failed. Do you have another one you can pull off another radiator, fit to this one temporarily to confirm?