The different types of radiator valve are:
- Thermostatic Radiator Valve.
- Manual Radiator Valve.
- Dual-Fuel Radiator Valve.
- Traditional Radiator Valve.
- Modern Radiator Valve.
- Straight Radiator Valve.
- Angled Radiator Valve.
- Corner Radiator Valve.
What are the different types of radiator valves?
This is pretty simple there are two main types of radiator valve, these are manual and thermostatic and, for safety, there is also a lockshield valve.
What is the difference with radiator valves?
A thermostatic valve or TRV as it is often called will shut off the radiator if the temperature has been reached for the room, whereas a manual valve will only close if you physically go and turn it off. Basically a manual valve is either on or off and there is no much in-between.
Do radiator valves fit all radiators?
You not only need to choose which radiator valves you want because your pipework isn’t the same as everyone elses, but neither is your taste in interior decoration. You get to choose exactly which radiator valves match: your radiator, the angle/direction of your pipework and of course, your room’s decor.
What are the two radiator valves called?
One valve accounts for the amount of hot water that enters the radiator. The other valve, referred to as the lockshield valve, balances the system by regulating how much heat the radiator gives off. For a more detailed insight, take a look at our Radiator Valve Guide.
How do I know what type of radiator valve I have?
Anywhere your radiator has to make a 90° connection on the vertical plane, an angled radiator valve is needed. A quick rule of thumb is this: If the right angle is up and in, you need an angled valve. If the right angle is out (i.e. protrudes towards you) and in, you need a corner valve.
How do I know which valve is which on a radiator?
Valves are located on the bottom of the radiator where the pipes come into and exit the radiator. These are normally situated at the bottom left and right of the radiator, but some radiators have valves that come into the centre of the radiator, again at the bottom.
Are radiator valves universal?
The connection between your valve and the radiator is standard across all moderns radiators and valves. The size differences listed above refers to the width of your pipes that the valves will slot onto.
What is the difference between straight and angled radiator valves?
Radiator Valve Shapes
The name just describes the shape of the valve and how it connects the radiator to the pipework. For example, angled radiator valves connect the pipework to the radiator at a 90-degree angle. Straight valves have no bends or curves and connect the pipework either horizontally or vertically.
Should radiator valves be open or closed?
When you take the temperature of your radiator and valves you’ll be making tiny adjustments.You close the first radiator’s valve and then open it gradually until you have reached the desired temperature. If your radiators are not balanced, it will be harder to achieve the desired temperature if they are already on.
Are all radiator thermostats universal?
However this in not the case now and most, if not all, TRVs are universal, meaning that the flow can be either way through them without making and alterations to them. This means that there is no restriction to which side of the radiator they can go.
Should there be a thermostatic valve on every radiator?
It’s always a good idea to fit some! We recommend you fit a thermostatic valve on every radiator. But there’s no need to fit one in a room with a fixed room thermostat.
What is the difference between a lockshield and radiator valve?
The Lockshield valve restricts hot water flow to radiators to help balance the entire system as a whole. Other radiator valves can be used to help adjust the temperature of a radiator to help heat or cool a room.In doing so, you will be able to pick the radiator and radiator valve that is most suitable for your needs.
Does it matter which side of radiator flow and return?
The vast majority of new TRV’s are bidirectional and can be fitted to either the flow or return, but it is always good practice to fit them to the flow side. If a non bidirectional TRV is fitted on the return side it will create a vibrating sound as the water tries to flow though it.
Which side of radiator is flow?
left
The flow of a radiator is typically on the left as you look at it stood up or attached to the wall.
What is lockshield valve?
Lockshield valves are the covered valves on a radiator, usually by a plastic cap which prevents them from being accidently altered.When a radiator is taking too long to warm up it might need the lockshield opening to allow a greater flow of water through.
Why do radiators have 2 valves?
Radiator valves are necessary in whatever form as they allow an easy way to stop the flow of the central heating circuit into the radiator.The reason you need two valves generally on all rads is because the system dictates a flow and return. The flow pipework carries the newly heated water from the boiler.
Do all radiators have valves?
It’s worth noting that if you buy a new radiator they will not normally come with valves. This is because you need to pick the radiator valve to suit your own individual pipework. Often, people forget that both a lockshield valve, and a manual or TRV valve is required, for each new radiator.
What is a radiator valve tail?
Radiator valve tails are the devices that screw into the two bottom radiator tappings. They are connectors between the radiator and the valves that control the flow of water through the radiator. You might need to change a tail to fit a new type of valve.
Are radiator valves directional?
Most modern thermostatic radiator valves are bi-directional so can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator. However, it’s always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator.
What do the symbols on radiator valves mean?
Radiator valves have numbers or symbols to represent how much heat the radiator is putting out. Normally, these numbers range from 1 6. Turning the valve to 3 should give you a room temperature around 20°C. Each number above or below then represents a single degree.
Contents