Radiator Valves

A radiator valve is a crucial component in a heating system that regulates the flow of hot water into your radiator. They serve as a control mechanism, allowing you to manage the temperature of individual radiators or rooms in your home by adjusting the flow of hot water. Radiator valves come in various types, each with different functions and shapes. But how do they differ and are they universal? Find out with the following frequently asked questions about radiator valves.

 

What are the different types of radiator valves?

Radiator valves differ in terms of how they work and also in terms of their shape. In terms of how they work, the choice is between two different types: manual and thermostatic. Both of these control water flow through the pipes in order to heat up your radiator, but they have slightly different functions:

• Manual: Operating manually, manual radiator valves require you to turn the dial to set your desired radiator temperature. While easy to use and maintain, there's a chance of forgetting to turn them off, potentially affecting your heating bills. Despite this, keeping an eye on manual valves can ensure better control over your heating system.
• TRVs: Thermostatic radiator valves function with an in-built thermostat, measuring the room's temperature and adjusting the radiator's heat output accordingly. They offer remarkable flexibility, preventing rooms from overheating and enabling precise management of individual spaces. By adapting to temperature changes, these valves minimise energy usage and contribute to cost savings on your bills.

In terms of shape, the choice is between angled and straight valves. Which you choose depends on where the inlet is positioned on your radiator and whether the pipes come out of the wall or the floor:

• Angled: Angled radiator valves are essential when pipes need to make a 90-degree turn to enter the radiator. Particularly common in bathrooms, where towel rail pipework typically emerges from the floor, towel radiators often feature a bottom radiator valve inlet to accommodate this setup.
• Straight: Utilised when pipes maintain a straight path along the wall or floor, straight radiator valves consist of a direct body leading from the inlet to the radiator. They lack bends or curves, connecting the pipework horizontally or vertically.

 

Do all valves fit all radiators?

Valves for radiators vary in shapes and sizes, but they typically fit most modern heating systems due to the universal connection size between the valve and radiator. In many cases, these valves are interchangeable, depending on the radiator inlets and pipework positions. Angled and corner radiator valves are often interchangeable but H-block valves are incompatible with angled or corner valves, as they're designed for radiators with middle connection inlets. Similarly, straight valves are suitable solely for bottom inlets linked to floor-mounted pipework.

 

What is the difference between a lockshield and radiator valve?

The lockshield valve is identified by the presence of a plastic cap that usually covers the radiator valve. Its name stems from this cap, which safeguards the valve settings once adjusted, preventing accidental modifications. These valves, available in various shapes, utilise the cap to regulate the flow of water from the radiator into the pipework. They offer innovative control over water system distribution, enabling the synchronisation of heating rates for radiators of different sizes within your home.

 

Can you fit new radiator valves without draining the system?

For single radiator valve replacements, you can do so without draining the entire system. However, if multiple valve replacements across several radiators are needed, it's best to conduct a complete drainage of the heating system for better efficiency and thoroughness.