This guide is your only source of information on radiator valves. Our goal was to create a guide that can assist customers in finding, purchasing, installing, and maintaining the best radiator valves for their radiator installations.
This guide will help you understand the differences between valve types, and which styles and colours to choose for your radiators. It will also explain how valves work and when to replace or purchase a new one.
You'll find everything you need here, whether you're buying your first radiator valve or are looking for information about their operation and how to maintain them.
This guide will focus on two areas: buying a valve, and tips for using valves. This is what we will be covering:
How to find the Radiator Valves you Need
You need to purchase a new radiator valve, but you don't know how to begin. It's a bit like buying a radiator: knowing where to start can make it difficult to determine which radiator valves are needed.
Consider these things when buying a new radiator valve:
- Size
- Shape
- Finish & Color
- Functionality
- The brand
- Price
- Accessories
If you are looking for radiator valves that match your home's interior, our blog can help you find inspiration. Those looking to impress will be able to look through the most recent radiator products in stock to find striking designs that complement their decor.
Also, consider whether your valves should match the design of your radiator or if you prefer a unique design that adds character to your installation.
The Different Types of Radiator Valves
There are eight types of radiator valves. This is something that most people won't be able to recite or categorize when presented with each valve.
Knowing how to distinguish between different types of valves is a key aspect to buying new valves. This helps customers avoid buying the wrong valve that doesn't fit with their existing heating system.
The correct type gives you more control over each radiator unit.
These are the different types of radiator valves:
- Thermostatic Radiator Valve
- Manual Radiator Valve
- Dual-Fuel Radiator Valve
- Traditional Radiator Valve
Valves for the Thermostatic Radiator
Thermostatic radiator valves are the most popular type of radiator in the UK. They offer a high degree of flexibility and allow the user to heat the space exactly how they want it. These radiator valves are usually equipped with a dial at the top that can be turned between 1 and 5.
The temperature of your room and not the temperature inside the radiator determines the number of valves. This allows for water to be pumped into the radiator at a certain level. This guide can be used to give an idea of the temperature numbers; however, it may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Manual Radiator Valves
This heating system is the easiest to use and most discreet.
Manual radiator valves are simple to operate. To adjust the radiator's hot water level, you must manually adjust the valves. These valves are usually small.
A manual valve is not like a thermostatic one, where you can set the valve to a specific number and then leave it alone. It requires that you become familiar with the "sweet spot" of a valve. This may mean it takes a few tries to find it in each room. If you have a thermostat in a room or need to control it from a central thermostat, manual valves will work.
Dual Fuel Radiator Valves
Sometimes, you will need a radiator that is compatible with your central heating system but also acts independently.
Dual-fuel radiators accomplish this. Dual-fuel radiators have an internal element that can operate independently. A dual-fuel radiator valve must be able to adjust to your standard heating and provide heat when the electric element has been used.
These valves have the main advantage of not requiring new pipework to be installed.
Traditional Radiator Valves
This valve type is most often confused with manual radiator valves. The "traditional" refers to the shape and style.
Radiator valves of the past had a round, or lever-shaped handle at the top and a similar lockshield. They come in a variety of valve types, including manual or thermostatic depending on how much control you need from your radiator.
Valves for Angled Radiator
The most common setup is the angle radiator valve. An angled radiator valve will be required for any location where your radiator must make a 90deg connection to the vertical plane.
One rule of thumb: An angled valve is required if the right angle is in and up. The right angle is in (i.e. A corner valve is needed if the right angle (i.e., protrudes towards your face) and in.
Corner Radiator Valves
Most radiators will have valves meeting the pipework at a 90deg angle vertically, but corner radiator valves can be used on a horizontal plane. When pipes are pushed against the wall, not the floor.
Corner valves are not recommended for traditional radiator installations. They can't be modified.
Radiator Valve Sizes Available
Many people are unaware that there are different sizes of radiator valves. You could end up with a valve that doesn't work no matter what you do.
The problem is not because your radiator has an unusual valve size, but rather because the pipes that your radiator is connected to are out of the ordinary. The standard size for UK rooms is 15mm. However, you might find pipes that are 8mm, 10mm, or 22mm. A house's history and the changes over the years can be told by its size.
To attach your radiator to a larger pipe, 22mm radiator valves will be required. When the radiator requires a greater flow of water, it is more common to use wider pipes. You may find 22mm entry in your bathroom. These are because wider pipes allow for greater flow from the hot water tank to your bathroom.
If you have a single radiator that was added to an existing heating system, 10mm radiator valves will usually be required. Although it is not common for a whole house to have 10mm pipes, a radiator in a conservatory or similar space may see these pipes and valves.
When microbore pipes have been installed in a room or house, 8mm radiator valves will be required. It was a common feature in homes built between the 20th and 21st centuries. This was because it was considered a cost-saving measure as well as aesthetically pleasing. Because you use a smaller amount of water, heat loss from water is reduced by smaller pipes. Microbore pipes are less prone to blockages or kinks.
How to deal with a Radiator Valve Seize
It can be alarming to see water leaking from a radiator. Sometimes, the radiator valve can be the source of the leak.
If the valve's internal parts are worn out, a radiator valve could leak. Knowing the source is key to fixing it. A leak will not cause water to squirt out of the radiator valve, but rather a slow drip.
Grab a towel and dry the area around your valve with it. Once you can see the source of the leak, you will be able to identify the area and isolate it.
These are the most popular places to check:
• The nut that attaches the valve to the radiator
• The nut that attaches the valve to the pipe
• To check for holes, inspect the underside of your radiator
• The radiator's top
• If you have a manual valve, the gland (cap).
Turn the thermostatic valve to zero if it is leaking. If the leak persists, the problem is likely to be caused by a worn spindle. The valve should be replaced.
If water seeps from the radiator nut, it is likely that the threading is faulty. You will need to remove the valve, drain the system and apply PTFE tape to the tail of the valve before you put it back in.
If water is coming out from a manual valve/cap, turn it off and dry it. If water is still coming from the valve, you can turn off the lock shield and remove the valve nut. Use PTFE tape to wrap around the valve opening. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten it again. It can be difficult to do this, so we recommend hiring a professional.
How to change a radiator valve
Although it is more difficult than fitting a valve to a radiator, it can be done much quicker. This is due in large part to the fact that you will already have the radiator in its place and won’t need to move it around.
Most people will replace a radiator valve if it is damaged. This video shows you how to replace a damaged valve.
You can replace an existing radiator by fitting a radiator valve on it. The process is as follows:
1. Turn off your water supply and close the radiator.
2. You can drain the radiator completely by laying down sheets or towels to protect your floor. Sometimes, it may be necessary to drain the heating system completely.
3. You will need to carefully unscrew the valve. Make sure you remove the tail that connects the valve to the radiator. Also, you might need to remove the olive and screw from the pipe.
4. If you are changing an existing radiator, give the pipe and radiator entry a good clean.
5. Attach the radiator entry by wrapping PTFE tape around your valve's tail. Do not overtighten the tape as it will snap and cause damage to the radiator thread.
6. Attach a new nut, olive and tail to the pipe and, if necessary, the top
7. Connect the main section to the tail and pipe, then screw it together in a tight seal.
8. Turn on the water supply, and allow the radiator to fill up again
This process can be complicated and requires you to handle the internal mechanisms of the radiator entry and valve. If you aren't confident, get professional assistance.