Which valve is which on a radiator?
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.
How do you adjust a radiator valve?
Balancing radiators: step-by-step guide
- Bleed your radiators.
- Turn off your central heating.
- List all the radiators in your home.
- Open your radiator valves.
- Identify the fastest heating radiator.
- Turn the heating off and then on again.
- Turn the lockshield valve on the fastest heating radiator.
- Take temperature readings.
Should both valves be open on a radiator?
You should open both of the valves on all of your system’s radiator when you are starting the radiator balancing process. You will most likely need to use pliers to open the lockshield valve. Once this is done your radiator system should be fully balanced and your radiators should heat up evenly and efficiently.
What should radiator valves be set at?
As a rule of thumb most guidelines recommend heating your home to 70F (21C) and bedroom temperatures should be kept a little cooler to around 64F (18C). For most people this temperature will be comfortable, but if it feels a little hot (or alternatively cold) then the temperature can be adjusted from this baseline.
Are all radiator valves the same size?
15mm valves are the only size you’re likely to encounter, since 15mm copper pipes are the most common. There are also other sizes, from 8mm to 28mm, and there are accompanying adapters.
What do the numbers on radiator valves mean?
The numbers on a thermostatic radiator valve refer to the temperature in the room, not the radiator. If the room is cold, the the TRV will allow more hot water into the room to heat it up. As the room gets warmer, the TRV will restrict the amount of hot water coming into the radiator to maintain the temperature.
What happens if all lockshield valves are fully open?
On most radiators, this is the valve you can’t turn by hand. By closing a fully-open lockshield valve by a few turns (with a pair of grips or screwdriver), you can slow down the rate at which water enters the radiator and reduce the speed with which it gets hot.
What size valves do I need?
Recommend Valve length you should choose for your wheels
| Rim Depth | Valve Length Needed |
|---|---|
| 35mm | 55mm |
| 40mm | 55mm |
| 45mm | 60mm |
| 50mm | 60 – 70mm |
Is the radiator part of the central heating system?
However, the radiator valve is an essential and integral part of the radiator and the central heating system.
Where can I find the right radiator valve?
With a large range of radiator valves available from Toolstation, it will be easy to find the right one for a radiator from our extensive heating range. Browse our selection of thermostatic radiator valves which are highly energy efficient, controlling the temperature of a room. Read more
How does a manual valve on a radiator work?
Nothing too complicated here, a manual valve is probably the most common type of radiator valve and works in a very similar way to a tap. You turn it on to allow the water (central heating) to pass into your radiator and when it has reached the desired temperature, you can turn it off again – hence the name ‘Manual Valve’.
When do you use a corner valve on a radiator?
Straight valves are not the only type of valve available. Corner Valves are used when the pipework turns at a 90% angle into the radiator. Corner valves are used when the pipework comes from the wall and not the floor. Angled valves are used for when pipework comes from vertically from the floor and needs to attach at an angle into the radiator.