Do you need a lockshield valve?

A lockshield valve helps to balance out that radiator and ensure the whole system is in sync, with all radiators heating at the same rate. It is therefore every bit as important a valve as without the system being balanced, there is often little point adjusting an individual temperature valve.

Do all radiators have a lockshield valve?

Lockshield Valves Explained

A lockshield valve is slightly different from manual and thermostatic valves as it controls how much water can exit a radiator. Every radiator has one, and you need them to make sure all the radiators remain balanced in your central heating system.

What does a lockshield valve do?

The lockshield valve restricts hot water flow to certain radiators in order to divert flow to others, thereby balancing the system. Once any air in the system has been removed the heating is turned off to allow the radiators to cool down.

What happens if a lockshield valve is closed?

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.

Should lockshield valves be fully open?

Most lockshield valves have a plastic or metal cover. You should remove these and open all of the lockshield valves completely. This requires that you turn them anticlockwise. You should also fully open the TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves).

How a locksheild valve works

How much should lockshield be open?

You should open the Lockshield valve on the first radiator by one-quarter of a turn. Now open the Lockshield valve on the last radiator on your list. Each radiator in between should have its Lockshield valve opened slightly more than the previous radiator.

Why are there 2 valves on a radiator?

Each radiator will have two valves. One will control the amount of hot water that enters the radiator and the other will balance the system by controlling how much heat comes out of your radiator.

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.

Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?

Some radiators occationally get quite a bit warmer than others. When this happens it usually means that your central heating system is out of balance. In some instances, radiators can be different temperatures due to the distance that water that heats them has to travel from the boiler or pump.

Do both valves on a radiator need to be open?

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.

Do you need TRV on all radiators?

You should have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on all radiators but not in the same area as a wall thermostat, it is possible that this room may never get warm enough to turn the boiler off via the wall thermostat if the temperature in this area is being controlled independently by a TRV.

Do I need to balance my radiators?

When you balance radiators, you allow more water to flow to the colder radiators and restrict the flow from the radiators that are too hot. For example, if the radiator in the kitchen heats up quickly but the one in the lounge takes forever, then your radiators need balancing.

Does lockshield go on flow or return?

A lockshield valve (LSV) is 1 of 2 radiator valves that control the hot water flow through each radiator. It's typically placed on the return pipe, and derives its name from the plastic cap that protects the radiator valve from being accidentally turned.

What are the valves on both sides of 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. For a more detailed insight, take a look at our Radiator Valve Guide.

How do you balance upstairs and downstairs radiators?

Why are my radiators cold at the bottom?

If your radiators are cold at the bottom but hot at the top, this means the flow of hot water is being restricted or redirected; this is usually caused by a build-up of sludge. This means the hot water is not reaching the whole of the radiator while the central heating is on, leaving it cold at the bottom.

Do you bleed your radiators with the heating on or off?

How to bleed your radiator. Make sure your central heating system is turned off and the radiators are cool. If you have more than one radiator to bleed, start with the radiator furthest away from your boiler. Insert the radiator key into the bleed valve and place the cloth underneath to capture any water.

What is the best way to balance radiators?

Why do my radiators constantly need bleeding?

All radiators require bleeding to remove air bubbles that form periodically during the life of a system. Air can be introduced into a central heating system in several ways. It can occur when new water enters the system from the expansion tank or when a routine maintenance is carried out.

Why is it called lockshield?

The lockshield valve is the valve on a radiator that is usually covered with a plastic cap. The term “lockshield” means that once adjusted, the valve is shielded with the plastic cap that prevents it from being accidentally changed.

Which side is lockshield on radiator?

The lockshield valve, on the side of the radiator opposite the on/off valve, may be adjusted to balance the output of your heating system. The lockshield itself is the plastic cap that covers the valve to ensure that you don't accidentally change the setting once you've adjusted it.

Does it matter which side of radiator flow and return?

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 does the left valve on a radiator do?

Turning the valve adjusts the amount of hot water flowing through the radiator and, therefore, how much heat is emitted. You turn them either up, down or off depending on whether you want the room to be colder or warmer.

Which side of radiator is flow?

The flow of a radiator is typically on the left as you look at it stood up or attached to the wall.