How does a radiator valve work?

When the two are put together the supply of heat into the radiator is automatically controlled with respect to the temperature of the room. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the valve closes and the radiator stops heating. The room then cools, the valve opens and the radiator begins to heat again.

How do manual radiator valves work?

The clue to how manual valves work is in the name - you have to turn them to control the temperature. They work just like a tap, by altering the flow of hot water from the boiler into the radiator. The higher the level on the valve, the higher the volume of hot water entering the radiator to produce greater heat.

Should radiator valves be fully open?

You should also fully open the TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves). Whilst thermostatic and wheel head valves can be opened and closed by hand, the lockshield valves require a dedicated tool or an adjustable spanner.

How do modern radiator valves work?

Radiator valves work by regulating the level of hot water passing through the radiators in your central heating system. The valve acts as the control in varying degrees depending on the valve you use. In the most basic sense, hot water flows through a pipe and meets your radiator.

How does a radiator shut off valve work?

Thermostatic valves or TRVs allow you to set the temperature of a room using a dial. Once your room reaches this temperature, the radiator will shut off and cool down. If the room starts to drop below the set temperature, the radiator will automatically begin to heat up again.

HOW RADIATOR VALVES WORK AND HOW TO SET THEM - TRV/Thermostatic

Which side of a radiator turns it off?

To turn a radiator off, locate the thermostatic valve on the left side and turn the valve clockwise until the dial reads 0. Next, find the second valve on the right side of the radiator and twist it clockwise until it won't turn anymore. Once both valves are closed, the radiator will be completely turned off.

Are both radiator valves the same?

Generally, there are two different style radiator valves (that are adjustable by the user) available. These are manual valves and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (also known as TRVs).

What position should radiator valves be in?

Many modern homes will have TRVs – Thermostatic Radiator Valves – attached to most of the radiators on the opposite side from the lockshield valves. A TRV should always be fitted to the inlet on the radiator and the LSV to the outlet.

How do you use traditional radiator valves?

Manual Radiator Valves Explained

One of the easiest to use valve available, you just need to twist the top with your hand and it alters the flow of heat into your radiator - simple, just like turning a tap. They will tend to be simpler, and usually far smaller than thermostatic valves.

Which side of a radiator is the flow?

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

How do you know if a radiator valve is open or closed?

Check the radiator control valve: If a radiator is not getting hot: (steam or hot water) first see if the valve that controls it has been turned off. Try turning the valve counter-clockwise to see if it will open.

Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?

Turn off your heating. You can't bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.

Why is there no heat coming from my radiator?

When your radiator is cold at the bottom, it's likely that there's a debris blockage that's restricting the flow of hot water to the whole radiator. Usually, the culprit of this particular problem is sludge, debris, rust and other bits of dirt.

How does a radiator lockshield valve work?

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.

What is the difference between manual and thermostatic radiator valve?

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.

What are the different valves on a radiator?

How do I adjust the temperature on my radiator?

You can adjust the heat by turning the thermostatic valve. Look for it on the side of the radiator. The thermostatic valve usually has a taller cap with numbers ranging from 0 to 5 on it. Adjust the dial counterclockwise to increase the heat and clockwise to reduce it.

What does the snowflake mean on a radiator?

The snowflake symbol means - as you correctly deduced - the radiator isn't completely turned off. It's opened just a fraction (the heating effect is almost nonexistent) so water very slowly moves in the pipes, and hopefully does not freeze in the winter.

What side of the radiator is the lockshield valve?

Systems are normally balanced by adjusting the lockshield valves usually fitted on the return side of each radiator. This ensures that each radiator circuit in the system has an equal pressure drop and receives the correct flow of hot water to heat the space in which it is fitted.

What do the arrows on radiator valves mean?

Until about 1995 all thermostatic radiator valves were uni-directional. They were made with a single-headed arrow which marked the direction of flow. They had to be fitted so that the water passing through them followed the direction of the arrow. This meant that they were normally fitted to the flow pipe.

Why is 1 radiator in my house cold?

If a radiator is cold or has cold patches as a result of trapped air, the excess air in the system needs to be 'bled' out. To do this, simply use the bleed key provided by your radiator manufacturer to undo the bleed valve. This valve is usually on the top corner (or thereabouts) of a radiator.

Why is my radiator not getting hot after bleeding?

A common problem that might stop your radiator from getting hot, even after bleeding, is due to a stuck pin on your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV). You can check if this is the issue yourself by removing the cap/head on your TRV.

What happens if I bleed my radiators with the heating on?

You must not bleed a radiator when the heating is turned on as it may be too hot to touch and hot water could spray out of it. Ensure the heating is turned off before you begin bleeding a radiator. Letting out air when the pump is running will only draw more air into the system from elsewhere.