2012 - Sussex Plumbing Supplies

Valves introduction
High quality radiators deserve high quality valves for efficient performance and they influence the
whole appearance of your finished radiator.
Finishes and Colours;
A wide range of standard finishes are available from stock; in addition selected
valves can be painted to match radiators ordered from colour group 9; see page 96.
Chrome Antique Brass Black Nickel
Wheel head and Lockshield;
Radiators require two valves which work together as a pair. The Wheelhead is used to adjust the flow of water into each radiator
and the Lockshield maintains a balanced flow of water around the whole system, ensuring each radiator receives the correct rate
of flow in order to heat up; these will be adjusted by your installer when balancing your system. All our valves are priced as pairs.
TRV or Manual?
Manual valves are adjusted by hand; they will allow a constant flow of water through your radiator regardless of the room
temperature and radiators will only turn off when the room thermostat (usually in the hall) reaches it’s set point or the programmer
turns the heating off. Systems may have at least two manual valves included, on a radiator that acts as a bypass for the system
(usually a towel rail) and one in the same area as the room thermostat so they do not conflict with each other.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) monitor the ambient room temperature with a built in thermostat. They usually have
between 4 to 6 set levels which you can select and the valve then opens and closes automatically to reach and maintain the
desired level. If one room reaches the set temperature the radiator will effectively turn off whilst others continue to operate. TRVs
can help maximise the efficiency of your system reducing energy consumption and they are now a requirement as part of building
regulations relating to new builds and refurbishments.
Angled or Straight?
The choice of which format of valve to use will depend on the location of your pipe
work and the position of the collectors on the radiator. The pictures opposite show
how different configurations work;
A) Angled from wall
B) Angled from floor
C) Straight from floor
D) 3 Style on towel rail note how the heads are tucked neatly in line with the towel rail
If you are planning to move your radiators or change from horizontal to vertical you
should discuss the amount of work involved with your installer and plan how to keep
exposed pipe work to a minimum.
A
C
B
D
Pipe work;
There are a variety of different pipe sizes and materials used for heating systems in the UK; 15mm, 22mm, 28mm, in copper,
plastic, iron or chrome. It is important to discuss with your installer the type of pipe work being used to ensure your valves are
specified correctly.
The most common size of pipe in the UK is 15mm (also known as ½”); often 22mm (or ¾”) pipe work is used on large or older
systems with cast iron radiators. All our valves have 15mm connections as standard unless otherwise stated; if you need different
connections please specify when ordering your valves.
Most pipes will be made from copper and all our valves work with this material. On older houses iron pipe work may still exist
(usually 22mm 3/4”); you will need to specify this to ensure your valve connections are the correct size.
Over recent years push fit plastic pipe has become more popular and some plumbers may wish to directly connect the plastic
pipe to the valve but our valves are not designed to operate with plastic pipes.
In some cases chrome pipe work is used to supply water to the radiator; because chrome is a harder surface than copper or iron
most valves will not grip it securely and leaks can occur; special olives are required to enable valves to grip chrome pipe work
and these must be specified at time of order, please contact us on 01342 302250 if you would like more information.
Pipe centres;
The location of the pipe work for your radiator will be affected by the size of valves you select. All angled valves have a dimension
shown to allow for adjusting pipe work. If you are planning to fix pipe work before receiving your radiators you should make
adequate allowances for manufacturing tolerances in pipe centres.
If you are using straight valves a minimum of 150mm should be allowed from the base of the radiator for ease of installation.
Please Note: We endeavour to ensure all pipe centres are correct, however manufacturing tolerances must be considered;
therefore we strongly recommend that pipe work is not altered or adjusted until the new radiator or towel rail is fitted.
The Radiator Company will not accept any responsibility for claims resulting from incorrect pipe centres.
www.theradiatorcompany.co.uk ' 01342 302250
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