Your Guide to Radiator Valves

Your Guide to Radiator Valves

The complete buyers guide to domestic and commercial radiator valves

Radiator valves are essential components of any central heating system. Whether you’re working on a residential home, commercial office, or retail space, it is important to select the right radiator valves for your heating system. 

From thermostatic, pre-settable, angled, non-reversible and dual-fuel options, you might wonder “What radiator valve do I need?”. 

In this guide we will explore everything you need to know about radiator valves - from understanding their purpose, to the key factors you must consider when selecting valves for either domestic or commercial properties.

Explore our range of radiator valves or contact our support team for further advice.

Find the information you need, fast:

What are radiator valves?

Radiator valves are a common type of control valve used in plumbing/hydronic heating systems. They are used to control the amount of heat that is emitted from a radiator while a heating system is in demand, controlling the flow of hot water into and out of the radiator.

How do radiator valves work?

At their simplest level, radiator valves can be manually adjusted to control the heating output by adjusting the valve head either clockwise or anti-clockwise (counter-clockwise). This will open or restrict the flow of system water into the valve, the valve is at maximum heat output when fully opened anti-clockwise.

What types of radiator valves are there?

Manual Radiator Valves:

Manual radiator valves are the simplest type of radiator valve available in the market. They provide direct control over the function of the radiator and serve as a reliable, cost-effective solution to connect central heating piping to radiator systems to heat a property.

They are ideal for budget-friendly installations, or in rooms with occasional use where the supply of heating can be turned off to save energy when heating is not required. Manual valves can be used to provide manual regulation and isolation to radiators and other heat emitters on heating systems.

Altecnic Manual Radiator Valves:

Discover our Eclipse Manual Radiator Valves; Contact us for advice and enquiries.

Thermostatic radiator valves

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) are a common type of control valve, used to provide precise control over the ambient room temperature from heat emitters. 

In contrast to manual valves, TRVs are self regulating and are key to providing convenient comfort in modern central heating systems used in homes and commercial buildings to public sector and industrial properties.

How do TRVs work?

Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) offer more precise and regulated temperature control of rooms for a more modern, energy-efficient option. Featuring a thermostatic element in the valve head to sense room temperature, the thermostatic element expands as temperature rises causing a pin to move to restrict the flow of water. As the flow of water reduces the element contracts, allowing for more water to flow in. As a result, the heat emitted is regulated to the temperature setting desired, reducing the effects of overheating and excessive energy consumption.

What Thermostatic Radiator Valves are ideal for:

Thermostatic radiator valves are versatile components for use in a range of properties. In specific room applications, they can be used for:

  • Living rooms and bedrooms: Where you want to maintain a comfortable temperature for relaxation or sleep.
  • Offices: Enables specific temperature setting to keep employees comfortable and happy.
  • Retail Stores: TRVs can help to regulate temperature in different areas of a store, improving customer comfort and reducing energy costs.
  • Hotels and Guest Houses: They can be used to control the temperature in guest rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
  • Schools and Universities: They can help to create comfortable learning environments in classrooms and lecture halls.

Altecnic Thermostatic Radiator Valves:

We offer an extensive range of thermostatic valves for radiators, in a range of sizes, connections, finishes and body formats. Explore our range or contact us for further advice and enquiries.

Dual-fuel radiator valves:

Dual-fuel valves are a modern, versatile solution for emitting heat from radiators and heaters in heating systems. In contrast to traditional valve types, dual-fuel valves allow for two sources of heat to be selected from, providing greater flexibility and comfort for heating. 

Common sources of heat for dual-fuel valves:

  • Central Heating: This is the traditional method, where hot water is circulated from a boiler to radiators throughout the property.   
  • Electric Heating: This involves an electric element within the radiator itself, providing direct heat.

What dual-fuel valves are ideal for:

  • Bathrooms: By offering electric powered heating, radiators may provide warmth for heating the room or towels to ensure comfort. This is especially beneficial for heating systems using combi-boilers where heated water for showers or baths may be prioritised over that of radiators, but heat is still required.
  • Cost effective heating: By offering electric heating sources, cheaper electricity rates can be taken advantage of to heat towel rails for example.

Altecnic Dual-Fuel Radiator Valves：

Explore our dual-fuel polished radiator valves; for further advice and enquiries, contact us today.

Non-reversible radiator valves:

Non-reversible radiator valves allow water to enter from a single direction only. This is often achieved through the use of non-symmetrical inlet and outlets in the valve body; non-reversible valves are designed to direct the water flow efficiently through the valve, ensuring optimal heat transfer to radiators and heat emitters.

Key Benefits of Non-reversible radiator valves:

  • Optimal Heating Performance
  • Accurate Temperature Control
  • Reduced Energy Consumption

Altecnic Non-Reversible Radiator Valves 

Explore our range of non-reversible valves; Contact us today for further advice and enquiries.

Guide to radiator valve configuration:

Radiator valves are generally available in two configurations, but what radiator valve configuration do you require? 

We have put together a list of the most common valve shapes available in the market, along with their uses, to help you select which valve you require:

  • Angled: Radiator valves that are angled are ideal for situations where the pipe is required to enter the radiator at a 90-degree angle.
  • Straight: A simple, straightforward connection ideal for installations where the pipe is required to enter the radiator directly from the floor or wall.

Still stuck with what valve shape or size you require? Our specialist team is available to support with advice and enquiries, contact us today.

Connections & Sizes for Radiator Valves:

To ensure suitability for your radiator system, it is important to select the correct valve size and connection types to fit your pipes.

Plumbing components such as pipe and valves can be available in both metric and imperial sizings. This is especially common in the UK where industry conventions have not fully transitioned to imperial units as a standard, with older buildings still featuring imperial sized components.

The most common sizes of copper piping are 15mm or 22mm. 15mm pipes are regularly used for flow and return pipes to radiators, with 22mm often used for the main pipework to the boiler and for larger radiators. Some properties may feature plastic or iron pipe, with older buildings such as churches can have 28mm pipes, 8mm diameter, micro-bore pipes can be used in old properties, often necessitating adapters to connect to heat emitter valves. As a result, it is essential to check the diameter of your property’s piping before ordering your radiator valves.

Types of Radiator Valve Connections:

The acronym BSP stands for British Standard Pipe, and is used to ensure technical standards for screw threads used to connect and seal pipes and fittings.

  • Compression: This indicates a compression fitting. The compression fitting allows for a secure connection to copper pipes using compression olives and nuts.   
  • BSP: This means a threaded connection. It can be male or female.
  • Threaded BSP (G): This refers to a general purpose BSP thread, which is a standard type of thread used for various plumbing applications.
  • Push fit DN15: This refers to a 15mm or 10mm diameter connection, typically used for plastic pipes.

Unsure which connection type you require? Get in touch with our expert support team today for advice and enquiries.

Guide to radiator valve terminology:

Flow rate: The flow rate refers to the amount of water that flows through the valve and into the radiator per unit of time. It's typically measured in litres per hour (l/h). A higher flow rate results in a higher heat output from the radiator. Common flow rates are 20-120 L/h, with low flow rates such as 10-80 L/h also available.

Pre-settable: A pre-settable radiator valve allows you to manually set the maximum flow rate through the valve. This is useful for balancing the heating system, ensuring that each radiator receives the correct amount of heat. Once set, the valve will maintain that flow rate, regardless of the room temperature.

Where to purchase radiator valves?

At Altecnic, we have been the leading manufacturer and supplier of hydronic components to the plumbing industry for over 35 years. We offer an extensive range of radiator valves, connections, accessories and fittings to suit every requirement. From commercial and hospitality properties to care homes, leisure, new residential builds, and hospitals, our plumbing components are trusted to deliver quality, energy-efficient and reliable performance for years to come.

With an extensive range of radiator fittings and sizes manufactured and stocked in-house in the UK, we are able to deliver complete plumbing system components to trade merchants and OEMs, fast and affordably. Altecnic products are stocked in all reputable trade merchants across the UK and ROI. Contact us today to discuss your needs and order enquiries.