Differences between Manual and Thermostatic Radiator Valves
Manual Radiator Valves
The easiest way to remember the difference between manual and thermostat valves is that manual valves are operated manually! These valves work just like a tap and alter the flow of hot water into the temperature. However, once your room has received the desired temperature, you will manually need to turn the valve down yourself. Take a look at our selection of manual valves here at Drench.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
Thermostatic valves have built-in thermostats to measure the surrounding temperatures so will turn off once your desired temperature is reached. TRVs give you more control over room temperature and prevent rooms from getting too hot. They’re also an eco-conscious alternative to manual valves as they monitor themselves without you having to remember to turn the valve off yourself, which will save on your heating bills.
Don’t Install Thermostatic Valves in Bathrooms and Kitchens
We don’t recommend having thermostatic valves in rooms with fluctuating temperatures such as bathrooms and kitchens. This is because the humidity from your shower, bath or oven can provide false readings and the valve may turn off if it thinks the desired temperature has been reached.
It’s important to keep bathroom towel rails on frequently to prevent condensation which can cause mould and mildew.
Types of Radiator Valve
| Radiator | Pipes coming out of wall | Pipes coming out of floor | Pipes run exposed along wall (rare) |
| Inlets on the side / side entry | angled / corner | angled | angled |
| Inlets underneath / underside entry | angled / corner | straight | angled |
Angled Valves
These types of valves are necessary if your pipes turn at an angle (usually 90 degrees) to enter the radiator. Angled valves are one of the most common radiator valve types and are popular in many modern homes as they provide a neat and minimalist finish. Heated towel rails often have bottom radiator valve inlets as the pipework usually comes up from the floor.
Straight Valves
Straight valves are required if the pipes run along the wall or floor with a straight body that leads from the inlet into the radiator. Straight valves connect the pipework either horizontally or vertically so have no bends or curves in their design.
Corner Valves
These valves are used if your pipes are coming out of the wall or floor at a 90 degree angle to your radiator (the same goes for angled valves). Choosing corner valves over angled valves is simply a design choice, as they don’t protrude as much from your radiator.
Radiator Lockshield Valve
Lockshield valves come in every valve shape as you would expect but come covered with a cap to help modulate the level of water flowing from your radiator into the pipework. These valves bring you new ways of managing your home water system distribution and allow you to set radiators of different sizes to heat up at the same rate.
How to Bleed a Radiator
If your radiators have cold spots and aren’t heating up as they should, it’s usually a sign that you need to bleed them. This is the process of releasing any trapped air within the radiator so that it can warm up properly. Check out our handy guide for how to bleed a radiator to ensure you’re getting the most out of year heating.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the different types of radiator valves along with some great product inspiration. For more insightful guides and DIY advice, check out our blog.
