Several types of brass radiator valves

Brass radiator valves are an important component of any central heating system. They work by controlling the flow of hot water through the radiators, helping to regulate the temperature in each room. There are several different types of brass radiator valves available, each of which connects to the radiator in a slightly different way.

Lockshield Valves

Lockshield valves are the most common type of brass radiator valve and are present on most radiators. These valves are used to adjust the flow of water through the radiator and need to be adjusted once when the system is first set up, with any subsequent adjustments made by calling in professional help.

The lockshield valve often has a nylon cap over the spindle and can be unscrewed using a pair of large grips or a spanner. The lockshield cap can be placed onto a valve tail or spindle adaptor to suit the required method of attachment.

The main difference between the various types of lockshield valves is the method of attachment to the radiator. Some designs are typically screwed onto the radiator valves as a single unit, while others are attached to the radiator using two nuts on the valve body.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a type of brass radiator valve that automatically adjusts the flow of water through the radiator according to the temperature in the room. A temperature-sensitive element located within the valve body measures the temperature and adjusts the flow by opening or closing the valve accordingly.

TRVs are available in a range of different designs, each of which attaches to the radiator in different ways. Some designs screw directly onto the radiator valve, while others are connected by means of a pair of nuts on the valve body.

One important consideration when selecting a TRV is the adjustment range of the valve. Some TRVs provide a wide range of temperature settings, while others are designed to be set at a fixed temperature.

Corner Brass radiator valves

Corner valves are often used on radiators that are installed in corners of rooms, where the pipes enter the radiator at right angles. These valves are designed to connect to the radiator’s bottom inlet.

Corner valves come in two main types: angled corner valves and straight corner valves. Angled corner valves connect to the radiator by means of a bent tail, while straight corner valves connect to the radiator using a straight tail.

Straights Brass radiator valves

Straight valves are designed to connect to the radiator’s side inlet and are available in a range of different designs. straight valves attach to the radiator by means of a threaded connection, while others are connected using a compression fitting.

It is important to choose the right type of straight valve for your installation as different types will have different connection methods. Some straight, for example, are designed to attach to the radiator using a tail adaptor, while others are designed to be attached by of two nuts on the valve body.

Thermoelectric Valves

A thermoelectric valve is a type that includes an electric actuator that is designed to open and close the valve based on signals provided by a central heating or room thermostat.

Thermoelectric valves are available with a range of different connection methods, including a threaded connection and a compression fitting. Some thermoelectric valves include a that allows them to be connected to the radiator’s bottom inlet, while others are designed to be connected to the side inlet.

Brass radiator valves come in a range of different designs, each of which connects to the radiator in slight ways. The type of connection method that you need will depend on the type of radiator that you have and the space that you are working in. You should also consider which type of valve is best suited to your needs, whether it is a lockshield valve, TRV, corner valve, straight valve, or thermoelectric valve.

When selecting brass radiator valves, be sure to choose high-quality components that are designed to last. Cheap or poorly made valves can fail quickly, leading to costly repairs and replacements that can end up costing far more in the long run.