Frequently asked questions

What are thermostatic radiator valves?

If you want to control the temperature of an individual room, the traditional thermostatic radiator valves let you do just that. These regulate the central heating’s flow, letting you set your own desired temperature.

What are angled cast iron radiator valves?

Do your pipes come out of the floor? If that’s the case, we suggest you use angled radiator valves. These are the most commonly used radiator valves in the UK, connecting to pipes at a 90° angle. Angled radiator valves are less visible than other alternatives, making them ideal for saving space.

What are straight cast iron radiator valves?

If your pipework travels along a wall, traditional straight radiator valves are the best choice. With straight radiator valves, water travels in a straight line directly into the radiator, rather than at an angle.

What are corner cast iron radiator valves?

If your radiator pipes come out of the wall, we recommend you choose corner radiator valves. Often chosen simply for stylistic purposes, corner radiator valves don’t stick out as much as angled valves, essentially minimising the risk of hurting yourself by accidently catching onto a valve.

Additionally, sleeve or shroud kits can also be used with corner radiator valves.

How do traditional radiator valves work?

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a self-regulating valve fitted to a hot water heating system radiator, used to control the temperature of a room by changing the flow of hot water to the radiator. The room temperature is set by twisting the thermostatic head. Thermostatic valves make a very popular choice, combining efficiency with style.

The classic thermostatic radiator valve contains a plug, typically made of wax (forming a wax motor), which expands or contracts with the surrounding temperature. This plug is connected to a pin which in turn, is connected to a valve. The valve gradually closes as the temperature of the surrounding area increases, limiting the amount of hot water entering the radiator. This allows a maximum temperature to be set for each room.

As this type of valve fitting is designed to sense the temperature of the air surrounding it, it is important to make sure that it is not covered by material, such as curtains.

The replacement of a manual heating control with a radiator TRV has been estimated to save at least 280 kilograms (620 lb) CO2 per year. They are also considerably cost-efficient and can reduce heating bills by up to 17% a year.

Most of the thermostatic radiator valves come with a radiator coupler ½” BSPT male thread. However, we can also supply some valves in ¾ inch BSPT male thread. Building regulations state that new dwellings should be fitted with thermostatic valves.

Contact us for more information about TRV fittings and regulations.

What are manual radiator valves?

Traditional manual radiator valves make a very popular choice as they combine ease and efficiency with style, making them a perfect complement to your cast iron radiator. With an old fashioned manual radiator valve, they are either open or closed, and they will remain at the set temperature. You can also completely close a manual radiator valve, and there is no need to use a decorator’s cap.

Our range of manual valves include:

• Faringdon
• Brunel
• Telford
• Whitworth
• Newton 
• Amberley
• Milan
• Carron Throttle
• Crocus
• Abbey Throttle
• Abbey
• Bradley
• Daisy
• Brumpton
• Westminster

Additionally, our optional extras of sleeve or shroud kits also work with the manual radiator valves as well as corner radiator valves.

How do I fit my own Radiator Valves?

When screwing the valve tail into the bush, turn it finger tight. Using a spanner, turn it until there is only moderate resistance. Please note that by using a 4” (100mm) spanner, it becomes difficult to over tighten but it is easy to over tighten and crack the bush with an 8” spanner.

A thread sealant must be applied to the valve tail threads to get a water-tight seal on the radiator valve cap. (Sealants are available from your plumber – PTFE tape is an alternative).

You shouldn’t need to unscrew the bushes, but if for any reason you do, re-tighten them gently, enough to create a good fit. We recommend an 8” adjustable spanner to create a good seal. We advise against using an 18” Stilsons spanner when tightening radiator valve caps.

If you need more guidance with fitting your own valves, contact us.

Get the radiator to match. Browse our cast iron radiators today.

What brand radiator valves do you sell?

Here at UKAA we sell a large range of traditional cast iron radiator valves, these include both the Carron radiator valves and Arroll radiator valves.

Which are the most popular radiator valves you sell?

The most popular traditional radiator valve that we sell are the Faringdon style. This is a traditional style of radiator valve which comes with a 6 year manufacturer’s warranty. The control head is made of real wood.

Are the traditional radiator valves available in thermostatic versions?

Yes the traditional radiator valves are available in both manual and thermostatic versions. While keeping the traditional look they have modern workings which are unnoticeable to the human eye.

What is the difference between thermostatic and manual radiator valves?

A traditional manual radiator valve has the setting of either on or off, whereas a traditional thermostatic radiator valve can be set to your required temperature to regulate the heat.

What does unlacquered brass mean?

The unlacquered brass finish is simply brass with no protective coating. The unlacquered brass is designed to tarnish and age/darken over time to give you a traditional radiator valve.

What is a lockshield valve?

A radiator lockshield valve is the other half of the control valve. This balances the system by regulating the water flow and how much heat the radiator gives off.