Replace Manual Valve With TRV

Domestic radiators are fitted with two valves. These valves are fitted at both bottom corners of the radiator. The first of these valves is called the Lockshield Valve and the second is called a manual radiator valve. A Hammersmith Plumber is trained to fit all appliances. The manual valve is the one that alters the heat of the radiator by turning up or down. It is not very efficient and needss to be constantly turned by the homeowner. The lockshield usually stays partially opened and is used to carry ourt balancing of the system. It is covered by a white plastic domed cap so it cannot be easily altered. The correct control over a heating system allows a home to be kept at a comfortable temperature with very little waste of fuel or heat, and it will also so drive down your Co2 emissions and give smaller heating bills. Hammersmith Plumbers only supply skilled tradespeople.The old way to control the heat was to use a room thermostat, but it did not give an accurate temperature spread for the whole of the house. The best solution is to fit TRVs as these control each individual radiator to produce heat at a pre-set level. It is usually a straight swap. To replace the manual valve: Firstly, isolate and drain the heating system. When the system is drained you can loosen the two cap nuts on the manual valve and then, undo both nuts completely and lift the valve together with its cap-nut and olive from the end of the pipework. Clean the pipework end with some wire and place the cap-nut and olive of the TRV on. Ensure that you hold the new valve and screw the cap-nut on the TRV. Always make sure the olive is fitted in the correct way. Do not tighten fully just yet. If needed you can fit a new connector on the radiator, this allows a proper fit to take place. Wrap PTFE tape around the threads. As long as they are lined up, you can begin to tighten both cap-nuts fully. When you are happy, refill the heating system and do a check for any water leaks. Now you can set up the TRV using the manufacturer’s guide.