Why do towel rails have two valves? The reason you need two valves generally on all rads is because the system dictates a flow and return. The flow pipework carries the newly heated water from the boiler.
Why are towel rail valves so bad?
Those towel rail valves seem to leak easily through their 'packing seal' which is just a rubber seal and probably the reason they are rubbish. EC1414 likes this. Always surprises me that motorised valves will plod away for 20 years without leaking yet radiator valves, gate valves and those screw isolators will leak on first use!
Where are the valves on a towel rail?
The towel rails should have a valve on each of the flow and return sides. One of these (normally on the flow side) will be what is called a wheel head valve.
What are the different types of heated towel rail valves?
There are two main types of heated towel rail valves. Straight valves should be used when the inlets are at the bottom of the towel rail and the pipes are protruding from the floor. Angled valves will be needed if the water needs to be diverted at a 90-degree angle.
Can a towel radiator valve be middle connected?
This is often the case when pipes and valve inlets are situated at the side of the radiator. There are also Middle Connection – or H-Block – towel radiator valves, but these are not as popular or as prevalent as the two types above.
What do the two valves on a towel rail do?
What do towel radiator valves do? The valves in a towel radiator control the flow of water through the pipes, ensuring your radiator heats up effectively and efficiently. They keep your towel radiator functioning and ensure that your bathroom is heated up when needed, and your towels are dry and ready to use.Oct 27, 2020
Why does my radiator have two valves?
The reason you need two valves generally on all rads is because the system dictates a flow and return. The flow pipework carries the newly heated water from the boiler. The return taking it back at a lower temperature to be reheated by the boiler.Aug 7, 2018
Should both valves be open on a radiator?
You should open both of the valves on all of your system's radiator when you are starting the radiator balancing process. You will most likely need to use pliers to open the lockshield valve.Apr 17, 2014
Which way do you turn a towel rail valve?
0:363:15Radiator valves, which is the one to turn it off. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil it moves no further when it stops you know it's off there go that's off now okay and back onMoreUntil it moves no further when it stops you know it's off there go that's off now okay and back on back the other way so anti-clockwise on clockwise off okay so there we are.
Do all radiators have two valves?
Every radiator in your home has a pair of radiator valves to control the heat output. Even if you have a thermostat to control the central heating, the valves control each radiator.Sep 8, 2021
Can a radiator have 2 lockshield valves?
There should be no problem with doing so, it really depends on if you have an automatic bypass on the system or not or if not one of those another radiator on the system working as one. As long as there is other radiators on the system and they aren't all closed down you shouldn't have a problem.Feb 15, 2015
What do the valves do on a towel radiator?
Thermostatic radiator valves (also known as TRVs) measure the temperature in the room and then adapt the heat output of the radiator. When the room temperature reaches the desired level, the valve closes to stop the flow of water and prevent the radiator from getting any hotter.Mar 16, 2019
What are the two valves on a radiator called?
Each radiator in your home needs a pair of radiator valves. One of the valves controls the amount of hot water entering the radiator and the other (known as the lockshield valve) balances the system by controlling how much heat the radiator emits.Nov 5, 2021
Should lockshield valve be open or closed?
By closing a fully-open lockshield valve by a few turns (with a pair of grips or screwdriver), you can slow down the rate at which water enters the radiator and reduce the speed with which it gets hot.Aug 24, 2021
How do you adjust the valves on a heated towel rail?
The most common method for adjusting temperature will be to adjust the knob by turning clockwise to turn off - I.e. cool or anti clockwise to open and up the heat. Turning the knob could be difficult, and so pliers might be required.
Can you leave an electric towel rail on all the time?
Heated towel rails are designed to be left on all the time and there are no safety issues to consider if you decide you want to keep them running. A standard heated towel rail will typically come on and off in accordance with the main central heating system.Jul 28, 2020
Should heated towel rails be left on?
Heated towel rails can be left on continuously, like standard radiators but if you have an electrically heated towel rail it is better and safer to limit usage and turn them on only when needed, rather than leaving it on all the time.Jul 20, 2021
EC1414 Member
Hi, I have a heated towel rail in my bathroom, it has two valves at the bottom (one each side) they have been fine up until now ( my daughter turned it accidentally). I just wonder how they work really, if I close them fully (clockwise) they leak a little, if I open both the leaks stop.
Joe the Plumber Screwfix Select
Those towel rail valves are terrible for leaks when they've been in for a bit and then someone turns them. I hate them.
WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select
You're possibly thinking of a dual fuel towel rail which is connected to your central heating but also has an electric heating element which could in theory be wired to a timer I suppose.
Mike83 Screwfix Select
The towel radiator could be on without the heating but it would need to be teed off before the zone valves.
Jimbo Screwfix Select
Sometimes they are on the hot water cylinder with circuit, meaning the towels are warm if the hot water is being heated.
Heat Screwfix Select
Those towel rail valves seem to leak easily through their 'packing seal' which is just a rubber seal and probably the reason they are rubbish.
Jimbo Screwfix Select
Always surprises me that motorised valves will plod away for 20 years without leaking yet radiator valves, gate valves and those screw isolators will leak on first use!
What type of valves are used for heated towel rails?
There are two main types of heated towel rail valves. Straight valves should be used when the inlets are at the bottom of the towel rail and the pipes are protruding from the floor. Angled valves will be needed if the water needs to be diverted at a 90-degree angle.
Is a thermostatic valve more efficient than a manual valve?
There is also the choice between Thermostatic or Manual valves. Thermostatic valves feature an adjustable temperature wheel and are often more energy efficient than manual ones, as you can set them to the desired temperature whenever you wish.
severen
sorry if this is covered elsewhere, a search brought up over 180 replies but the first couple pages seemed to be more specific plumbing issues.
oldbuffer
1. One valve will be what is known as a lock shield valve, the other will be either a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) or what is known as a wheel head valve.
Mottie
Sounds like you haven’t got a TRV - they have numbers on them. Perhaps you could find out which one is the inlet (gets hot first), open that fully then close the other one off then open it say, one full turn and try that.
terryplumb
If your towel rad has two valves ,with white plastic " cone" shaped tops it was intended to not have the valves adjusted. Common on some ,older ,central heating systems to have the bathroom rad that way. But central heating systems/ boilers get changed and amended over the years ,so it may be irrelevant now. Can you post pics of your rad/ valves ?
severen
thanks for the replies/info. had a bit fiddle as per Motman's advice and things seem a lot better now.
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What is the difference between towel bars and towel racks?
Towel Racks. Towel Racks are very similar to towel bars but they do have a few key differences. The main difference between the two is the amount of bars. A towel rack will have a series of bars instead of one single bar. This is great for holding a number of different towels separately instead of laying them one on top of the other.
Why do you need a towel rack in a bathroom?
Heated towel racks and bars will keep your towel dry, preventing any buildup of bacteria or mold. If you keep your towels somewhat damp or wet, bacteria can build up and it can make your bathroom a less healthy environment.
Why use heated towel bars?
A: Heated towel bars are great for both comfort and convenience in your bathroom. Having a heated towel will provide you with a heightened level of comfort for a better bathroom experience. Overall, heated towel bars should always be considered for a high quality bathroom design.
How to keep towels at the ready?
The four main ways to keep your towels at the ready. All of which will benefit your bathroom design in different ways. These are towel hooks, towel rings, towel bars and towel racks.
What is the best way to hang towels?
Towel racks, bars and hooks are common and effective ways to hang towels and they all come with their own stylistic benefits. They all can come in different materials that can fit into most bathroom styles. A good towel holder will promote comfort, convenience and style.
Why is it important to heat towels?
Heating is an incredibly useful tool that a towel bar utilizes extremely well. Heating will keep your towels dry, and more importantly, it will keep them clean. This is especially important. The more you can optimize the cleanliness of your bathroom, the better off you will be.
What is a ring in a bathroom?
Rings are very stylish and beautiful accessories to include in your bathroom while simultaneously adding a great towel holding accessory. For example, a brass towel ring will be a beautiful complement to a rustic or vintage bathroom design.
