Two valves are normally fitted to a radiator. Each valve is situated at the bottom corner. The first is made to open and close off the flow through the radiator, with the second called a lock shield valve fitted on the opposite corner. This valve cannot be adjusted and is covered by a white plastic dome shaped cap. Pinner Plumbers can fit valves or sort blockages. The first valve for opening and closing the radiator, will probably consist of a plastic topped on/off control valve that is also known as a TRV or thermostatic radiator valve. In the old days of plumbing installations it was the plumber who chose whether to fit a manual valve or thermostatic radiator valve, however now the Building Regulations state that TRV’s must be fitted. NOTE: If a room is fitted with a room thermostat, then it can have a manual valve, this is the only time. TRV:The thermostatic valve will automatically close the water supply to the radiator as soon as the desired temperature in the room is achieved. This is great for saving fuel and makes sure that heat is not wasted. The lock-shield valve, which is at the opposite end of the radiator, has a specific job to do, in that it controls the amount of water flowing through the radiator. It looks exactly the same as the manual on/off valve. However it has been pre-adjusted when it was installed to balance the system.Balance a System:So that the first radiator in a heating system doesn’t use all the hot water flowing from the boiler (as it is the nearest), the lock-shield valve is partially shut. Having this valve open by only half a turn, the water is forced to continue along the heating circuit to the next radiator. So the radiator lock-shield valves are also adjusted as required to force the floor water throughout the whole system. Eastcote Plumbers sort anything from balancing a heating system to fixing a tap.
Payments options 