Quick radiator / flow & return query

aliasojo

Of the two pipes that are either side of a radiator....which is the flow and which is the return?

Is the flow the one that gets hot first?

I have a fairly new rad put in by a useless plumber (everything he did leaked :rolleyes: ) and it's making a loud droning vibating kind of noise if the thermostatic head is on anything above 2.

I've just found the instructions that came with the head and they state it should be installed on the flow pipe. So, if the flow pipe is the one that gets hot first, then he's done it the wrong way round.

Mutton_Geoff

Is the flow the one that gets hot first?

Yes, but it doesn't really matter if the TRV is on the return end of the radiator but it must be hooked up the right way round. Some valves are designed for one way flow and there is an arrow on the valve head. If your valve is on the return side the arrow should be pointing away from the radiator.

Canucklehead

Good morning: The flow gets hot first but if the TRV is bidirectional than it can be on flow or return pipework.

HTH

Canucklehead

Mutton_Geoff

Canucklehead is right, the single direction valves can't be turned around as the rad/pipe couplings are different and they are designed to go on the flow side. Rushed to write the answer as you said "quick" in your title :rotfl:

aliasojo

http://www.warmrooms.co.uk/acatalog/info_983.html

The valves are these ones...how would I find out if they are bidirectional or not? Bit of paper I have only mentions being fitted on the flow pipe.

Lol...I only said quick as I thought it was a quick and easy question to answer. Not that I was in a hurry iyswim.

I appreciate your promptness though.

Canucklehead

Hi..the manufacturer recommends fitting the Streamline TRV be fitted on the flow. If you give them a ring perhaps they could advise.

HTH

Canucklehead