Installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Hornet

Hi - I am planning to fit some of these.

I have had a quick look and it appears all my radiators downstairs have a drain off valve - I have opened one of these in the kitchen and water only drips out - is this normal? I was expecting a bit more water to come out - but having said that I havent isolated the supply or opened any bleed valves yet - I was just testing. I have seen the freeze spray that you can buy - is this any good - as it sounds easier/quicker thn draining the system.

Also with TRVs is there a brand that is considered to better? or are there any I really should avoid?

many thanks

Skiduck

Hornet wrote:

Hi - I am planning to fit some of these.

I have had a quick look and it appears all my radiators downstairs have a drain off valve - I have opened one of these in the kitchen and water only drips out - is this normal? I was expecting a bit more water to come out - but having said that I havent isolated the supply or opened any bleed valves yet - I was just testing. I have seen the freeze spray that you can buy - is this any good - as it sounds easier/quicker thn draining the system.

Also with TRVs is there a brand that is considered to better? or are there any I really should avoid?

many thanks

Freeze sprays are ok for quick jobs - 15 mins tops with most of the cans, usually a couple of cans needed. Remember, you will have water in the rad too - and make sure the central heating is off.

As for TRV's, the TRV4 by Drayton is considered one of the best. Try and avoid cheap wax filled ones, they tend to stick.

Alan_M_2

If your're palnning on fitting a few of these then drain down and fit them all in one hit.

It's not unusual for a drain valve to be a little blocked with gunk, and some of them need to be opened quite a way before they allow full flow.