Drayton TRV4 Valves

Pensioner_1955

I had 10 of these fitted in 2017 and now replace at least one each year (£19 Screwfix). The online reviews say it all - they're a quick easy replacement (initial satisfaction/relief) but after a couple of years the gland seal leaks, the plastic goes brittle and the valve snaps off. Contacted Drayton who say the valve seals should be regularly serviced (Service kit £27) but there is no warning of this online or on purchase. I am approaching 70 so the idea of servicing 10 valves is unwanted and not a liability I want. They were bought to save on heating costs but have ended up costing me more! Drayton must have a huge turnover of these heads and seem quite satisfied at their quality. I'll bet many customers are paying call out fees to have them fitted as well! In my opinion these are not fit for sale! (None of my friends, family, neighbours have to 'service' their valves - why are these so highly rated?)

Albermarle

I have the same problem, although to be fair, they seem to last at least 10 years, if not longer.
They have never really leaked, but they start to get stiff and then the head breaks off as the plastic inside has deteriorated.
I have some much older ones that were here when we bought the house, that still work ok. Not Drayton though. Can not see the make, it just says 'Made in Germany' 

tacpot12

Never had this happen with any Honeywell Valencia or Pegler Terrier Valves.

Albermarle

tacpot12 said:

Never had this happen with any Honeywell Valencia or Pegler Terrier Valves.

tacpot12 said:

Never had this happen with any Honeywell Valencia or Pegler Terrier Valves.

Are they more expensive?
The Drayton ones cost about £20 for the screw on top part and about £25 for the two parts .

Pensioner_1955

Reading online reviews on the Drayton radiator valves the production quality seems to have really slipped since they were originally introduced. A good lifetime for the current ones seems to be 3/4 years (or longer if serviced?). To my mind this really makes them unsaleable under the Sale of Goods Act. Drayton are obviously on their 'back foot' as they have offered to send me the repair kit free of charge and repair(???) any that break when I try to service them. Replacing with more of the same doesn't seem a good option though, as I said originally I'm not getting any younger and can do without the ongoing liability!