The valve is an integral part of any radiator or heating system. Although they may not be noticed much, radiators would not function without them. Different valves have different functions. Some valves are not suitable for all radiators. Others may not work with certain types of radiators due to their design, size, or type.
Let's look at what the valves on towel radiators do and how they can be operated.
What are towel radiator valves?
Towel radiator valves control the flow of water through pipes. This ensures that your radiator heats up efficiently and effectively. These valves keep your towel radiator in operation and ensure your bathroom heats up when you need it. Your towels will also be dry and ready for use.
Different types of heated towel rail valves
There were two types of towel radiator valves available: thermostatic or manual. Some companies have developed 'Smart Valves' in recent years. These offer an entirely new level of control over your radiator.
Manual
The manual, which is the most common type of radiator valve, is the easiest. Simply turn them in one direction to increase heat in the radiator and the other to reduce heat. Finally, you can turn the radiator off completely. These valves control heat flow through your radiator. They have a simple mechanism that has stood the test the test of time. They won't turn off automatically when the heat is reached by your radiator so you might have to adjust it again.
Thermostatic
A thermostatic valve has more advanced features that a manual valve. These features usually have liquid or wax inside that provide an indication of the temperature of your room. The valve will stop water from flowing to the towel radiator once the temperature is reached. You can also turn the radiator off, just like a manual valve.
Smart
The smart thermostatic valves can be connected to your WIFI, which allows you to control the temperature of your radiator from an app you have downloaded to your smartphone. They often have a display that displays the current temperature. These are a great choice for those who have difficulty reaching the radiator valve.
Do they have to be completely open?
The standard heated towel rail/towel radiator can be connected to the central heating system in the same way as any other radiator. The maximum amount of hot-water will enter the radiator, heating the rail to the set temperature. If the valve is completely open, it will allow the maximum amount. You can adjust the valve to set the towel radiator at a lower temperature that the rest of central-heating systems.
Smart and thermostatic valves provide greater control over manual valves. To determine the impact of your adjustment on a manual valve, make sure you check the radiator after the heating has been turned on.
How can you turn on a towel radiator?
Turn off the central heating first, then let the towel radiator cool down. To reduce heat, adjust the valve by turning it in the same direction as it is normally turned. The radiator should be switched off if it is unable to be turned anymore. To make sure you don't accidentally turn it the wrong way, turn on your central heating once more. If the towel radiator does not heat up as it should, you have successfully turned it off. Turn the valve in the opposite way to turn it on. Once it is on, turn it on again.
Is it possible to attach a towel radiator with existing valves?
If you need to replace an old radiator, it is possible to attach a towel radiator to existing valves. This is easiest if you use the same size towel radiator as your existing radiator. If this is the case, you don't need to drain the system nor take down the flooring or skirting boards. Turn off the heating and then turn off the heat. Next, shut off the valves to isolate the old radiator. Finally, remove the radiator from your wall. The new towel radiator will fit into the existing pipework.
Most radiators won't have the same dimensions as the towel radiator. You may have to adjust the dimensions of the old radiator and the new towel radiator, which can cause some disruption. This is not a difficult job and can be done by a professional plumber.
