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Radiator Valves

Radiator valves are the finishing touch most people forget, but they’re what make a new towel rail look properly fitted, while putting you in control of how warm your bathroom feels. Choose from angled, straight, corner, and thermostatic designs in chrome, matt black, or brushed brass, with classic crosshead valves for period bathrooms.

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What do radiator valves do?

Every radiator and towel rail has a pair of valves, one at each end, and they each have a different job. One is the valve you’ll actually use, letting you turn the heat up, down, or off. The other, called a lockshield, is set by your plumber when the radiator is fitted, so hot water is shared evenly around your heating system, and it’s then left alone. Together, they’re what keep your radiator running smoothly, and because they sit on show, they also play a big part in how polished the finished result looks.

Which radiator valves do I need?

Take a quick look at your pipework before you choose, as it tells you everything you need to know.

  • Straight valves are for pipes that rise up through the floor and connect to the bottom of the radiator.
  • Angled valves are for pipes that come from the floor or wall and connect to the side of the radiator. They’re the most common type in UK homes.
  • Corner valves are for pipes that come out of the wall and connect to the bottom of the radiator, tucking the pipework neatly out of sight for a cleaner finish.

Should I choose thermostatic or manual valves?

It comes down to how much control you’d like. A manual valve works like a simple tap, so you open it for more heat and close it for less. A thermostatic valve, often called a TRV, has a numbered dial that lets you choose a comfortable temperature, then quietly adjusts itself to hold the room there. It’s an easy way to stop the bathroom getting stuffy and to save a little energy too, while a manual valve keeps things simple, with a slimmer, more minimal shape.

Can I have warm towels when the heating is off?

Yes, and it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to a towel rail. Our round thermostatic radiator valves are designed for dual fuel use, which means your towel rail can run on central heating through the winter and switch to a small electric heating element in summer. So even on a warm June morning, with the boiler off, you can still step out of the shower to a warm, dry towel. Our team can help you choose the right parts for a dual fuel set-up.

Which radiator valve finish and shape should I choose?

Your valves sit on show at either end of the radiator, so it’s worth matching them to the rest of the design. Start with the shape. Round valves suit towel rails with round bars, while square valves look neater alongside flat or square-bar designs, like our modern towel rails.

Then choose a finish to match. Chrome works in almost any bathroom and pairs naturally with our chrome radiators, while matt black and brushed brass give a more contemporary look. If you’re creating a period bathroom, crosshead valves have the same cross-shaped handles as traditional taps, making them the perfect partner for our traditional towel rails.

Will radiator valves fit my radiator?

In most homes, yes. The majority of UK radiators and towel rails use standard 15mm pipes, which our valves are designed to fit. Older homes sometimes have thinner 10mm pipes, known as microbore, so it’s worth checking before you order. If you’re not sure what you have, send us a photo or give our team a call on 0121 753 0700, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Can I fit radiator valves myself?

If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, it’s a satisfying job to tackle yourself. You’ll need to drain the radiator, swap the old valves for the new ones, and seal the threads carefully so nothing drips. Once the radiator is refilled, bleed it to let out any trapped air, and it’ll be ready to warm up. If the job means draining down your whole heating system, or you’d simply rather not, a plumber can have it done in no time.