Radiator valve tails are the devices that screw into the two bottom radiator tappings. They are connectors between the radiator and the valves that control the flow of water through the radiator. You might need to change a tail to fit a new type of valve.
What is a tail on a radiator?
Radiator valve tails are the devices that screw into the two bottom radiator tappings. They are connectors between the radiator and the valves that control the flow of water through the radiator. You might need to change a tail to fit a new type of valve. Click to see full answer.
How do I remove the tail valve from my radiator?
With the system now drained, remove the valve that’s connected to the tail you want to remove (it’ll be manual, thermostatic or Lockshield valve). To do this, turn the compression nut with an adjustable spanner as you hold the valve in place via a radiator valve spanner. Why? To avoid bending the vertical pipe connected to the valve’s bottom end.
What size thread is a radiator valve tail?
This radiator valve tail connects a radiator to a standard radiator valve. The male thread is 1/2 inch BSP (normal size for the connections on a radiator). The tail has a compression nut and olive to suit a valve with a 15mm compression type outlet. Click to see full answer.
Can you use a radiator tail extension with a thermostatic valve?
Here at UKAA, we have a large selection of radiator tail extensions and radiator valve extensions, ideal for use with any of our thermostatic or manual radiator valves. Radiator valve extenders are used when your pipework for your central heating system does not line up with the new radiators.
What size is a radiator tail?
Radiator Valve Tail 1/2" BSP x 15mm This radiator valve tail connects a radiator to a standard radiator valve. The male thread is 1/2 inch BSP (normal size for the connections on a radiator). The tail has a compression nut and olive to suit a valve with a 15mm compression type outlet.
How do you seal a radiator tail?
0:143:13How to apply PTFE tape to radiator valve tails. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt may end up leaking. So we remove this. And then we apply PTFE tape and it is very important thatMoreIt may end up leaking. So we remove this. And then we apply PTFE tape and it is very important that the PTFE tape should be applied clockwise.
What are the 2 ends of a radiator?
Radiators typically have two valves located on the pipes that allow hot water to enter them. The main one, which more people are familiar with (often called a 'control valve'), is used for turning on and off your radiator in normal use. The second is your lockshield valve.
Are radiator tails universal?
The connection between your valve and the radiator is standard across all moderns radiators and valves. The size differences listed above refers to the width of your pipes that the valves will slot onto. Most of the time it's 15mm, but measuring your pipes will confirm.
Do radiators come with tails?
Normally the bleed valve and the blanking plug will be supplied with the radiator; the 'tails' for the valves are normally supplied with the valves which will need to be purchase separately - you will need one radiator valve (either a manual or a thermostat type) plus one 'lockshield' type which may incorporate a drain ...
Do you use PTFE tape on radiator tails?
Use jointing compound too If you are installing a new central heating component (like a radiator or a radiator valve) then it's advisable to use PTFE tape AND some silicone-based jointing compound, to make the joint completely watertight.
What do the arrows on radiator valves mean?
Until about 1995 all thermostatic radiator valves were uni-directional. They were made with a single-headed arrow which marked the direction of flow. They had to be fitted so that the water passing through them followed the direction of the arrow. This meant that they were normally fitted to the flow pipe.
Does it matter which side of radiator flow and return?
Most modern thermostatic radiator valves are bi-directional – so can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator. However, it's always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator.
Why is there 2 valves on a radiator?
Each radiator will have two valves. One will control the amount of hot water that enters the radiator and the other will balance the system by controlling how much heat comes out of your radiator.
How do you replace a radiator tail?
0:030:59The Fast and Easy Way To Fit Radiator Tails - Power Tool DriveYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we live in a standard hex shaft on the end of it it just fits into the end of a power tool. SoMoreAnd we live in a standard hex shaft on the end of it it just fits into the end of a power tool. So quite simply just fit into the panel. That would then fit over the top ERV.
Do all radiator valves fit all radiators?
In fact, some radiator valves just won't be compatible at all and others can't be used with certain radiators because of size, shape and design.
Do all radiators have a lockshield valve?
Lockshield Valves Explained A lockshield valve is slightly different from manual and thermostatic valves as it controls how much water can exit a radiator. Every radiator has one, and you need them to make sure all the radiators remain balanced in your central heating system.
What is a thermostatic radiator valve?
Thermostatic Radiator Valves Self regulate to control the amount of water that enters a radiator. They will have a temperature dial which is easily pre set by the home owner to maintain the ideal room temperature. Thermostatic radiator valves contribute to the efficiency of the heating system helping you to save money on your heating bills.
How does a radiator valve work?
Radiator valves work by controlling the amount of hot water that flow through the pipes of a hot water central heating system to each radiator in the system.
How to stop a radiator from twisting?
Slowly tighten the nut on the radiator connection side and remember to hold the valve body with a wrench to prevent it twisting as you gradually tighten the joint.
Draining the system
You’ll have to drain the central heating system before removing a valve can. Draining’s fairly simple with a combi boiler system (without a water cylinder), but if yours relies a conventional water cylinder system, you may need professional help to successfully and safely drain it.
Undoing the compression and union nuts
With the system now drained, remove the valve that’s connected to the tail you want to remove (it’ll be manual, thermostatic or Lockshield valve). To do this, turn the compression nut with an adjustable spanner as you hold the valve in place via a radiator valve spanner. Why? To avoid bending the vertical pipe connected to the valve’s bottom end.
Removing the lower valve coupling
Replacing the valve in addition to the tail? If so, be sure to release the lower valve coupling via an open-ended or adjustable spanner. To undo the nut, turn it anti-clockwise.
Removing the valve tail
Use a hexagonal valve key to remove the valve tail by turning the key anti-clockwise. If may prove stiff to turn, so don’t be afraid to exert a good deal of pressure as you do so. Now, with the first valve tail freed, you can repeat the action on the other side of the unit, should you want to replace this valve tail too.
Using PTFE tape to prevent leaks
You’re now ready to fit the new tail valves, but now you’d be well advised to pause in order to wind some PTFE tape, also referred to as thread tape, around the external thread of the tail to ensure no leaks occur.
Inserting the valve tails
Now, using the valve key, insert your (two) new valve tail (s) by turning the key clockwise; until, that is, you secure a firm fit.
Couple up the valves
Use the appropriate instruments to couple up the new valves ahead of refilling the system with water.
What size is a radiator valve tail?
Radiator Valve Tail | 1/2' BSP x 15mm Compression This radiator valve tail connects a radiator to a standard radiator valve. The male thread is 1/2 inch BSP (normal size for the connections on a radiator). The tail has a compression nut and olive to suit a valve with a 15mm compression type outlet.
What is a radiator tail?
This radiator valve tail connects a radiator to a standard radiator valve. The male thread is 1/2 inch BSP (normal size for the connections on a radiator). The tail has a compression nut and olive to suit a valve with a 15mmcompression type outlet.
What thread do radiator valves use?
Radiator Valves. The tappings in a radiator are usually a standard 1/2 inch BSP female thread (see BSPT link at bottom of page for more info on plumbing thread sizes). Some radiator valves use a large union nut and tail, and others use a 15mm compression connection to the tail.
How wide is a radiator?
The old radiator measure 675mm in width - from where the valve tail go into the actual radiator. The opening between the two valves on the pipes is 737mm (this would be between the thread on the valve bodies).
How many tapped inserts are there in a radiator?
Most radiatorshave four tapped inserts for the connections, one at each corner - these are for: The 'tails' for the control and lockshield valves. A bleed valveat one end at the top of the radiator.
Do rads go in a long way?
Tails are taper but often rads are parallel. So often do go in a long way.
What is a radiator valve?
Radiator valves are an essential part of how a radiator, or a heated towel rail, functions. They control the flow of water through the pipes and ensure that your radiator heats up effectively and efficiently – keeping you, your home and everyone in it, nice and comfortable and warm.
What is a thermostatic radiator valve?
Thermostatic radiator valves (also known as TRVs) measure the temperature in the room and then adapt the heat output of the radiator.
Where Is My Radiator Valve Inlet?
Discovering where the valve inlets on your radiator are is fairly straight-forward and is defined primarily by the kind of radiator or heated towel rail that you have.
What Types Of Radiator Valves Are Available?
The first thing to understand when you’re choosing which radiator valves to buy is whether your requirements can be met by a set of Angled, Straight or H-Block valves.
What is an H block valve?
H-Block valves are suitable for use with central or middle connection radiators (which are effectively the same thing) and they help to minimise the impact your radiator or heated towel rail has on your space.
What would you use if your central heating pipes came out of the wall?
In this instance, if your central heating pipes came out of the wall, you would use angled radiator valves to enable you to join the horizontal pipework to the valve inlet of the heated towel rail.
What are the two types of radiator valves?
This is pretty simple – there are two main types of radiator valve, these are manual and thermostatic and, for safety, there is also a lockshield valve.
What size tails are used for new valves?
If using new valves the tails with them will be 1/2" bsp as standard.
What should a new radiator come with?
4. Your new radiator should have come with a blanking plug and a plug with the bleed valve in it . These normally have O ring seals and are just screwed into the top two holes.
What size is the tail piece on the Allan Key?
The tail pieces usually have a half inch hexagon inside to fit an Allan key.
Does the nut come off the tail of a rad?
That nut won’t come off of the tail - it’s part of the fitting. Withdraw the whole part from the rad using a large Allen key in the hole - like the one Tricky Dicky mentions.
What size compression valves are used for rad valves?
Old rad valves had an odd sized union but most new ones use the standard 15mm compression so the valve can be fitted upright or sideways if needed.
What is the compression connection for a TRV?
Most angle TRV with the 15mm compression connection to valve seem to list 60mm centre of supply pipe to end of thread.
Do radiator pipes have to be flexed?
There is normally enough flex in the pipes to shut the valves, undo the valve to radiator connections, and wriggle the radiator off for decorating etc. This doesn't apply where the pipes come out of the walls behind the valves, or if there is very limited clearance between valve and floor.
Is TRV4 a top entry rad?
Although, just thinking about practicalities. Not sure how much vert pipe run you have before rad entry? And if the TRV is very low down on the floor it may not respond to temp increases very well. The TRV4 diagram was a top entry rad.