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DIY thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
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| NB Before you start, read the following
carefully: |
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A TRV, ready to fit
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- TRVs can be fitted on radiators in a pumped wet central
heating system but NOT in the same room as a room
thermostat
- Do not put TRVs if the valve position is covered by curtains,
if the air cannot circulate freely around it or if it is
an particularly sunny or draughty position. If yu cannot
avoid these, buy TRVs with remote sensors
- Leave at least one radiator without a TRV
- Most TRVs can be fitted to either the flow or return but
have to be positioned so that water flow is in the correct
direction through the valve
- Once fitted, make sure you leave them on their highest
setting if the heating is not in use for a long period of
time (i.e. the summer) to stop them seizing shut
- Read the instructions that come with the TRVs!
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Instructions:
- Measure the diameter of the pipes and make sure that the TRVs
you buy fit.
- Drain the heating system but beware - there could be 200 litres
or water so get some big containers ready! To do this, switch
the system off, find the drain cock and attach a length of hose
to it. Open up the radiator valves and, in the loft, turn off
the water supply to the feed and expansion cistern (or tie up
the ball valve).
- Open the draincock. As the system empties, open the air vents
to the radiators, starting at the top of the house and working
downwards.
- Unscrew the old valves and clean the pipe ends. Wrap four rounds
of PTFE tape round the threads of the pipe and valve and screw
a TRV on.
- Once all the TRVs are secure, refill the system by closing all
the air vents and the draincock and, either turn the water supply
to the feed and expansion cistern on, adding corrosion inhibitor,
or replace the liquid saved from draining.
- As the system fills, bleed the radiators to get rid of trapped
air using an air vent key.
- Switch the system back on!
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