What valve is the flow

[dwalsh1]

Hi all
I removed a radiator off the wall and forgot to note what valve was the flow as I'll be replacing with a new radiator with a trv. Without putting back and re connecting how can I tell what pipe is the flow and what pipe is the return because I assume the trv goes on the flow. Btw both plastic caps are missing off the valves. Cheers in advance.

 

[Chuck]

In the absence of evidence to the contrary, your best guess is that flow is usually on the left. This is a rule of thumb, however, not a law of nature. Have a look at the other radiators in the dwelling, which side is the TRV usually on?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Link the pipes with a bit of tube and see which gets hot first

 

[dwalsh1]

I did think of that. But not sure of the fittings to get.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I did think of that. But not sure of the fittings to get.

will be 1/2 -15mm female iron just need to remove the rails from the rad

 

[dwalsh1]

will be 1/2 -15mm female iron just need to remove the rails from the rad

Remove the rails from the rad?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Remove the rails from the rad?

Tails eg the part that connects to the valves

 

[dwalsh1]

Tails eg the part that connects to the valves

Oh right. They was attached to the radiator when I dumped it.

 

[Rtplumb]

Oh right. They was attached to the radiator when I dumped it.

These days trv valves can be fitted to either flow or return and work just fine. Just make sure that you read the information on the box. Seeing as you’ve dumped the rad valves with the radiator (ooopsie) make sure you get the trv and lock shield set. Some are sold trv only. Hope this helps.

 

[dwalsh1]

The valves by Reina are said to be non bi directional so linking the two pipes together will tell who's who 🙂

 

[Rtplumb]

The valves by Reina are said to be non bi directional so linking the two pipes together will tell who's who 🙂

Generally the air vent (on the rad) is on the opposite side to the flow so use that as a guide.

 

[Gasmk1]

Generally the air vent (on the rad) is on the opposite side to the flow so use that as a guide.

Not if it’s one of mine I always fitted the air vent on the end that couldn’t be seen when entering the room for aesthetics

 

[Rtplumb]

Not if it’s one of mine I always fitted the air vent on the end that couldn’t be seen when entering the room for aesthetics

Each to their own, but personally I think that functionality and the correct fitting of components is more important than ‘aesthetics’.

 

[dwalsh1]

will be 1/2 -15mm female iron just need to remove the rails from the rad

I bought the above fittings like you mentioned and they don't fit the radiator valves. Surely you meant 3/4-15mm fittings?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I bought the above fittings like you mentioned and they don't fit the radiator valves. Surely you meant 3/4-15mm fittings?

Did you remove the tail out of the rad as you’ve said you binned it you will need to buy more eg lockshield valve and a trv

 

[dwalsh1]

Did you remove the tail out of the rad as you’ve said you binned it you will need to buy more eg lockshield valve and a trv

So theoretically when I buy a new radiator and order the new TRVs I could use the tails temporary out of those am I right in saying

 

[ShaunCorbs]

So theoretically when I buy a new radiator and order the new TRVs I could use the tails temporary out of those am I right in saying

Yes aslong as you get the same ones as your existing

 

[dwalsh1]

Yes as long as you get the same ones as your existing

Also, washing machine hoses could be an option because they are the same thread as my existing valves. I'll buy a 2 metre hose and attach to both valves and see what gets hot first as they'll only be on for a few seconds.

 

[Ric2013]

Not if it’s one of mine I always fitted the air vent on the end that couldn’t be seen when entering the room for aesthetics

I usually put the air vent where it is more likely to be accessible. Which usually means nearest the entrance. Now I wonder if I've been doing it wrong... but no doubt I'm not the only one so rules of thumb may not always work.

 

[Nwalky]

Also, washing machine hoses could be an option because they are the same thread as my existing valves. I'll buy a 2 metre hose and attach to both valves and see what gets hot first as they'll only be on for a few seconds.

Hi mate, a mountain being made out of a molehill by a few here to be honest, get some bi directional valves and put them on, Danfoss ones are usually bi directional and it is far from the end of the world if they are the wrong way around, just out them on and if you get it the right way happy days.