What size are radiator tails

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).

Are radiator tails a standard size?

15mm valves are the only size you’re likely to encounter, since 15mm copper pipes are the most common. There are also other sizes, from 8mm to 28mm, and there are accompanying adapters.

Are radiator tails tapered?

Radiator tails are tapered threads and need PTFE, or some form of jointing compound. Compression fittings (nut and olives) are just that and don’t need PTFE.

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.

What size is a radiator spanner?

Answer: The tool is made from 1/2″ hex (12.5mm). The long end has a couple of keyways cut into it. The short end has a 3/8″ (10mm) square with recess so that it can fit over the breather screw to remove / tighten the upper plugs on certain radiators.

What size are radiator bleed valves?

Castrads bleed valves can be used with a wide range of cast iron radiators. Most steel multicolumn radiators use half-inch 21mm BSP bleed valves.

What size radiator valves do I need?

10mm radiator valves are usually needed when you have a single radiator which was added to your existing heating system. It’s not common for an entire house to have 10mm pipes but having a radiator in the likes of a conservatory can sometimes see these pipes (and valves) needed.

Do radiator valves 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 …

Can you get 10mm radiator valves?

10mm radiator valves come in a range of different types to suit all homes. 10 mm radiator valves are used to connect to 10mm pipework. To enable quick and easy fitting, they are available in both angled and straight fittings.

Are TRV valves universal?

However this in not the case now and most, if not all, TRVs are universal, meaning that the flow can be either way through them without making and alterations to them. This means that there is no restriction to which side of the radiator they can go.

Article first time published on

Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?

Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.

Can you use a screwdriver to bleed a radiator?

You can use a flathead screwdriver to bleed a radiator without a key. Place the flat head into the notches of the bleed valve. To bleed the radiator, turn anticlockwise to open the valve, and clockwise to close the valve. Remember to hold an old cloth or jug under the bleed valve to catch any escaping water.

What is a radiator spanner for?

A radiator valve spanner helps avoid bending pipework when the union nut of a manual, thermostatic or lockshield radiator valve valve is undone or tightened. It is also known as a radiator valve wrench and a radiator valve lever. Valve spanners can be made of plastic, like the one here, or zinc-coated steel.

What size valves do I need?

Rim DepthValve Length Needed35mm55mm40mm55mm45mm60mm50mm60 – 70mm

What are the 2 valves on a radiator?

One valve accounts for the amount of hot water that enters the radiator. The other valve, referred to as the lockshield valve, balances the system by regulating how much heat the radiator gives off.

What are the different knobs on a radiator?

There are three main types of radiator valve: manual, thermostatic and smart.

Which radiator should I bleed first?

If your home has 2 floors you should begin bleeding the downstairs radiators first. It’s also advisable to start with the radiator which is furthest away from the boiler. Once you’ve bled all the downstairs radiators you move on to the upstairs, again beginning with the radiator which is furthest from the boiler.

What does a radiator bleed valve look like?

The valve can be located at the top of the radiator and to the side. It looks like a round hole with a square inside. When you insert the radiator key into the bleed valve, you will feel them lock together. Carefully turn the valve anti-clockwise – as the air begins to escape, you’ll hear a hissing sound.

What key do I need to bleed a radiator?

A specialist radiator bleed key is recommended for bleeding radiators. You can usually find bleed keys at your local DIY or hardware store. If you are unable to source a bleed key or have misplaced the one you own, a flat-blade screwdriver can usually be used as a substitute.

How far can you run 10mm pipe to a radiator?

i would not run 10mm longer than 5m, this will give you 10m in total flow and return length. Most plastic manufactures state around that length for 10mm. and any rad above 2.5kw i would go to 15mm.

What is a lockshield valve?

Lockshield valves are the covered valves on a radiator, usually by a plastic cap which prevents them from being accidently altered. Once this has been temporarily removed, lockshield radiator valves can be adjusted by turning the spindle to control how much water stays in or flows out of the radiator.

Can you reuse radiator tails?

dcox Screwfix Select If it’s like the pic above then you can take the tail out of the old radiator and reuse it (usually an internal hex to undo) and so keep the valve. TRVs all seem to use 1/2” nuts and lockshields are either 1/2” or 3/4”. You do quite often see one of each on a radiator.

What are rad tails?

Radiator valve tails screw into the bottom of radiator tappings; they connect home radiators with the valves that control the flow of water through a unit.

What fittings do I need for a radiator?

  • Spirit level.
  • Radiator key.
  • Pipe cutter.
  • Adjustable pipe wrench.
  • Adjustable spanner x 2.
  • Tape measure.
  • Bucket.
  • Dust sheet.

What side of radiator fits TRV?

However, it’s always best practice to fit the TRV on the flow pipe that enters your radiator. If a non-bi-directional thermostatic valve is fitted to the return side of the radiator, it can make a loud vibrating noise when water tries to pass through it.

Can I just replace TRV head?

If you are swapping an old thermostatic valve for a new TRV, take the thermostatic head off both valves. You should be able to turn this to remove it by hand.

Are TRV interchangeable?

The JG TRV is compatible with a large number of TRV’s such as Danfoss, Myson, Honeywell, Drayton, Altech and others. Before attempting to fit please check your valve is suitable for use with the JGTRV.

Do you need to use PTFE tape on radiator valves?

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. … Most plumbers will recommend using the PTFE tape and jointing compound on any new heating installation.

How many times should I wrap PTFE tape?

Wrapping PTFE tape three times around the joint is enough—any more than that and you risk overloading the thread with tape.

What causes tiny holes in radiators?

What causes pinhole leaks? If a central heating system is not regularly maintained, then corrosion can occur in your pipes and, in particular, your radiators. … If the problem is not dealt with then the corrosion eventually reaches the outside of your radiators or pipes, creating tiny holes from which water can leak.

What is a radiator spud?

Radiator Valve Spud Wrench is designed for making radiator valve repairs and can be used on 1/2 in. to 2 in. radiator valves. A radiator valve body is connected to the radiator by a spud. The Spud Wrench is used in order to remove the radiator valve and is required to loosen the spud.

You Might Also Like