Towel Radiator Valves All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[AdAstra]

I want to replace a radiator with a towel warmer/radiator and ordered two in line valves for the job from the radiator supplier. I was surprised to receive what appear to be two identical control valves for the job and not one control valve and one lockshield valve. Are lockshield valves not used in towel warmers? If not why not?

AdAstra

[plumbbob]

Valves and lockshield valves are the same thing. What makes the difference is the application. One is used to control the on/off of the radiator and has a normal cap, the lockshield is used to balance the system by being left partially open. Usually they are fitted with a tamperproof cap, but not always as you can see.

[bobbych]

A Towel warmer is just a fancy radiator. all rads should have a lockshield valve to prevent accidental changes therefor an unbalenced system

[AdAstra]

Hi Plumbbob and Bobbych.

I will look around for a tamper proof cap.

I am also assuming that the four and a half turns needed to close my old lockshield valve if applied to the new valve will be ok to keep the system balanced.

Many thanks for the advice.

Adastra

[bobbych]

closing your lockshield V half way wont balance it. Its a starting point tho.