The presence of valves in all bathroom appliances is essential for their operability, from showers to bidet taps. The main purpose of the valve is to control the flow of the water within these appliances; however radiator valves and shower valves have slightly differing operational functions.

Radiator valve

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Most modern day radiator valves have either an adjustable thermostat to help control room temperature or a manual radiator valve.

Manual Radiator valves

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The handle on a manual radiator valve has settings or levels on it, generally numbered 1–5 however this shows no indication as to what temperature is corresponds to. To a certain extend getting the perfect room temperate with a manual radiator valve is a process of trial and error.

Thermostatic radiator valves

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The handle on the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) has the temperature levels indicated on the handle, which is simply turned to the required temperature. This temperature is then sustained for as long as possible.

By having TRV’s in certain rooms of the house the temperature in each of these individual rooms can be controlled independently. It is advisable not to TRV’s on every room in the house as the excess heated water has no room for manoeuvrability around the house.

Many of today’s TRV’s can be housed either horizontally or vertically on either the flow or return end of the radiator, without the risk of water hammer occurring. This is because they are not sensitive to water flow and the radiator tail/ copper tube connection are interchangeable.

Bidirectional TRV's

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Bidirectional TRV's have the ability to change their water flow simply by twisting a setting cap on the valve body. If water hammer occurs, a simple turn of the setting ring on the radiator valve will resolve the problem with no drainage needed.

Remote sensors

Remote sensors can be used with some TRV’s, this allows the sensor a distance of up to 5 metres away from the valve. The remote sensor is needed if the valve is in either a hard to reach place or if it is an area of unusual temperature such as behind a curtain. The remote sensor will gauge a more accurate reading of the room’s average temperature.

Shower valve

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There are two main ways a valve can be integrated into shower controls. These are exposed and concealed. The main difference is the concealed shower valve fittings are hidden behind the wall for a seamless finish, whereas the exposed shower valves can be seen.

Thermostatic shower mixer valves

The thermostatic shower valve maintains a selected shower temperature regardless of changes in the temperature of the hot or cold water supply. It includes an automatic shut off if the cold water supply is interrupted. The water temperature does not change as the water level in the hot water tank becomes lower. Thermostatic shower valves have a temperature memory, which remembers the temperature of the last shower.

Bradtrol Mixing Valves

Mixing Valves enable a bather to select desired temperature and volume settings with a single handle. There is no need for a separate volume control at valve or showerhead. The handle is pulled out for increased volume; turned left for hot, right for cold.

Pressure Balanced Valves

Pressure balanced valves maintain water pressure so effectively the bather never feels a surge of hot or cold water. As the name suggests the water pressure is as constant as possible through a stainless steel pressure balancing piston. The water flow is often higher than through other valves types.

Other types of shower valves include diverter valves, non-thermostatic valve shower valves, combination thermostatic/volume control shower valves, thermostatic mixing valves and volume control valves. Each shower valve type has its own combination of controlling water pressure and temperature control.

Towel rail valves

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The main applications for these valves are heated towel rails of the 'ladder' type. A self sealing tail piece reduces installation time, and the lockshield includes a drain-off feature.

Plumbcall Direct have a wide range of valves to suit every bathroom appliance from ceramic tap disc valves to TVR and thermostatic shower valves. Plumbcall Direct also stock their complimenting accessories such as radiator bleed keys and pressure reducing valve gauges in a great range of styles to suit every need and budget.