Whether you're updating your central heating system or just wondering what that mysterious knob at the end of your radiator does—welcome. We’re diving into the sometimes overlooked, often misunderstood world of radiator valves. Sounds niche? It is.
But here’s the thing: choosing the right radiator valve matters. A lot more than most people think. It affects not just the temperature of your home, but how efficiently your heating system runs, how it looks, and even how easy it is to use. And since the market offers more options than just “on” or “off,” we figured it was time to break it down.
Let’s take a look at the six main types of radiator valves you’ll encounter, what makes them tick (literally, in some cases), and how to figure out which one belongs in your home.
What are radiator valves, and why do they matter?
Before jumping into the types, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Radiator valves are essentially the controls that manage how much hot water flows into your radiator. Less water = less heat. More water = toasty socks.
If you're still curious about the mechanics, we break it down in our easy guide on how radiator valves work before reading on.
The short version? Valves give you control over each radiator individually, which means greater control over your whole heating system—temperature, efficiency, the works.
1. Manual radiator valves
These are the most basic—and perhaps most familiar—type of radiator valve. They’re a bit like the tap in your garden: you turn them on or off to control the flow of hot water. No automation, no fancy tech, just you and the knob.
When they make sense
If you rarely adjust your heating and prefer the simple life, manual valves are a reliable (and cheap) choice. However, they’re not ideal for energy savings, since they don’t respond to temperature changes automatically.
2. Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
These are the next step up in sophistication. TRVs monitor the temperature of the room and automatically adjust the flow of hot water into the radiator to maintain your preferred level of heat. Some even give off a little click when they adjust themselves. That’s normal—don’t worry.
Why they're popular
TRVs are great for reducing energy waste. If the room is already warm (say, from sunlight), the valve will limit hot water flow, helping you avoid that "sauna-in-winter" feeling.
Just remember: don’t install them in the same room as your main thermostat. They’ll argue. And by argue, we mean confuse your system into heating unnecessarily.
3. Lockshield valves
Lockshields are the unsung heroes of the heating world. You don’t fiddle with them daily (or ever, really). These valves control the balance of the system—how much hot water flows into each radiator.
A quiet but essential role
Without lockshields, your upstairs bedroom could end up boiling while the living room stays stubbornly cold. A heating engineer typically sets them up during installation, and then they’re left alone. You can adjust them—but it's best done with care (and maybe a pair of pliers).
4. Angled radiator valves
Okay, now we’re getting into shapes. Angled valves are... well, angled. They connect the pipework from the wall or floor to the radiator at a 90-degree bend.
Why choose them
They’re ideal when your pipework comes out of the wall or floor beside the radiator rather than directly underneath. More than that, they just look cleaner in certain layouts. Bonus: they help avoid kinks in the pipe, which your plumber will appreciate.
5. Straight radiator valves
The sibling to angled valves, straight valves do exactly what the name suggests—they connect pipe to radiator in a straight line.
When to use them
These are best when your pipework runs directly in line with the valve inlets. Think minimalist, clean installs with no bends. They’re usually found when pipework comes from the floor and the radiator has bottom connections.
6. Corner radiator valves
Not to be confused with angled ones (yes, it’s a bit much), corner valves have a specific design that turns the flow sideways, often with a more compact or decorative finish.
Ideal for designer radiators
These work well when you're trying to hide pipework or achieve a super-neat finish in bathrooms or modern interiors. A touch fussy? Maybe. But some people really care about symmetry.
So… which one do you actually need?
That depends. On what your current pipework looks like. On how much control you want. On whether you're going for full smart-home integration or just want something functional that won’t stick out.
And let’s be honest: sometimes it’s also about looks. If you're installing a sleek vertical radiator in your hallway, you’re probably going to want valves that match the aesthetic. In that case, it’s worth exploring double-panel variants for better efficiency too, especially if you're working with limited space but still want serious heat output.
Final thoughts
Choosing a radiator valve isn’t rocket science—but it is central heating science, which is arguably just as important (especially in January). The right valve won’t just warm your room; it’ll give you better control, potentially lower bills, and a neater finish.
So take a good look at your setup, ask yourself what level of control you want, and maybe—just maybe—consider that not all radiator knobs are created equal.
