Radiator valves & accessories

The radiator gets the attention, but the valves and accessories are what make it work, control it and keep it running. They are easy to overlook and easy to get wrong, so it is worth a few minutes to match the right valves to your pipework and pick up the bits that complete the job. This page covers the valve types, how to match the angle to your pipes, the elements and controllers electric and dual-fuel radiators need, and the small accessories that finish and maintain a radiator.

Valve types: manual and TRV

Every radiator needs a pair of valves: one to control the flow in, and a lockshield to balance it. The choice is between manual and thermostatic. A manual valve is opened and closed by hand, like a tap, so you set the level yourself. A thermostatic radiator valve, or TRV, senses the room temperature and adjusts the radiator automatically to hold the level you set, giving you room-by-room control and helping you avoid heating rooms you are not using. For most homes a TRV on each radiator (except the room with the main thermostat) is the sensible, energy-aware choice; manual valves are simple and cheap where fine control matters less.

Angled, straight or corner?

Match the valve to the pipework. Valves come in different shapes to suit how your pipes meet the radiator. Straight valves suit pipes that rise straight up to the radiator's connections; angled valves turn the connection through ninety degrees, for pipes coming out of the wall or up from the floor at an offset; and corner valves sit neatly where space is tight or for a tidy look. Check where your pipes come from before you order, because the wrong shape means awkward pipework or a valve that will not line up. If you are replacing like for like, matching the existing valve shape is the easy route.

Elements and controllers

Electric and dual-fuel radiators and towel rails need a heating element rather than, or as well as, valves. The element is the part that heats the water electrically, and it is sized to the radiator, so it pays to match it correctly. Many come with a built-in thermostat and timer, or pair with a separate controller, so you can set temperatures and schedules. A dual-fuel radiator uses both: valves to run off the heating in winter and an element to run electrically in summer. If you are choosing an electric or dual-fuel rail, sort the element and any controller at the same time so the setup is complete.

See electric radiators and heated towel rails for the radiators these accessories complete.

Bleed keys, brackets and more

A few small accessories finish and maintain a radiator. A bleed key lets you release trapped air, the usual cure for a radiator that is cold at the top. Brackets and wall fixings hold the radiator securely, and the right fixings matter more on heavier radiators. Pipe covers and sleeves tidy the exposed pipework for a neat finish. And for system health, a magnetic filter and a corrosion inhibitor keep sludge at bay and protect the radiators, which is well worth doing when you fit new ones. Picking these up alongside the radiator and valves means you have everything for a complete, tidy, well-protected installation.

Valve & accessory FAQs

What's the difference between a manual valve and a TRV?

A manual valve is opened and closed by hand, like a tap. A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) senses the room temperature and adjusts the radiator automatically to hold your set level, giving room-by-room control and helping save energy. Most homes fit TRVs on all but the radiator in the room with the main thermostat.

How do I know if I need angled or straight valves?

Look at where your pipes meet the radiator. Pipes rising straight up to the connections suit straight valves; pipes coming from the wall or offset from the floor suit angled valves; corner valves suit tight spaces. If you are replacing existing valves, matching the shape you already have is the simplest approach.

What does a heating element do?

It heats the water in an electric or dual-fuel radiator electrically, instead of relying on the boiler. Elements are sized to the radiator and often include a thermostat and timer. A dual-fuel rail uses an element for summer and valves for winter, so it works year round.

Do I need a magnetic filter and inhibitor?

They are strongly recommended, especially when fitting new radiators. A corrosion inhibitor slows the sludge that causes cold spots, and a magnetic filter captures what does form, protecting your radiators and boiler. Fitting them is a job for your installer, and the filter is emptied at the annual service.

Shop radiator valves & accessories to control, complete and protect your radiators, from TRVs to elements, bleed keys and filters. Trusted since 1999, with free UK delivery and 365-day returns. Big brands, small prices.