Upside down TRV?

message from Bink on 24 May 2004

Is there a reason why I shouldn't fit a TRV with the head pointing downwards
rather than the more usual pointing upwards/sideways configuration?

I'm about to install a towel rail with pipes hidden in the wall. I think
the neatest way to do this would be to fit standard right-angle valves
between the pipes and the bottom of the radiator. This means either having
the heads sticking outwards into the room (which I'm not that keen on) or
pointing downwards.

Anyone got a good reason why I shouldn't do this?

Hugh replied to Bink on 25 May 2004

the valve instructions should tell you, but,
just a suggestion - why not put lockshield valves on flow and return - if
your heat source is a combi- then one radiator should remain on permanently.
Assuming you have another radiator like that, and you should (for
dissipation of heat) then put a TRV valve there.
In this way, you'll always have dry towels even with no central heating -
and it looks quite neat - mine does.

Hugh

Grunff replied to Bink on 25 May 2004

I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I think it will look a bit odd.
Have you thought of perhaps using an inline TRV (one where the
inlet/outlet are along the same axis)?

BillV replied to Grunff on 25 May 2004

I've got exactly the same problem as the OP with a new ladder rad I'm about
to fit.
Inline valves won't fit in the space between the rad and the wall behind
which the pipes come out of and even if they did I doubt that it would be
good place for a TRV behind the rad..
Could reroute the pipes so they come out of the floor below the rad ... no
thanks.
I think I'm going to go with Hugh's suggestion and use lockshield valves at
both ends.

Archived message: Upside down TRV? (UK DIY Home Improvement)