Last Updated on June 3, 2023
On any cold winter morning, and you go to turn on your thermostat radiator valves (TRVs) only to find that they don’t work. You start to panic and wonder why do thermostatic radiator valves fail. Most people don’t give radiator valves the attention and care they deserve in their central heating systems. Due to this, they can get faulty and cause problems.
One of the most common issues is that the valve fails to open or close properly, resulting in the radiator being either too hot or too cold. When you are unaware of the reasons for thermostatic radiator valves failing, you might not be able to fix the problem and might have to replace the whole thing.
As part of this outpost, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common causes of the thermostatic radiator valve failing and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Why Do Thermostatic Radiator Valves Fail?
A thermostatic radiator valve, or TRV, is a self-regulating valve that controls the temperature of a radiator by controlling the flow of hot water or steam to it. TRVs are used in both residential and commercial heating systems. While TRVs are designed to last for many years, they can fail prematurely for many reasons.
Thermostatic radiator valves fail for several reasons:
1. Faulty Installation
One of the most commonly encountered causes of (TRV) failure is faulty installation. For TRVs to work properly, they must be installed in the correct position. If they are not installed correctly, they will not be able to sense the room temperature and cannot control the flow of hot water to the radiator.
Therefore, the radiator won’t heat up properly and will eventually fail. Aside from that, TRVs must be installed with care to avoid damaging the delicate internal components. Improper installation can damage the sensing element, which is responsible for regulating the flow of hot water.
2. Faulty Diverter Valve
Another common issue that can cause the thermostatic valves to fail is a faulty diverter valve. Over time, the seal on the diverter valve can break down, allowing water to leak into the thermostatic head. This can cause the head to become corroded and eventually fail.
Water is also directed to the different radiator sections using the diverter valve. If it becomes clogged or damaged, it can prevent proper water flow and lead to overheating. For this reason, it is essential to check the condition of the diverter valve and replace it if necessary.
3. Wrong Size Valve
TRVs come in different sizes, and it is important to choose the right size for your radiator. If the valve is too small, it won’t be able to control the flow of water effectively and may cause the radiator to overheat. Oversized valves cannot open fully, resulting in reduced heat output.
The use of a valve that is incorrectly sized may result in shorter lifespans for your radiators and may even lead to premature failure of your radiator. To avoid these problems, be sure to select a TRV that is the correct size for your radiator.
4. Dirty or Blockages Valve
Over time, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can become blocked or damaged, preventing them from working properly. There is usually a buildup of particles within the valve that causes the problem. This can happen if the TRV is not regularly cleaned or if it is installed in an area with a lot of dust.
TRVs can also be damaged by knocks or bangs, which can cause the internal cast iron radiator to become misaligned. If a TRV is not working properly, it will not be able to regulate the flow of water through the radiator, leading to uneven heating in the room.
5. Wrong Temperature Setting
TRVs are designed to maintain a specific temperature in the room. If a TRV is set too high, the radiator may become overheated, leading to damage and potentially causing a fire. Alternatively, if it is set too low, the radiator will not get hot enough to effectively heat the room. So, it is important to ensure that TRVs are properly calibrated to avoid these problems.
6. Corroded Valve Body
Over time, constant exposure to water and other elements can cause corrosion to form on the body of a thermostatic radiator valve. This corrosion can eventually lead to pitting, which can weaken the valve and cause it to fail. The corrosion can also cause the valve to become stuck in the closed position, preventing heat from being transferred to the radiator.
Due to this, it is important to regularly inspect the body of your thermostatic radiator valves for signs of corrosion. If the valve is significantly corroded, it will need to be replaced to avoid potential problems.
7. Central Heating Control Issue
There is a possibility that the electronic control panel on your boiler is malfunctioning and causing your thermostatic radiator valves to fail. This control panel regulates the timing of your central heating, so if it is not working correctly, your radiators will not heat up as they should.
8. Radiator Leak
A radiator leak can cause the thermostatic radiator valve to fail. There are a few different reasons why this might happen, but usually, it is due to corrosion or a loose connection. If the valve is not properly maintained and cleaned, corrosion can start to eat away at the metal and cause leaks.
If the nut connecting the valve to the pipe or radiator becomes loose, this can also cause leaks. The moment you notice that your thermostatic radiator valve is beginning to leak, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible.
9. Power Surges
Thermostatic radiator valves can be faulty by power surges. A power surge occurs when there is a sudden increase in voltage, often caused by lightning strikes or electrical faults.
The resulting spike in electrical current can damage sensitive electronic components, including the digital displays and sensors found in thermostatic radiator valves. Some valves may fail completely due to severe damage.
10: Faulty or Error Microchips
Thermostatic radiator valves control the flow of hot water through each individual radiator in order to maintain the desired temperature in a room. Modern thermostatic valves do this with the use of a microchip, which acts like a mini-computer.
Over time, these microchips can become faulty or experience errors due to wear and tear or incorrect installation. Problems may also be caused by external factors such as electrical interference from nearby appliances or even from too much heat produced by the radiators themselves.
11: Run out of Batteries
In some cases, thermostatic radiator valves rely on batteries as an additional power source to operate properly. Batteries can eventually run out of charge due to frequent use or if not replaced when necessary.
Without power, the valve cannot accurately read temperatures and thus cannot regulate the hot water flow accordingly. Low battery power is usually indicated by a flashing light on the valve itself and requires immediate replacement.
What to Do If Thermostatic Radiator Valves Fail?
Now that you know some of the main causes of thermostatic radiator valve failure, you may be wondering how you can prevent them from failing. There are a few things that you can do to help ensure that your thermostatic radiator valves last a long time.
Here are a few tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the valves correctly.
- Maintain the valves regularly to detect signs of deterioration, and have them replaced if necessary.
- Keep your valves clean by avoiding cleaners or chemicals which can damage them.
- Avoid over-tightening the valve nuts, as this can cause leaks.
- It is important to regularly bleed your radiators to avoid airlocks.
- Observe any signs of corrosion, and replace any significantly corroded valves.
- Replace your thermostat’s batteries regularly if they need to be replaced.
- Make sure your central heating system is regularly serviced.
By following these tips, you can help to prolong the life of your radiators and prevent them from failing prematurely.
Where Do You Find a New Thermostatic Radiator Valve?
There are several places where you can find a new thermostatic radiator valve. But online dealers offer a wide selection of top-rated models. You can also find them at your local hardware stores or plumbing supply stores.
If you want to buy a thermostatic radiator valve from an online dealer, don’t forget to read size and type of valve.
You can check out the list of some top rated thermostatic radiator valves to find one that fits your needs. Don’t forget that buying a thermostatic radiator valve from a reputable online dealer can be really beneficial.
What Are the Consequences If Thermostatic Radiator Valves Fail?
The thermostatic radiator valve is one of the most important components of your heating system. Hot water is regulated through these valves, ensuring that each room is kept at a comfortable temperature. If the thermostatic radiator valves in your home fail, it can have several consequences.
Having a faulty thermostatic radiator valve can lead to these consequences:
- Your home will not be heated evenly.
- A fluctuation in operating temperature may occur.
- It is likely that your energy bills will increase.
- There may be a noise coming from the radiators.
- Central heating may be malfunctioning.
- The valve can become stuck in a closed or open position.
If you experience any of these problems, it is important to have your thermostatic radiator valves checked and repaired immediately. Doing so can help avoid further damage to your heating system and ensure that your home remains comfortable all winter long.
Some Recommendations In terms of Thermostatic Radiator Valves?
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your heating bills, you may want to consider installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). But there are a lot of different TRVs on the market, so choosing the right type for your needs can be tricky.
Here are some most common and recommended types of TRVs:
High Capacity Thermostatic Radiator Valve:
These valves are designed for use with high-heat radiators, such as those found in industrial settings. Also known as “heavy-duty” or “commercial-grade” valves, they are built to withstand heavy use and can handle a large volume of water.
Smart Thermostatic Radiator Valve:
Smart thermostat radiator valves are equipped with sensors that detect when a room is occupied and adjust the flow of hot water accordingly. This helps to save energy by ensuring that heat is only being produced when it is needed.
Straight Thermostatic Radiator Valve:
Straight thermostatic radiator valves are the most common type of valve and are designed for use with standard radiators. They are easy to install and maintain and are a good choice for most homes.
Automatic Temperature Control Valve:
Automatic temperature control valves are designed to maintain a constant temperature in a room, regardless of the outside temperature. This makes them ideal for use in rooms that are susceptible to drafts or temperature fluctuations.
App control thermostatic radiator valves:
APP remote control thermostatic radiator valves can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet. This allows you to adjust the temperature in your home even when you’re not there.
When choosing a thermostatic valve, it is important to consider the specific needs of your home. It is also a good idea to consult with a professional when choosing a radiator valve.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Radiator Thermostats?
The ideal temperature for a radiator thermostat really depends on your personal preferences and needs. The rule of thumb is to keep your home at 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and your bedroom at 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).
There are a few things you should keep in mind when setting the temperature of your radiators. To begin with, keep in mind that your home’s temperature will drop at night, so you may want to adjust the thermostat valve accordingly. The second thing is if you have pets, ensure they will be comfortable at the temperature you set.
Also, keep in mind that the boiler will take more energy to heat your home when the thermostat is set lower, so you may want to strike a balance between comfort and efficiency. The ideal radiator thermostat temperature is subjective, so set it to whatever makes you most comfortable.
Regarding Radiator Temperature, What Is 5?
The answer to this question depends on the type of radiator you have. If you have a standard radiator, then 5 is likely to be 30°C. The temperature of 5 will be 25°C if you have a low-temperature radiator. Radiators are designed to heat up a room by circulating hot water through metal pipes.
The water is heated by a boiler, and the temperature is regulated by a thermostat. The thermostat controls how much hot water flows through the pipes and the amount of heat that is emitted into the room. On a radiator, the numbers represent the different settings for the thermostat. 0 is off, 1 is 10°C, 2 is 15°C, 3 is 20°C, 4 is 25°C, and 5 is 30°C.
Thus, setting the thermostat to 5 will cause the radiator to emit heat at 30°C. This is because standard radiators have a higher heat output than low-temperature radiators. To achieve the same temperature, they need a higher setting. For most rooms, a radiator temperature of 18C (64F) to 21C (70F) is ideal. The room will remain comfortable without wasting energy this way.
Do Thermostatic Radiator Valves Make Sense?
There’s no doubt that Thermostatic Radiator Valves make perfect sense, both financially and ecologically. TRVs are designed to regulate the temperature in each room individually. That means you can keep your living room at a comfortable 70 degrees without heating the entire house to that temperature.
Not only does this saves money by not wasting energy heating rooms that aren’t being used, but it can also extend the life of your furnace or boiler by not making it work as hard. In short, TRVs make perfect sense for anyone who wants to save energy and money. For your home or wherever else, always choose the best quality thermostatic radiator valves since the better the quality, the longer they will last. So now that you know all about TRVs and why thermostatic radiator valves fail. Follow the above-mentioned tips and read the reviews before purchasing the product.
