Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) Buying Guide

It is commonly said that you get what you pay for and in the case of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). I have found that the cheapest radiator valves often need replacement first and should be avoided in most cases. Another sign of a TRV that is not going to cause too much trouble is the size of the pin. The valves with the smallest pin often get stuck and need replacing or un-sticking. Although the Myson TRV 2-Way have a reasonable size pin and constantly get stuck.

There are many different TRVs on sale from B&Q, Wickes, etc., but they tend to be of the cheap variety to avoid or overpriced in comparison to the online retailers.

Danfoss RAS-C2	I don't mind these TRVs
Danfoss RAS-D2	A more expensive version of the above
Drayton RT212	Can be quite difficult to turn, and not that reliable
Drayton RT414	Hopefully an improvement on the RT212
Drayton TRV4	One of the original TRVs which look good, but better valves can be had for less
Honeywell VT117E	One of my preferred valves
Honeywell VT15EG	Slight improvements on the above but could be styled better
Myson TRV 2-Way	Troublesome valves which often leak from the pin casing them to seize or a mess
Pegler Terrier II	A reliable, low-cost valve
Siemens MTN51GB	Nice looking valve, would be happy to fit these

I do not know every TRV and if you would like to fill in the gaps I would be more than grateful.

One thing I have found with the Honeywell TRV's lateley is that you are given some strange shaped brass olives to use with the valves and the are difficult to tighten correctly on the tails. I had fitted a pair of straight Honeywell vlaves to a towel rail I fitted and it was leaking on the copper pipe as it entered the valve and so had to tighten the nut further after installation. Then two days later the nut is leaking where it connects to the radiator tail so I tighten this up, which loosened the tail itself. I had to take the towel rail off and replace the olives on the tails with copper ones and re-taped the tails whilst I was at it. In the future I shall be replacing these brass olives with some softer copper ones.

Disclaimer: The works described in this blog are a record of work undertaken and should not be taken as guaranteed to solve your problem. Work should only be carried out by persons qualified and competent to do so.