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What is the Difference Between Angled, Corner, Straight, and Towel Radiator Valves?

What is the Difference Between Angled, Corner, Straight, and Towel Radiator Valves?

Posted by Radiator Valves 4u on 4th Feb 2025

Radiator valves come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes, and they differ in orientation, material, appearance, and heat control functionality. While some of these factors are down to personal preference, others depend on the type of radiator you have and the layout of your pipework.

Understanding Radiator Valves: Flow and Return

Most radiator valve setups require two valves—one for the flow and one for the return. With manual valves, it doesn’t matter which is which, but for thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), you’ll typically receive a TRV head and a lock-shield valve. The main exception to this rule is Twin or H-Block valves, which are designed as a single unit to control both flow and return.

What is Flow and Return in a Central Heating System?

In simple terms:

  • Flow refers to hot water coming from the boiler into the radiator.
  • Return refers to cooler water returning to the boiler to be reheated.

If flow and return valves are installed incorrectly, you may experience radiator hammer—a knocking or banging noise caused by water pressure oscillating the TRV. This not only reduces the lifespan of the valve but also makes your heating system less efficient.

Correct Flow Direction Incorrect Flow Direction

Types of Radiator Valves

Angeled Radiator Valve

Angled Radiator Valves:

Best for: Side-entry radiators with pipework coming from the floor.

Angled radiator valves are the most commonly used type, particularly in homes where the pipework runs beneath the floor. These valves are designed with a 90-degree right-angle turn, allowing the radiator coupler (outlet) to connect horizontally into the radiator, either from the left or right.

Key Benefits of Angled Radiator Valves:

✅ Ideal when pipes come up from the floor—no need to chase out walls.

✅ Aesthetically pleasing when paired with solid metal pipe sleeves, turning pipework into a feature.

✅ Compatible with most radiator installations.

Potential Drawbacks:

❌ Harder to clean behind and under the radiator as dust can accumulate.

❌ If pipe sleeves aren’t used, exposed copper pipes and holes in the floor may create a less polished look.

Modern Angled Radiator Valve Traditional Angled Radiator Valve

corner-valve-rv.jpg

Corner Radiator Valves:

Best for: Radiators with pipework coming from the wall.

Corner radiator valves are similar to angled valves but designed for installations where pipes emerge from inside the wall rather than the floor. The inlet is located at the back of the valve, while the radiator coupler (outlet) exits to the left or right.

Key Benefits of Corner Radiator Valves:

✅ Creates a neater, more streamlined appearance with minimal visible pipework.

✅ Makes cleaning easier—no exposed pipes on the floor to trap dust.

Potential Drawbacks:

❌ More complex to install as it may require chasing pipework into the wall.

❌ For TRVs, the internal TRV cartridge may need swapping with the lock-shield cartridge to ensure correct orientation and prevent radiator hammer.

Modern Corner Radiator Valve Traditional Corner Radiator Valve

straight-valve-rv.jpg

Straight Radiator Valves:

Best for: Radiators with bottom connections where pipework comes directly from the floor.

Straight radiator valves do not bend at an angle, making them ideal for radiators where the inlet and outlet are in line with the pipework. This is most common in towel radiators and designer radiators with bottom entry connections.

There are exceptions where pipework runs along (rather than inside) the wall to a side entry radiator.

Straight TRVs have an inlet and radiator coupler (outlet) on either side of the valve. There will be small arrows identifying the flow of water and these should be adhered to to avoid radiator hammer.

Key Benefits of Straight Radiator Valves:

✅ Perfect for bottom-fed radiators and pipework that runs directly upwards.

✅ Simple installation—no need for extra bends in pipework.

Potential Drawbacks:

❌ Not suitable for side-entry radiators unless the pipework runs along the wall horizontally.

❌ Exposed pipework may not suit all interior styles without additional covers.

It can be easier to incorrectly install straight TRVs as they look almost identical either way around. Your installer just needs to keep an eye out for the small arrow or the flow restrictor inside the valve.

Modern Straight Radiator Valve Traditional Straight Radiator Valve

straight-valve-rv.jpg

Heated Towel Radiator Valves:

Most heated towel radiators require straight valves, as the majority of towel rails are bottom-fed. This ensures a clean and efficient connection to the central heating system.

If your towel radiator is mounted higher up the wall than a standard radiator, we stock extra-long 300mm pipe sleeves to complete the installation professionally, maintaining a seamless look.

Key Considerations for Heated Towel Radiator Valves:

✅ Material & Finish: If installed in a humid or damp environment, such as a bathroom, opt for corrosion-resistant finishes like chrome, brushed brass, or stainless steel to ensure longevity.

✅ Space-Saving Installation: Straight radiator valves can be positioned parallel to the radiator to minimise protrusion into the room, reducing the risk of accidentally knocking the valve.

Straight radiator valves can be orientated so the the valve head is at the parallel to the radiator to avoid taking up space in your room and reduce the risk of catching the valve:

Modern Straight Radiator Valve Traditional Straight Radiator Valve
 

double-valve-rv.jpg

Twin/ H-Block Radiator Valves:

Twin radiator valves, also known as H-Block valves, combine the flow and return (TRV and lockshield) into a single unit. These are specifically designed for certain designer radiators and towel radiators that require a centralised connection.

Twin valves are available in straight and corner versions, allowing flexibility depending on whether your pipework is embedded in the wall or comes from the floor.

Key Considerations for Twin/H-Block Valves:

✅ Sleek, minimalist look – perfect for modern and designer radiators.

✅ Space-saving design, reducing visible pipework and creating a tidy installation.

❌ Limited compatibility – only suitable for twin-entry radiators.

❌ Less flexibility for future upgrades, as switching to a different radiator type may require reworking the pipework.

While Twin/H-Block valves offer a stylish and streamlined solution, they are a niche product due to the limited availability of twin-entry radiators. If you’re planning future radiator upgrades, it’s worth considering whether this valve type aligns with your long-term heating setup.

Straight Twin inlet radiator valve

Corner twin inlet radiator valve

What is the difference between Manual and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV)?

Manual Radiator Valves

A manual radiator valve functions like a tap, allowing a fixed amount of hot water to flow into the radiator whenever the central heating is on. Unlike TRVs, they do not adjust based on the room temperature.

How Manual Radiator Valves Work?

  • Heat output remains constant, regardless of room temperature.
  • Each radiator continuously emits heat as long as the heating is active, reducing the temperature of the returning water and requiring more energy to reheat.
  • You can fully close a manual valve to shut off water flow completely.

When to Choose a Manual Radiator Valve:

✅ Suitable for rooms with a central thermostat controlling the overall temperature.

✅ Preferred for older heating systems that lack radiator bypass functionality.

✅ Simple to use with no moving parts that could wear out over time.

❌ Less energy-efficient – radiators will continue heating even when the room is warm.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

A TRV automatically adjusts the radiator’s heat output based on the room temperature, making it a more energy-efficient option.

How TRVs Work:

  • A wax or liquid-filled cartridge inside the valve expands as the room gets warmer, gradually closing the valve to reduce water flow.
  • The TRV head can be adjusted to set a desired room temperature, controlling how far the valve opens or closes.
  • Most TRVs have numbered settings – typically, each increment represents around 5°C (check the valve’s technical sheet for precise calibration).
  • When the set temperature is reached, the TRV reduces heat output, helping to save energy and prevent overheating.

Key Benefits of TRVs:

✅ Room-by-room temperature control, reducing wasted energy.

✅ Improved heating efficiency – less heat loss means lower energy consumption.

✅ Frost Protection Mode – automatically allows minimal water flow if the room drops below 7°C, preventing pipes from freezing.

❌ Not recommended for rooms with a central thermostat, as competing temperature readings can cause inefficiencies.

❌ Requires a decorator’s cap when removing a radiator, as TRVs will open automatically if the temperature drops even when disconnected (all our TRVs include a decorator’s cap as standard, and replacements are available).

Which Radiator Valve is Right for You?

  • For precise, energy-efficient room control? → Choose a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV).
  • For simple, manual control or older heating systems? → A Manual Radiator Valve may be the better option.

Choosing the right radiator valve is essential for both the efficiency and aesthetics of your heating system. Whether you opt for angled, corner, straight, or twin/H-block valves, your decision should be based on pipework layout, radiator type, and personal preference.

Additionally, selecting between manual and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) can impact energy efficiency and comfort. While manual valves offer simple, continuous heating, TRVs provide precise room-by-room temperature control, helping to reduce energy waste.

By understanding the differences between these valve types, you can ensure a stylish, functional, and efficient heating setup. If you’re unsure which valve is right for your radiator, explore our extensive range or contact our team for expert advice!

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