Radiator valves are necessary plumbing devices to have if you maintain a boiler or a heating unit. Picking the right type of radiator valves can ensure efficient control of the room temperature in an office or warehouse setting. Radiator valves also work as important components for managing steam and hot water in industrial equipment or facilities.

The most common type of radiator valve is the thermostatic radiator valve, which is installed with most pipes in plumbing to control hot and cold water temperatures for water output. Steam radiator valves and parts such as radiator thermostats are appropriate for boiler room or steam heating equipment. Radiator thermostats may be installed vertically or horizontally, depending on the model, to properly monitor air temperature in a room. Automatic radiator valves don't require a lot of manual adjustments, and they save energy by keeping air out of radiators. Automatic radiator valves also reduce noise and pipe corrosion. Once you've become acquainted with radiator valves basics:

1. Pick steam radiator valves, thermostatic radiator valves and other radiator valves from certified manufacturers.

2. Choose from different varieties, including stainless steel radiator valves, brass radiator valves or automatic.

3. Consider services for radiator valve repair in case equipment malfunction occurs.

Action Steps
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Choose radiator valves from certified manufacturers or distributors

Research radiator valve manufacturer websites to determine the types you will need for your facilities.

I recommend: A.L.B. Industrial Supplies distributes non-electric radiator valves, as well as pressure regulators and thermostatic traps. Grainger supplies a variety of valves such as hydraulic, check and radiator valves. Spence Engineering manufactures radiator valves and other types of devices for heating and cooling ducts, fuel oil heaters, water heaters, parts washers and more.

Decide on the model or type of radiator valves best suited for your heating or boiler equipment

Buy an automatic radiator valve, a stainless steel radiator valve or a brass radiator valve, depending on radiator compatibility.

I recommend: MarshSteam manufactures radiator valves made of brass, bronze and steel. Carbon steel, cast iron steel and stainless steel radiator valves can be ordered from T&A Valve Industries. Watts Water Technologies manufactures radiator valves made of brass.

Find services that offer radiator valve repair or replacement

In case of equipment breakdown or malfunction, locate radiator valve manufacturers that specialize in repair or radiator valve replacement services.

I recommend: M&M Controls repairs and replaces radiator valves, controls and other industrial elements. Cooper Cameron Valves repairs and remanufactures ball, gate and radiator valves.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most radiator valves range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in height. Thermostatic radiator valves, steam radiator valves and others meet standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials, also known as ASTM.

Whether you need a valve for a new system or a radiator valve replacement on older installations, find the right size and part for the job. Locate chrome, bronze and brass radiator valves that include venting, bleeding, flow, automatic, antique and thermostatic models.

Buy from suppliers, distributors and manufacturers with nice in-stock inventories for quick shipments. Some companies provide services and solutions to help you find the product needed. When viewing the websites, buy radiator valves with the following in mind:

1. Save time viewing inventories by knowing the required dimensions and specs needed for your radiator valves.

2. Consider a thermostatic radiator valve to control temperatures in warehouses and garages.

3. Work with a manufacturer for specialty fittings applicable to your business plans.

Action Steps
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Find brass radiator valves with your required PSI rating

Choose water and steam radiator vales rated 25 inch with vacuums of 125, 150 PSI, or 200 PSI for water systems. Find various diameters and types ready for shipment.

I recommend: Get new water system installation parts or replacement radiator valves with on/off controls for any type of radiator at Sterling; click “Request Info or Quote” on the same page. Choose product offerings that include steam angle, convector, union and gate radiator vales at PexSupply.com; order online.

Save heating expenses with a thermostatic radiator valve

These radiator thermostats control the temperature settings for radiators by regulating the flow of water. Styles include straight, angle and side mount. Operators attach with/without remote sensors. These items aren't compatible with separate electronic thermostats.

I recommend: Buy online an automatic radiator valve actuator controller in several models and types at All Thermal Controls. Select the brand name you need, including Danfoss, Honeywell, Macon and Taco, to proceed to types and prices for online ordering at Garnet Midwest; radiator thermostats are also available.

Work with a radiator valve manufacturer for products or solutions

Contact manufacturers that make products for commercial, OEM and residential plumbing and heating markets.

I recommend: Contact Hydronic Alternatives, an OEM for a variety of radiator accessories. View product line, part number and description by clicking “Products-Radiator Accessories-Valves” for selections that include radiator thermostats, single entry bottom feeds and reverse angle pattern valves among others. Contact Watts Water Technologies for supply valves, thermostatic and bronze or brass steam radiator valves.

Locate suppliers and distributors with in-stock radiator valves

Find coin key air valves, auto vent, brass and bronze valves and valve nuts and tailpieces. You can even find antique radiator valves for rehab projects.

I recommend: Contact Matco-Norca, or click “Valves & Specialties,” then “Radiator/Heating Valves” for brief descriptions of radiator steam air and supply valves. Check out the selection of valves and order online at MSC Industrial Direct. See photos and descriptions of current antique radiator valves in-stock at A-1 New and Used Plumbing/Heating Supply; then call or email from the information given at the bottom of the page.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Instead of a radiator valve repair, especially in older buildings, warehouses and garages, consider installing a thermostatic radiator valve. These valves replace the on-off valve on each radiator in two pipe systems and for one-pipe steam systems, the valve replaces the air vent. The results include lower heating bills in a single unit or building complex. Monitor with wire or wireless sensors that control off and on for heat.

Proper radiator valves education and training can help keep your utility bills lower and reduce repair and maintenance bills by keeping your home or business in proper working condition. Whether it's learning to read radiator thermostats, adjust steam radiator valves, change antique radiator valves or repair radiator valves, having the proper know-how can help save you time and money in the long run. It must be cautioned, though, that if you are at any point uncertain as to what you are doing, please seek the help of a paid professional to do the job for you.

Radiator valves education and training can come in the form of online videos, instruction directions and/or diagrams. You can use these tips to install, upgrade or repair your existing radiator system.

To make the most of resources on radiator valves:

1. Start with instructional materials on the radiator bleed valve and radiator valve replacement.

2. Move to video materials for work on the radiator valves.

3. Take advantage of other supplemental radiator valves instructional materials.

Action Steps
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Read up on instruction materials for radiator valve repair and installation

Use instructional guides to radiator valves that offer step by step or text and image instructions for your educational and training on the material.

I recommend: Use the InspectAPedia Guide to Heating Radiators, Baseboards & Convectors: Inspection, Repair, Maintenance to help you with instruction material for problems with your antique radiator valves, automatic radiator valve, radiator thermostats or stainless steel radiator valve. Check out the instructions and specifics on valves from helpwithdiy.com when removing a radiator for decorating purposes.

Use video how-to materials to help you with working on radiator valves

Watch and learn from the experts as you take advantage of online video content on radiator valves, their use, their repair and their installation.

I recommend: Check out the collection of radiator how to videos available from Wonder How To. Watch the video from Homeserve posted on Metacafe on how to replace a damaged radiator valve. The video is helpful in that it starts you out by walking you through what you will need first before even getting into the step-by-step instructions.

Take advantage of other do it your self resources on radiator valves

Find additional do it yourself tips and training materials to help you with your next thermostatic radiator valve project.

I recommend: Check out the video from This Old House on how to maintain a steam radiator and handle the valves involved. The site also offers step by step written instructions to help you follow along. Take advantage of the DoItYourself.com article on further information on maintaining your radiator system and checking valves.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When using online videos as your radiator valves education and training, don't hesitate to pause the video or wind it back as needed. The moderator of the video is a trained professional who can probably work with a radiator valve in his or her sleep. You, on the other hand, cannot rush quality. So take as much time as you need, and stop the video as often as you need to.