A TRV responds to room temperature and adjusts flow automatically. A manual valve stays at its set opening until someone changes it.
Thermostatic and Manual Controls for Room Heat
The valve is a small fitting with a large effect on how a radiator behaves. MacBlair lists angled and straight radiator valves, lockshields, thermostatic valves and replacement TRV heads. Options include 10mm and 15mm connections, plus valves for towel radiators in the wider plumbing and heating range.
An angled body suits a pipe rising from the floor or emerging from the wall where a turn is needed; a straight body follows an in-line connection. A thermostatic radiator valve senses room temperature and varies hot-water flow, while a lockshield is normally used to balance the circuit. Check whether the body, head, tail and lockshield are sold together.
Match the pipe outside diameter, radiator thread and orientation before ordering. A decorative valve still has to fit the actual pipe route and required flow direction. When adapting an older installation, copper pipe and compression fittings may be needed; preserve water quality with the specified system inhibitor.
Radiator Valve FAQ's
Follow the direction the pipe approaches the radiator. Angled valves turn the connection; straight valves align with an in-line run.
It sets the flow through a radiator during system balancing and is usually left at that position rather than used for daily control.
No. Check pipe diameter, radiator tail thread and valve connection. Common 10mm and 15mm pipe options are not interchangeable without the right adaptor.
Sometimes, if a replacement head matches the existing valve body. Check the exact make and connection before buying.