If you’re having a go at installing a radiator yourself, then you are probably aware that one side of the radiator allows the hot water to flow into the radiator, while the other side returns the colder water back to the boiler. Knowing which is which is important, so in this article, we’ll explain the differences and how you can make sure your radiator installation goes smoothly.
In a central heating system, the flow and return pipes are a crucial component of the plumbing system. The flow pipe carries hot water from the heating system's boiler to the radiators, while the return pipe carries cooled water back to the boiler.
The flow pipe is typically connected to the outlet of the boiler, and the hot water flows through it to the radiators. As the hot water passes through the radiators, heat is transferred from the water to the air in the room, warming the room. The cooled water then flows back to the boiler through the return pipe, where it is re-heated and circulated back through the system.
The flow and return pipes must be properly sized and installed to ensure efficient and effective heating. Improper sizing or installation can result in issues such as low water flow, poor heating performance, or even system failure. It is important to consult a professional for proper installation and maintenance of a central heating system.
Typically, the side of the radiator marked as "inlet" or "supply" is intended to be connected to the hot water flow from the heating system's pump, while the side marked as "outlet" or "return" is intended to be connected to the return line that carries cooled water back to the heating system's pump. However, in some cases, it may not matter which side is used for the flow and which side is used for the return, as long as the connections are made properly.
The most straightforward way to identify the flow pipe in a central heating system is to follow the flow direction. The flow pipe carries hot water from the heating system's boiler to the radiators, so it should run from the boiler towards the radiators.
You can use the following steps to identify the flow pipe:
To ensure that radiator valves are installed correctly on the flow and return pipes, you should follow these steps:
A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is typically installed on the flow pipe of a central heating system. The TRV regulates the flow of hot water to the radiator based on the room temperature, allowing you to control the temperature of each individual room.
When installed on the flow pipe, the TRV senses the temperature of the room and adjusts the flow of hot water to the radiator to maintain the desired temperature. If the room is too cold, the TRV opens to allow more hot water to flow through the radiator, warming the room. If the room is too warm, the TRV closes to reduce the flow of hot water, cooling the room.
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A thermostatic radiator valve allows you to adjust the temperature of your radiator with just a simple turn of the dial. The easy-to-read numbers will accurately keep track of how much heat your radiator is putting out and helps you to use your heating more efficiently. For example, you can have the central heating running in your home, but not in your second bedroom which is rarely used. TRVs enable you to only warm up the areas in need of heat, without unnecessary waste.
Many people are making the switch from traditional manual valves to something which can afford the user a bit more versatility and control when heating any space. Take a look at the current range of thermostatic valves currently in stock at Trade Radiators, with some fantastic items available.