Radiator valves?

Question

I have bog standard radiators that have just the normal feed valves to and from it. All of the white caps that you turn to turn the radiator off have all broken as they were very brittle. As a result I'm reduced to doing it with a pair of pliars.

I've tried searching for new ones by putting in searches like "radiator valve caps" or "feed valve caps" but nothing. Does anyone know what these are exactly called or where I can get them from. I've tried plumbing websites and B&Q but nothing.

Anyone out there a plumber who knows?

Answer 1

Rather than go to all the bother of finding them, go to screwfix.com and buy new valves, it is cheaper to buy the whole valve from screwfix rather than just the caps from a diy store, you will also have many spare valves should ever you need them ;)

Answer 2

Radiator Valves Screwfix

Answer 3

Unless you know the exact make you have no chance and if you do know the manufactures you only have 1% chance.
I'm afraid that the answer is to find a heating engineer who is fitting new boilers because under the building regulations when a boiler is changed thermostatic valves must be fitted to any existing radiators and he is the one person who might save some of the caps for you. Otherwise change the valves You can get twin packs (thermostat & lockshield valves) for under £ 10

Answer 4

If you have two valves on each radiator, one of them will be a "lockshield" valve. This will be the one that is used to balance the system, so that each rad has the correct flow to achieve the desired temp. It really only needs setting once, and if your system was correctly installed the engineer will have done this anyway so the cap on that one really is only decorative.
The other valve is for you to adjust as you wish, but I would go along with the guys who have suggested thermostatic valves - save a lot of messing about, and once you have set them in each room to suit your own preferences you can just let them get on with the job.
Sorry this doesn't really answer the question you asked, but I hope the info helps.

Answer 5

I agree with Michael H, a good plumbers' merchant will be the only place to obtain replacements. You certainly don't want to change the whole valve unless absolutely necessary , means draining down and filling up. But you must bear in mind that the tops are not standard and different manufacturers' valve tops will not always fit another's, different valve.

Answer 6

you need to try a real shop.

Go to a plumbers tradecounter on an industrial estate, they have millions of them and will sell retail.

screwfix don't sell them individually, just checked, you'd need the whole valve (£1.99 each minimum) but thats a complete waste.

I have no clue why everyone is telling you to fit thermo valves when all you ask for is white pastic knobs. Its a whole different level of job that requires draining the system.

Its like asking where to get a new widow latch from and people telling you to fit double glazing...its advice, but not answering your question.

Answer 7

When I had to get some more of these I yjust went to the local hardware store and asked for some rad caps 'the ones you adjust the temp with' and he knew exactly what I was on about. How much, well they were expensive!!!

I could have got nearly 4 for £1.

Answer 8

If you find you need to replace the complete valve,invest in the thermostatic type.The extra expense is well worth it,and will be repaid over time.

Answer 9

Try these folks:

www.ferguson.com

I work for one of the largest HVAC repair/install shops in the Twin Cities and we buy 99% of our hydronic parts through them. Calling them would be 10X faster than sifting through their web site.

Answer 10

try what is known as thermostatic radiator valves - you can get the from www.thtoolbag.com - free delivery online