Thermostatic radiator - head valve question

SDK^ · 30 Sep 2024 at 13:04

Hi - I have a question relating to radiator valves

Some of the Thermostatic radiator heads in our house have started to break and I bought some replacements. However, it seems our radiators have smaller pins and the head controller pins are longer than the new replacements.
Does anyone know where I can get the head valves with the longer pins please?

See photo below for the new valves (left) Vs the current (old) valves (right) - the pins on the older valves are much longer, so reach the smaller pins on the radiators. The new valves don't reach

These are the radiator pins

jpaul · 30 Sep 2024 at 14:04

you are sure pin on new one will not descend when external temperature and head rotation should dictate it engages

e: was looking at a few of mine this morning thinking I should clean dust and 'muck' out so they read temperature correctly.

dlockers · 30 Sep 2024 at 15:04

It's a nightmare, based on my Hive smart TRV experience there are about 6 different standards. 5 quite common, the 6th meant an order to Hive HQ. I have a bunch I'll double check in the garage for you later.

spile · 1 Oct 2024 at 07:04

I think you would be better biting the bullet and replacing the whole trv.

Blackvault · 1 Oct 2024 at 15:38

jpaul said:
you are sure pin on new one will not descend when external temperature and head rotation should dictate it engages

e: was looking at a few of mine this morning thinking I should clean dust and 'muck' out so they read temperature correctly.

Does the 'muck' really cause problems with reading the temperature? Most of ours are covered in paint from the previous owner. :rolleyes:

jpaul · 1 Oct 2024 at 15:58

Blackvault said:
Does the 'muck' really cause problems with reading the temperature? Most of ours are covered in paint from the previous owner.

there is some dust inside the metal vaned head of the one in the bathroom and if that is stopping airflow getting to the bimetallic(?) strip I though it may take longer to respond
(I have never taken one apart)

Blackvault · 1 Oct 2024 at 16:39

jpaul said:
there is some dust inside the metal vaned head of the one in the bathroom and if that is stopping airflow getting to the bimetallic(?) strip I though it may take longer to respond
(I have never taken one apart)

Cheers. I'll probably have to sort mine.

I assume the plastic heads unscrew from the TRV?