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Radiator Valves for UK Plumbers — Angled Valves, TRVs, Lockshields and Radiator Keys
Radiator valves are a daily essential for UK heating engineers and plumbers. Whether you're replacing a leaking manual valve, fitting a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) for energy efficiency, or supplying a full lockshield set for a new radiator installation, having the right valve to hand saves time and repeat visits.
APM Electricals stocks a wide range of 15mm radiator valves — from simple angled lockshields to full TRV packs with lockshield — all from trusted brands including Embrass Peerless, EDEN and Taurus. Here's a quick guide to the main types and the products our trade customers reach for most.
Types of Radiator Valve
Manual Radiator Valves (Angled and Straight)
Manual valves let you turn the flow to a radiator on or off by hand. Angled valves (the most common) are used where the pipe comes up through the floor; straight valves suit pipe-in-wall or pipe-along-skirting runs. The 3/4" nut version connects to the standard UK radiator union tail size.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
TRVs automatically regulate the water flow based on room temperature, cutting fuel bills by preventing rooms from overheating. Building Regulations Part L now require TRVs on all new or replacement radiators except in rooms with a room thermostat. Available in angled, straight and corner configurations, in white or chrome heads to match the radiator finish.
Lockshields
Fitted on the return side of the radiator, the lockshield valve controls how much hot water flows through after system balancing. It is adjusted once at commissioning and then left under a plastic cap. TRV packs that include a matching lockshield save a separate trip for the second valve.
Radiator Keys and Bleed Valves
Every plumber's bag should carry a radiator bleed key. Bleeding a radiator removes trapped air that causes cold spots and reduces system efficiency. The brass clock-type key is the traditional UK standard fitting.
Recommended Products from APM Electricals
Embrass Peerless 15mm Radiator Valve Angled 3/4″ Nut
Price: £4.89 inc VAT
The go-to angled manual radiator valve for 15mm pipework with a standard 3/4" radiator union connection. Chrome-plated brass body with a square-head spindle, suitable for all standard UK radiators. Ideal as a direct replacement or for new installations where a TRV is not required (e.g. in a room with a room thermostat).
- Connection: 15mm compression × 3/4" BSP union
- Chrome-plated brass body
- Angled configuration — floor pipe entry
- Compatible with standard UK radiator tails
EDEN 15mm Straight Thermostatic Radiator Valve — White
Price: £10.99 inc VAT
A straightforward, cost-effective thermostatic radiator valve in a clean white finish. The straight body suits wall or skirting pipe runs. Numbered dial (1–5) for easy temperature setting. Meets Part L requirements for individual room temperature control. Sold as a valve only — pair with a 15mm lockshield valve for a complete installation.
- 15mm straight TRV, white head
- Numbered 1–5 setting dial
- Part L compliant for new radiator installations
- Compression inlet, 3/4" BSP union outlet
Taurus Straight White-Chrome TRV With Lockshield 15mm
Price: £27.99 inc VAT
A complete radiator valve set in a contemporary white-chrome finish — TRV on the flow side and matching lockshield on the return. Straight body suits wall or skirting pipework. The Taurus head has a numbered dial and internal liquid-filled sensor for accurate temperature control. Supplied as a matched pair, removing the risk of mismatched valve aesthetics on modern radiators.
- Matched TRV + lockshield pair, 15mm straight
- White-chrome dual-finish head
- Liquid-filled thermostatic sensor head
- Numbered dial 1–5 with frost setting
- 3/4" BSP radiator union connection
Embrass Peerless Brass Radiator Key — Clock Type
Price: £1.25 inc VAT
A solid brass clock-type radiator bleed key — the UK standard size that fits the square bleed nipple on the vast majority of UK panel radiators. An absolute bag essential: if a radiator has cold spots or is noisy, bleeding it takes 30 seconds with the right key. Stock up — these are a useful upsell on any radiator or valve job.
- Solid brass construction
- Clock-type (square drive) — fits standard UK bleed nipples
- Compact, fits in any tool bag or pocket
- Compatible with most UK panel and column radiators
Installation Notes for Trade
Compression vs Push-Fit
All the radiator valves above use 15mm compression fittings on the pipe side. For push-fit pipework, use an insert and follow the pipe manufacturer's guidance on demountable connections — push-fit should not be buried or concealed behind radiator panels without an accessible union.
TRV Head Orientation
TRV heads must be fitted so the sensor is exposed to the room air, not buried behind the radiator panel or in an enclosed alcove. Where a radiator is in a confined space, use a remote sensor head (available separately) to ensure accurate temperature reading.
System Balancing After Valve Change
After fitting new TRVs, re-balance the heating system: open all TRV dials to maximum, then adjust lockshield valves to achieve even heat distribution across all radiators. This prevents single-pipe systems or high-pressure zones from starving distant radiators.
Part L and Building Control
Under Approved Document L (2021 edition), replacement boiler work requires TRVs to be fitted where absent. Check current guidance from your BCO before leaving a room with a room thermostat as the sole temperature control device.
Browse All Radiator Valves at APM Electricals
APM Electricals supplies the full Embrass Peerless, EDEN and Taurus radiator valve ranges for UK plumbers and heating engineers. Competitive trade pricing, fast dispatch, and a wide range of 15mm compression fittings and accessories to complete the job.
Shop all radiator valves at APM Electricals
APM Electricals — 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ | 020 8702 8080
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