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Differences Between Angled And Straight Radiator Valves
10
Dec
Differences Between Angled And Straight Radiator Valves
The difference between angled and straight radiator valves is purely based on their shape and the way they connect the pipework to the radiator.
Functionally, both types can be either manual or thermostatic (TRV) and serve the exact same purpose: controlling the flow of hot water into the radiator.
The choice between them is determined by the positioning of your pipework and the inlets on your radiator.
📐 Angled Radiator Valves
Angled valves are the most common type because they are designed to handle a 90-degree turn in the pipe's path.
|
Feature |
Description |
Visual Shape |
|
Shape |
The valve body has a 90° bend, forming an "L" shape. |
A right angle. |
|
Inlet/Outlet |
The pipe inlet is at a right angle to the radiator outlet. |
The water flow makes a 90° turn inside the valve. |
|
Common Use |
Pipe comes from the floor and the radiator inlet is on the side (the most standard setup for wall-hung radiators). |
The pipe rises vertically from the floor and the angled valve turns it horizontally into the side of the radiator. |
|
Alternative Use |
Pipe comes horizontally from the wall and the radiator inlet is on the bottom (the angled valve turns the flow up into the radiator). |
|
📏 Straight Radiator Valves
Straight valves are used when the pipework enters the radiator in a direct, straight line, with no change in direction.
|
Feature |
Description |
Visual Shape |
|
Shape |
The valve body is straight with no bends. |
A straight line. |
|
Inlet/Outlet |
The pipe inlet and radiator outlet are in one continuous line. |
The water flow goes straight through the valve. |
|
Common Use |
Pipe comes from the floor and the radiator inlet is on the bottom (common for heated towel rails and vertical designer radiators). |
The pipe rises vertically from the floor and the straight valve connects it directly into the bottom of the radiator. |
|
Alternative Use |
Pipe comes along the wall (horizontally) and the radiator inlet is on the side. |
|
💡 Quick Reference Guide
To determine which valve you need, consider these two factors:
|
Pipe Location |
Radiator Inlet Location |
Valve Type Needed |
|
From the Floor |
Side (standard radiator) |
Angled (90° turn required) |
|
From the Floor |
Bottom (towel rail) |
Straight (no turn required) |
|
From the Wall |
Side (protruding valve) |
Angled (or Corner valve for aesthetics) |
|
From the Wall |
Bottom (pipe turns up) |
Angled (90° turn required) |
Pro Tip: If you have pipework coming from the wall and connecting to the side of a radiator, a Corner Valve is often preferred over an angled valve. It also makes a 90° turn but keeps the valve head pointing horizontally or upward instead of sticking out awkwardly into the room.
Do you know where your pipework is located (floor or wall) and the type of radiator you are using? I can help confirm the best valve for your situation.
