Jaga radiator fitted the wrong way round

[Nigel Watts]

Rather a specialised question this, but here goes.

Two of my radiators knock. I have narrowed down the problem: they have been fitted the wrong way round which plays havoc with the thermostatic valves. The classic solution is to replace the valves with bidirectional ones. Unfortunately it looks like this won't work with my radiators, a slim, floor mounted type, under a floor to ceiling window which are similar to this:

The pipes come out of the floor only about two inches apart and enter a rather specialised valve in the form of a single casting:

The manufacturer's website indicates that these valves do not have a bidirectional option.

I am not keen on having the floorboards taken up to change the pipework further upstream, but do I have any other option? Could a manual head be fitted instead of the thermostatic one for example?

 

[plasticpigeon]

I hope this doesn't sound obtuse, but isn't it the thermostatic valve that has to be bidirectional?

OK, I meant the TRV head, but I realise my error now, I know I had to set the direction on my TRVs, I didn't realise the valve also needed to be bidirectional but it makes sense

Do Jaga make a bidirectional valve that can be substituted? perhaps this or is it only for specific radiators?

http://www.jagahomeheating.co.uk/products/valves/floor-valve.html#tabs

no help at all huh? I wish I could just delete a post.

 

[Nigel Watts]

Presumably the energy reqiured to turn the valve comes from the water passing through it, and I understand that the valve contains within it a kind of mini waterwheel which works better one way than the other.

The Jaga Iguana valve in your link is the only one which is bidirectional, but this wont fit my radiator.

 

[Nigel Watts]

A very helpful man at Jaga has informed me that they have very recently brought out a reversal piece specifically for fitting below the type of valve on my radiators. At 5cm tall it may just fit (I will need to measure). The only possible reason for manufacturing such an item is to compensate for the incompetence of plumbers.

I am not sure if it is reassuring to learn that I am not the only one who has suffered this problem or that there are so many installers who either can't read instructions or who ignore the rather obvious arrow on the outflow side of the casting.

Fitting a manual valvehead would not work, he said. Something about the valve seating?

 

[MdB]

The valve is the only bit that is uni directional. The thermostat or manual replacement just pushes the valve end in. It can't and doesn't care which way the water is going.

 

[plasticpigeon]

Yes I forgot, it's been a while since I put a radiator in. Of course you are right, I had to adjust the valve for flow direction using a collar on the valve, not the valve head whatever it is called.