Wall stays

A radiator wall stay is used to secure a radiator to a wall or other surface. It is designed to provide additional support and stability to the radiator, preventing it from shifting or tipping over. Radiator wall stays consist of a wall plate (secured to the wall_ and a decorative hold back securing the rad to the connecting rod. Radiator wall stays are adjustable, allowing them to be custom fit to the specific radiator and mounting location. It is wise to utilize wall stays in homes with young children or pets to prevent the radiators from being bumped and tipped over.

Brackets

A radiator bracket is a metal device that is used to secure a radiator to a wall. Blocking should be utilized in the wall for ease of installation and to ensure adequate support for the weight of the radiator. This should be done by a skilled technician to ensure safe and proper installation.

Bleeder Valves

The purpose of a bleeder valve is to allow air to be eliminated from the system when it is first filled or when air pockets develop over time. Air can be a problem in a hydronic heating system because it can prevent hot water from circulating properly, resulting in reduced heating efficiency, uneven heating and noisy operation. By allowing air to escape through the bleeder valve, the system can function more efficiently and effectively. Bleeder valves are typically located at the top of a radiator on one side. They can be opened using a small wrench or key, and once the air has escaped, they can be closed again to prevent water from leaking out. Bleeder valves may need to be opened periodically to remove any accumulated air from the system.

Manual Radiator Valves

A manual radiator valve is a type of valve that controls the flow of water through the radiator. It is typically installed on the supply or return pipes of each radiator in the system and can be used to regulate the temperature of individual rooms. Manual radiator valves are operated by turning a handle or knob to adjust the flow of water, and can be either fully open, fully closed, or partially open to allow for lower flow. Unlike thermostatic radiator valves, which automatically adjust the flow of water based on the room’s temperature, manual radiator valves require manual adjustment by the homeowner or building occupant. They are often used in conjunction with a central heating system that is controlled by a thermostat, allowing for more fine-tuned temperature control in individual rooms.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)

A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is a type of valve that can be installed on a hydronic radiator to control the temperature in a room. It contains a temperature-sensitive element that expands or contracts depending on the temperature of the room. When the room temperature rises above the set point, the element expands and closes the valve, reducing the flow of hot water into the radiator. As a result, the radiator cools down and the room temperature is regulated. TRVs are useful because they can help to save energy by reducing the amount of heat that is delivered to a room once it reaches the desired temperature. They are also convenient because they allow individual rooms to be heated to different temperatures, depending on the needs of the occupants. This means that rooms that are used less frequently or are naturally warmer can be set to a lower temperature, reducing energy consumption and costs.

Escutcheons

An escutcheon is a decorative plate that is used to cover a gap around a pipe where it comes through a floor or wall. In the context of radiators, escutcheons are often used to cover the gap between the pipe and the wall/floor where the pipe enters or exits the room. Escutcheons can be made from a variety of materials, including metal or plastic, and are available in a range of styles to match the decor of the room. They can be screwed or glued in place and are often easily removable for access to the pipe or valve. We at Ironworks Radiators offer unique magnetic escutcheons that can be retroactively added to any installation – both halves of the escutcheon snap into place around the pipe or valve and are secured efficiently via the magnets.

Adapters

Radiator adapters are fittings used to connect a radiator to a hydronic heating system. They are designed to allow for a secure and tight fit between the radiator and the pipes that supply the hot water or steam to the radiator. There are different types of radiator adapters available depending on the size of the radiator connection. Usually the adapter are used to change thread direction from left hand NPT to right hand NPT, and sometimes reduce the size.

Left x Right Nipples

Left by right nipples are as they sound, threaded LHT by RHT, this being a result of most radiators having been taped left hand thread. These nipples are available in diameters from 1/2” to 1 1/2” and lengths from 2.5” to 6” to facilitate different installation circumstances.

Vacuum Breakers

In a steam heating system, a vacuum breaker is a valve that is installed on a radiator or at the highest point in the system to prevent the formation of a vacuum. When steam cools to condensate, it can create a vacuum in the piping. A vacuum breaker is designed to automatically open when a vacuum is detected, allowing air to enter the system and equalize the pressure. This allows for the condensate to flow back to the boiler and prevents nuisance migration of water in the system.