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Plumbing

Radiator TRV - Are all TRV's basically the same?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.48 PM

We had a new central heating system installed 2 years ago by a bit of a cowboy. We've had to have the boiler refitted and the flue reinstalled as they didn't pass an inspection. All good now... The TRVs are very basic, probably the cheapest the contractor could find. A few of them whistle really badly when set to a mid range. When I mentioned this to the original installer he told me that all TRVs are the same and they all whistle. Is this correct? I'm assuming not. If it isn't can I simply purchase and replace the TRV head or would I need to replace the lockshield as well? Any TRV suggestions welcome too. Thanks

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4 Answers

GM Plumbing Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Wolverhampton
Trv's don't whistle you need to replace them. You may be able to replace them for the same head try the manufacturer if they have a name on. The lock sheild valves won't need replacing.
Answered8 November 2022
9

Mitchell Plumbing & Heating Services LTD

Rating: 5 out of 5
Staines
Changing the head won't help, that's not what's making the whistling noise. And no, not all TRVs are the same. As you know, you get what you pay for. Drayton TRV4s are very reliable, but you can pay between £21 and £35 per set depending on suppliers and deals available. Without looking at the condition of your lockshields, no one can tell you if they need replacing or not. If they look old and crusty with green and white marks on them? Or leak if you attempt to use them? Then probably fit for the bin. Valves normally whistle and vibrate then they are partially closed or trying to close, as they restrict the water that's being pumped through them. Water quality is another reason too, if the system is dirty and debris is stuck in the valves then they won't like that much? Was the system power flushed with new boiler install? Or done properly? Probably not from what you are saying... Might be worth getting the water quality checked. Food for thought. All the best. Luke @ MPH-SERVICES
Answered18 November 2022
2

Dan Plumbing

Rating: 5 out of 5
Lincoln
You have waxed & liquid based TRVs. As with everything in life you pay for what you get so more expensive TRVs are quieter. If the lockshield's are partially closed (in order to balance the system) then they can whistle. If you have unvented Central Heating Systems (CHS) they operate under greater pressure than open vented CHS so they are generally quieter but as one of the answers stated an older dirtier CHS will have debris & can cause extra noise. Old radiators generally have dirt & debris in so there are many factors to consider - not as straight forward as one would think but you can always experiment & change one & see if that removes the noise from that one radiator.
Answered23 November 2022
0

M&j plumbing and heating

Rating: 5 out of 5
Craigavon
Sounds to me as you need to replace the whole valve as the temp on the rad increases the valve closes down but if the valve can't maintain the pressure it will start to fluctuate causing a rattle or a whistling sound
Answered4 December 2022
0