Angled Towel Rail Valves

[twixx]

I've gone into the bathroom tonight and found that the towel rail has been leaking for most of the day. Thankfully the flooring is sufficient and that the water hasn't gone anywhere.

Anyway, upon inspection it appears as though the existing "angled valves" are leaking. After speaking to a friend, it was suggested the circular bits on the valve at the front may be caps and may pop off allowing adjustment/tightening, anyway, for love nor money I cannot remove them.

We have the exact same valves in our ensuite, so I investigated those to see if it was just that "cap" that had corroded in place or something, and sure enough after a little bit of persuasion, these valves have now decided to leak.

I have no real way of identifying the brand of valve that is currently installed, but I suspect they're similar to/identical to these --> https://www.screwfix.com/p/chrome-cube-angled-radiator-valve-15mm-x-2-pack/98904

After reading the reviews, they seem to suggest a ~1-3 year lifespan, and leaking with no adjustable option to fix them... Sounds very similar!

Assuming/believing that the valve is to blame, I'm on the hunt for some good valves that will last. I suspect I may be asking too much, and that most items like this will come from one or two factories in China, and simply get rebranded...

I'd been looking at these; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Standard®-Straight-Anthracite-Radiators/dp/B0792GC6NP/

Which based on images, appear to be available online for £15-50.

Pessimism aside, any recommendations?

 

[Newboy]

Go with a decent branded manufacturer - Pegler/Drayton/Danfoss.

A three year life on a radiator valve is ridiculous.

 

[twixx]

Go with a decent branded manufacturer - Pegler/Drayton/Danfoss.

A three year life on a radiator valve is ridiculous.

My thoughts exactly.

But I can’t find any branded valves that don’t include huge TRVS. That I don’t need/want??

 

[dilalio]

Are those valves quater turn only?
IME all of the square head valves I've come across are absolute crap.
It's the old issue of "form over function".
You could give my mates at Crystal Bathrooms a call (they're in Hitchin but can post stuff out to wherever)... They have great product knowledge of what's out there and what's quality.
I don't think the top brands do "designer"

 

[dilalio]

After speaking to a friend, it was suggested the circular bits on the valve at the front may be caps and may pop off allowing adjustment/tightening, anyway, for love nor money I cannot remove them.

I have a set of dentist tools for this purpose... And for removing tiny o rings

 

[twixx]

I agree, style over substance, I’m really not that bothered...

but I couldn’t really wait, I’ve a couple of gushers at hand, so gone for those I linked to on Amazon - the perks of prime mean they’ll be with me before I’m even up and dressed.

I guess If they’re no good, I’ll be back here in ~1-3 years

 

[twixx]

I have a set of dentist tools for this purpose... And for removing tiny o rings

I’ve got some small enough tools that would pry them off if I was to persevere, my worry is that as soon as I touch them, they gush, which makes me think there nothing of any use behind them

And that I’m just going to make things worse.

 

[Madrab]

Yup, they use 1/4 turn ceramic inserts with internals and seals that were never designed to take the rigors and chemicals inherent to CH systems. Have had to swap out loads of them.

Normal screw down valves are the only ones that should ever really be used until they sort out the design issues. You won't get square headed valve like that in screw down form I don't think. You will have to change the look.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Edit: just read post your sorted.

Any of these any good?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/drayton-...MI58zt9rDL5QIVwrTtCh3JJw3FEAQYBiABEgJc6PD_BwE

https://www.wolseley.co.uk/product/terrier-1-2x15mm-lockshield-angle-towel-rail-valve-chrome-plated/

https://www.plumbarena.co.uk/produc...VirHtCh396wubEAQYAyABEgKHIPD_BwE#.Xb1k4oqnyhA

 

[twixx]

Sorted, after removing the Chrome Angled valves, it was clear to see why they were leaking. Even when closed you could see daylight. It was also clear to see how the mechanism massively differs from screw down valves. The only thing they were good for is weighing in!