TRV’s fitted to the return end of my radiators in error

[kenlinda]

I think half my TRV’s have been fitted to the return end of my radiators in error.

Before I change them can anyone confirm: -
1. Does the flow valve pipe always heat up several minutes before the return pipe and is this a reliable way to identify the flow pipe (rather than costly lifting laminate flooring & floorboards to check)?
2. Should all my TRV’s be on the flow pipe of my radiators?
3. Could having some the wrong way round be why it is difficult to balance the system and 3 radiators keep going cold/shy?
4. The jargon is very confusing to the DIYer, as different names are used - sometimes in the same article. Have I got all these in the correct order?
· flow (aka:-in/feed/inlet/control valve/TRV)
· return (aka:- out/outlet/lockshield valve)

 

[chrishutt]

1. Yes and yes.
2. Not unless they're uni-directional. Most new TRVs are bi-directional so flow direction doesn't matter.
3. No.
4. Yes, but that's not the only possible order - see above.

 

[kenlinda]

Some of TRV's will be 10 or even 20 + yera old. But I assume if they were uni-directional those radiators would not heat up very much at all?

Many thanks for the quick and helpful reply. It has saved me changing them.

I will continue my search elsewhere for the gremlins in my CH system.

 

[chrishutt]

But I assume if they were uni-directional those radiators would not heat up very much at all?

Why assume that?

I will continue my search elsewhere for the gremlins in my CH system.

Try looking at sticking TRVs in the FAQ topic.