Different radiator valves - Straight, angled and corner

What Different Valves Are Available?

The first step to picking the right valve is knowing which are available. Generally, radiator valves can be separated into three distinctive categories – straight, angled and corner. Each valve fulfils a different purpose or requirement depending on the positioning and style of your radiator, as well as the type of inlets that are available in your home. Generally, inlets can be found in the walls, though some can be found on the floors – especially in purpose-built or older properties.

Perhaps you’re considering changing up your radiators to a brand-new modern design like the Reina Fox Stainless Steel Horizontal Radiator. Maybe you’re lucky enough to be building your house from scratch, and you like the look of the unique Aeon Honeycomb Stainless Steel Designer Radiator.

Whatever your preference, getting your valves right is your first step to success. After all, a non-functional radiator won’t do anything for your home. While some of your choice of valve will be down to personal preference, in many cases, it’s all about knowing what fits the plan for your home.

Confused? Don’t worry. We cover the three types of valves below in full detail, so you know all you need to know to make the best choice for your home.

Different Types Of Radiator Valves

Straight Valves

If your home has bottom inlets for radiators, you’ll need straight radiator valves practically 100% of the time. As the name suggests, these valves don’t have the curves or bends of wall-based valves. Instead, water flow is facilitated straight upwards or downwards from your pipework into the radiator itself. More traditional, cast-iron style radiators often use straight valves and flooring inlets to lend to authenticity, but many other types of properties have straight valves as a requirement.

As straight valves take up less space and add a particular vintage touch to any space, they’re a favourite for many homeowners. It’s possible to find both traditional and modern versions of straight valves easily, so you aren’t stuck with a particular style if you do happen to have floor-based inlets. However, it’s always worth checking which valves work with which radiators, as some modern radiators are designed to work with angled or corner valves only.

To put it in the most simple terms: if your pipework is coming from the floor, and your radiator connects to that pipework from the underside, then a straight valve is the best option for you – and will be the only option that works for this specific combination.

Angled Valves

Common, contemporary and found in millions of homes, angled radiator valves are today’s standard for many radiator models and brands. The joy of this versatile option is that homeowners can find something that works for their décor and functional properly at the same time. As suggested by the name, angled valves move water through pipework at an angle. This is typically 90 degrees, though some models may vary slightly.

Angled radiator valves are easy to get hold of, and if you’re only looking to make minor upgrades, they may be the best fit for you. It’s likely your existing radiator already uses angled valves if you live in a newer home, but it’s always worth checking before you buy. Anything from old-school ‘bathroom tap’ style options are available, to ultra-modern designs that wouldn’t look out of place in the most stylish of homes.

To get down to basics: angled radiator valves are suited for pipework coming from the floor and the wall, depending on the connections of your radiator. For radiators with a side connection from floor-based piping, an angled valve is the best solution. These valves are even more versatile, however, because they work for all forms of wall-based connections with very few exceptions.

Corner Valves

The final type of valve for radiators, corner radiator valves are as their name implies – they are a more compact and often stylish version of angled radiator valves. If you’re looking for stellar presentation, a streamlined look or a little vintage appeal, then corner valves are the best call. Plenty of options are available, from simple and stylised to old-school Victorian. Corner valves may be simple, but they’re anything but boring in the right space.

While corner valves may be less commonplace than angled valves, the added style points make them more than worth seeking out. If you’ve got a specific vision for your home, down to the tiny details, or you’re looking to avoid a stubbed toe mishap, then corner valves may be the answer. There’s no one way to do radiators right, but in our opinion, a corner valve always looks good.

The simple answer: corner valves are suited for the same pipework as angled valves, minus the ability to be used for floor pipework. Instead, these stylish alternatives are relegated to wall-based connections only – which isn’t a problem, considering how much more popular wall pipework is for modern homes.

Which Type Of Valve Is Right For Me?

Before you start exploring designs and looking at décor, the first step is knowing the pipework and radiator you want. Once you’ve got all that planned out, you can then find whichever valve catches your fancy. At Just Radiators, we’ve got a wide selection waiting just for you – so why not have a browse today?

If you have any questions, please contact us right away. We have an award winning customer service team who are here to offer their expert advice.