Radiators - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is a Towel Radiator?
A towel radiator often referred to as a heated towel rail or towel warmer is essentially a radiator that is designed specifically for bathroom use. They are designed to provide towel hanging space on the heated surface so that towels are tidier and dried.
What are they made of?
They are available in steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminium although steel is by far the most popular.
Can I replace my ordinary radiator with a towel radiator?
Yes in most circumstances.
What is a pipe centre?
The distance between the centre of the supply pipes. This is often required by the installer so that they can set the pipes at the correct width.
My existing radiator is 600mm wide. Can I replace it with a 600mm towel radiator?
You can replace an existing radiator with a towel radiator but some pipework will normally be required.
What is BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Units and it is a unit of energy. 1 BTU is approximately 0.293071 watt hours.
What is my BTU requirement?
Your output requirement can be calculated using the B&Q BTU calculator
How can I use a towel radiator?
Usage varies from model to model please check the specific model for more detail.
Which parts do I need to plumb a towel radiator to my central heating system?
You will need radiator valves as you would with a standard radiator.
How do I install a towel radiator to my central heating system?
Generally towel radiators are installed in the same way you would install a standard radiator and full fitting instructions are included.
Which valves do I need?
The valves required vary from model to model and whether the pipes are going to be run through the floor or through the wall.
How do I install an electric towel radiator?
Essentially the towel radiator needs to be mounted on the wall and connected to the electrical supply, full fitting instructions are included.
What is a dual use towel radiator?
Some towel radiators (mainly ladder type) can be fitted on the central heating system and have an electrical element fitted so that you can still have dry, warm towels in the summer when the central heating is switched off.
Which parts do I need for dual use towel radiators?
We stock a range of sizes of towel warmer electrical element kits which include a T piece for dual fuel use and a blanking plug for electrical only use.
How do I install a dual use towel radiator?
Dual fuel towel radiators are installed in the normal way but with the addition of a T piece so that the electrical element can be inserted vertically at the bottom and the radiator valve connects to the side of the T piece.
What are the technical characteristics of an electric element?
The electrical element is a cartridge heater and it has a thermostat in the tip which switches on and off as the towel radiator reaches temperature. There is also a thermal fuse safety device that will blow if the thermostat was to fail.
What is the distance between the radiator & the wall?
This varies from model to model please check the specific model for more detail.
How can I bleed a radiator if bleeding screw is broke?
We stock spare air bleed valves and these can be replaced relatively easily.
Does the heating need to be off or on when bleeding a radiator?
The heating should be on when bleeding radiators.
Which side of the radiator is the lockshield side?
Most thermostatic radiator valves are reversible flow now which means that the locksheild doesn’t need to be on the return side as was previously the case.
How do I fit a thermostatic radiator valve?
Thermostatic radiator valves are fitted in the same way as standard radiator valves.
What size radiator do I need/What is the correct way to measure for a new radiator?
Your output requirement can be calculated using the B&Q BTU calculator
Do radiators come with the connector that joins the radiator to the valve?
No, this comes with the radiator valve.
I have no central heating and wish to have a towel radiator in my bathroom, can I use one with an electric element and filled with water?
Yes you can or alternatively we do have readymade electric only models available.
How can I repair a leaking radiator?
If the leak is from a joint we have various products in-store for most situations. If the actual radiator is leaking it needs to be replaced although we do stock some temporary repair products.
Can I bend or curve a radiator to fit my bay or alcove?
Radiators can be bent or curved by specialist companies.
