Heated towel rail

[whatsreallygoingon]

Hi all

I have a heated towel rail in the bathroom. I haven't really used it since getting the house, I'm now looking to but I'm a bit confused what each valve is for.

It has two square valves without any markings on - the left one is very straight, the right is angled a little bit to the left.

They both turn a quarter anti-clockwise, then can go back a quarter clockwise. I have a combi boiler (next to the rail, in a cupboard).

I used the rail the other day by turning both anti-clockwise - worked fine. Today - not so fine. I suspect because today the central heating wasn't on at the same time, but I'm just guessing; I don't know if it's just gas, or duel-fuel.

Any clues on which I should be turning, if it's just one?

Also not sure if one should be 'open' (anti-clockwise) anyway, to avoid issues with boiler/heating.

Apologies for images being the wrong angle.

Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

Both valves opened anti clockwise should allow the radiator to heat up.
Have you bled that radiator of air ?
Looks like it is part of your central heating system and not dual fuel.

 

[whatsreallygoingon]

Both valves opened clockwise should allow the radiator to heat up.
Have you bled that radiator of air ?

I haven't.

Seems to be anti-clockwise, rather than clockwise, that worked previously.

They're clockwise now (and have been all summer) and it's off.

 

[terryplumb]

Apologies, left out the word anti ( got distracted).
Both should be anti clockwise.

 

[whatsreallygoingon]

Apologies, left out the word anti ( got distracted).
Both should be anti clockwise.

Haha, thank you.

Both fine clockwise when off, or should one always be left anticlockwise/'open'?

Would I be right to assume it works in tandem with central heating - i.e will only work properly when other radiators in house are on?

 

[terryplumb]

Would I be right to assume it works in tandem with central heating - i.e will only work properly when other radiators in house are on?

Yes ,will only work when central heating is on.
If you don't want that rad to heat up ,you only need to close one valve ( either one would do )

 

[whatsreallygoingon]

Yes ,will only work when central heating is on.
If you don't want that rad to heat up ,you only need to close one valve ( either one would do )

Very helpful. Thank you