Towel rail leaking - can I replace the valves with TRV?

[mhuk01]

Is it a fairly easy job to switch out these leaky valves with a TRV like this:

Flomasta Chrome Straight Thermostatic Radiator Valve & Lockshield 1/2" x 15mm - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Easy to install TRV includes lockshield and high performance liquid thermostatic sensor. Durable brass construction with adjustable tail piece. Ideal for fine tuning radiators. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

How will I know which side to put the TRV?

Many thanks

 

[blup]

Some work either, side one only, some aren't replaceable at all, so check the installation instructions.

Blup

 

[Madrab]

With a towel rad then the TRV should work either side, as long as the valve is bi-directional - most TRV's these days are. Check for 2 way arrows on the valve body.

When it comes to actually changing them then the system would need depressurised (if it's a sealed system) as part of that the rad would be drained, then it's just a case of swapping out the valves. Hopefully there will be a little play in the pipework to allow the old valves to be removed and the new valves to be fitted. Check the old olives for damage/mis-shapping, if ok then they could be re-used with a wrap or 2 of PTFE tape on the olive

This might be a good time to check inhibitor levels as a drained towel rad is the perfect place to add some. Once all that's done then it just refill and pressurise the system, run and check all connections for weeps.