understanding 'balancing the system'

Joined
5 Dec 2012
Messages
919
Reaction score
10
Country
United Kingdom
Hi,

It is my understanding that the hot water from the boiler (flow) enters the TRV valve side of the radiator, and continues to all other radiators in the system, entering the TRV valve side, through the flow pipes.

Once it is spread through the radiator, this water (slightly cooler) returns to the boiler via the return pipe, which is the side of radiator where the lockshield is, and the flow pipework is connected to all lockshield ends on the system.

In order to balance the system, you need to adjust the lockshield side of the radiator - this is the part that confuses me.

if the water enters the TRV side of the radiator, how is restricting the flow at the lockshield end going to effect the water that goes into that radiator if it enters via the TRV side?

Thanks in advance
 
Sponsored Links
how is restricting the flow at the lockshield end going to effect the water that goes into that radiator

The water flowing out of the radiator through the lockshield has to be the same volume and flow rate as the water flowing into the radiator via the TRV
 
ahh i see, so effectively by adjusting the lockshield valve you're effectively controlling the flow into the radiator?

Thanks!
 
Worth noting, newer generation TRV's can be Bi directional, (i.e. can be fitted on flow or return), the older ones couldn't, and some cheaper ones shouldn't be! (My Girlfriend has a system that howls due to cheap and nasty TRV's, despite telling her Landlord, it took the neighbour to complain before he believed her!)

Otherwise yes, Lockshield is set by the installer to limit the flow through the Radiator, and prevent the first Rads on the system robbing the lions share of the flow, whilst those at the far end remain cold due to lack of flow.
 
Sponsored Links
The water flowing out of the radiator through the lockshield has to be the same volume and flow rate as the water flowing into the radiator via the TRV


Is it possible to have otherwise?
Like 3 liters per minute flowing in and 4 out? Or will the flow in and flow out always be equal?

Or alternatively could you have 4 lpm in and 3 out?:D
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Back
Top