Modern faucets for heating radiators are an indispensable part, without which normal battery operation is impossible. A large number of different models from Russian and foreign manufacturers are presented on the market, so making a choice is not so simple. It is worthwhile to know in advance the principle of operation of a standard crane, to study the available varieties and models, to understand their functionality and mechanism.
Radiator faucet function
Most modern radiators are able to perform their basic functions without the use of additional elements. But there are situations in which a faucet on a radiator for heating is simply irreplaceable. This happens when you need to install, remove or replace the battery, check its performance, test after installation or conduct other work. The control mixer helps to partially shut off the heat supply during flushing or preventive diagnostics of various elements of the system. This allows you to significantly reduce the time spent on repairs, since you do not need to completely drain the water in the entire heating system.
The crane also makes it possible to stop the battery in one room if this room does not need to be heated for a certain period. Using the device, you can adjust the heat supply in automatic or manual mode, remove air jams from the batteries, because of which the system will not function normally. Standard and ball valves for heating are needed to adjust the temperature in the room. For example, if in the spring the heating in the central system has not been switched off yet, it will be impossible to change the temperature of the radiator without the help of a valve.
Varieties of valves
The taps on the battery for heating are divided into several types, depending on the structure and principle of operation. They can be installed on radiators in private and in apartment buildings, focusing on the type of specific batteries and the heating system as a whole. On sale you can find angle and direct valves with a ball or half-turn mechanism, made of brass, bronze or polypropylene with metal inserts. Specialists most often use valves for balancing, devices for the release of air in manual or automatic mode, as well as simple taps of a standard type.
Air
Air valves or Mayevsky taps are used to eliminate air from the heating system, which enters there with water and reduces the heating efficiency. Since air usually accumulates at the top point, a faucet is mounted on top of the battery. Such devices have low bandwidth, so they are usually mounted on modern radiators of the latest generation, made of steel or aluminum. Products of this type are easy to install and open with a screwdriver or special keys. The most convenient mechanisms for which a screwdriver is required.
A good air valve should rotate easily counterclockwise, as the air in the system needs to be vented periodically. The presence of air inside the pipes can be determined by the characteristic hiss. When it stops, the valve is closed. When the pump is connected, it must be turned off before venting.
Angular
The angle faucet for radiators is a balancing type.It closes and opens with one turn, shifting by several millimeters, which makes it easy to fix it in the right position.
An angular type stopcock is installed at the radiator outlet, suitable for a two-pipe and one-pipe heating system. It is made taking into account the design features of standard radiators and helps to carry out various operations during installation and repair work. When installing such cranes, it is necessary to use American women and other necessary tools.
Adjustable
Adjustable valves help control the flow of water and change the temperature in the room, maintaining it in optimal mode. The temperature control valve is a simple siphon, inside of which there is a container with gas or liquid. When the temperature rises, the gas or liquid begins to expand and press on the stem. Then it lowers and blocks the access of water inside the radiator. When the temperature decreases, the stem will begin to rise, which will provoke an increase in the flow of water in the battery. Gas-type models respond to temperature changes faster, but they do not differ much in cost from standard water valves.
Ball
The ball-type radiator crane got its name due to its mechanism, which is a small ball with a hole. The valve can be in two positions: closed and open. When the device rotates 90 degrees, the heat supply through the pipes stops. Ball valves are considered the most popular and are made of various materials, most often it is brass, bronze, steel or polypropylene. They have an angular or straight design, vary in bandwidth - it can be standard or semi-through. To increase the efficiency of work, semi-passage control valves are selected and mounted on radiators using a nut or an American.
Crane locking mechanism
The faucet for the heating system has a standard locking mechanism, the structure of which depends on its type. The operation of the device is controlled using a special handle or handle on the valve itself. The handle activates the crane and helps to move it around its axis. If you turn the valve towards the nozzles or the inlet of the pipeline, the flow of coolant will be stopped. Typically, the valve is opened to provide maximum fluid flow to provide heat to the room. The crane can be adjusted and set to the desired level by turning counterclockwise. For convenience, the device has special tabs that indicate the level of restriction when it is opened.
After closing the tap, the coolant circulation is completely stopped. It is closed when it is necessary to lower the temperature of the radiator to a minimum level, for example, in the summer season. In the closed position, the valve handle should form a 90 degree angle between the axis and the pipe. In this case, the handle moves clockwise in accordance with the protrusions so that the fluid circulation does not stop immediately and evenly. If the tap is stuck, you will need to remove the locking nut and handle using a wrench to adjust the stem. To put it in the right position, the pressure sleeve under the hexagon is designed and fixed looser.
The stock is developed by slow movements using an adjustable wrench. At the same time, it is not necessary to make increased efforts so as not to deform the crane or the entire mechanism as a whole.
Battery Valve Tips
To choose a standard or air tap for radiators, first of all pay attention to the conditions in which radiators will be operated.If we are talking about a room with a central water supply, brass or steel valves are installed. In the presence of low-quality water, simple taps quickly become clogged and fail, their use causes many problems. In private homes with autonomous heating, it is better to install thermostatic valves, they help to significantly save heat energy costs.
For apartment buildings with individual boiler houses, it is worth choosing high-quality ball-type cranes that can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees and a pressure within 16-40 Bar. Valves from trusted manufacturers - Bugatti, Aventrop, Danfoss and Far - resistant to various damages and corrosion, will become the best option. You can find out what a certain type of crane should be called from a specialist. It must be borne in mind that all taps can reduce the flow of water, this can lead to a decrease in the heating temperature. In the absence of sufficient thermal energy, the flow is turned off by a valve.
Ball valves are divided into several types. Depending on the bandwidth, they can be full bore, standard, or part bore. In the first case, the valves pass 90-100% of the total flow of the thermal carrier, in the second not more than 70-80%, in the third - 40-50%. Full bore options will become an ideal option for installation, since the coolant circulates in them as freely as possible. By the type and method of installation, the cranes are divided into socket, welded, combined and flanged. Coupling options are suitable for gas pipelines and water pipes, and are also used in the installation of heating systems.
They can be installed in residential and industrial buildings. These are standard and compact devices, simple and reliable in operation. Flanged options are more suitable for large diameter pipelines. When installing them, gaskets are used that improve the tightness and strength of the joints of the pipeline and the valve. Welded structures are installed by welding, for combined use several mounting options. Combined cranes are divided into walk-through, angular and multi-way, their type is selected taking into account a specific system.
To avoid problems during operation, taps must be installed on each radiator. They are most responsible for their selection and installation, only in this case they will last a long time.
Do-it-yourself installation
Before starting work, remove the heat carrier from the heating system. Owners of private houses can do this without much effort, in the apartment the procedure will have to be agreed with the management company. The faucet must be placed in front of the battery and behind a special jumper connecting the input and output of the coolant so as not to interrupt the circulation process. When installing, you need to remember that there are no obstacles to the adjustment knob, which should turn freely in any position, as well as free access to the crane of any user.
Before installation you will need:
- choose a suitable site for installation;
- to put a sealant on the tap thread, for example, FUM tape;
- screw on the tap;
- check all areas of the connection for leaks.
Before buying a crane, you need to check that its diameter matches the diameter of the pipe, additionally specify the type of thread. If the faucet is placed on a pipe with an open thread, the tape is wound clockwise. If there is enough tape to tighten the thread, make an effort. After completion of work, small areas of the sealant may remain at the joints, this is a normal state, characteristic for high-quality sealing.
If the valve turns too easily, the sealant layer is too thin. In this situation, add an additional amount of FUM tape and tightly screw the tap to the tube.
After completion of work, the connection must be checked and the system filled with water in the presence of high pressure. If this rule is not observed, improper sealing can provoke flooding of the room. Most often this happens in apartment buildings, where heating systems are filled with water without warning and usually on weekdays.
The number of taps depends on the type of radiator and the needs of the owners. A separate valve must be installed on each battery to control its operation.
The faucet helps to carry out quick installation and preventive maintenance of the radiator, change its temperature and carry out other manipulations, spending much less time on them. This is an indispensable part, without which the full-fledged operation of a modern radiator battery is impossible.
