Plumbing

Thermostatic Radiator Valve
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
~ unit cost £30 + installation £30 = £60



Page summary…

An efficient plumbing system is in the design and installation of the pipework as well as operable and functional components. The systems need to be fully functional and easy to operate if energy efficiency is to be improved. Updating the plumbing can make for a more efficient system. However, simply replacing the boiler may not be enough.

We’ll take a look at the existing, is it functioning correctly and being operated appropriately? Before considering what practical intervention could make improvement.



On this page

Introduction

    • Mains water
    • Heating
    • Hot water
    • Wastewater
    • Rainwater

Methodology



Background…


Aim – Understanding the systems we have and how to better operate them will help to identify and address simple defects and hidden inefficiencies.


Objective – Control valves can often be inoperable or absent altogether. Pipe runs can be long and convoluted on both heating and hot water pipes. Neither are likely to be insulated successfully.


Hypothesis – Can operating, maintaining and improving what you have, give greater savings and improved comfort than upgrading a boiler or installing other additional technologies such as solar panels or heat pumps.



Methodology…


Audit

Establish the nature and condition of the installation.

  • Does it work and is it used appropriately?
  • Identify the type of boiler, pipework and the components
  • Is it operable?
  • Is it operated?

Turn on the heating and turn on all of the Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs).

  • Can they each be turned on?
  • Do all the radiators get hot?
  • Can they each be turned off?
  • Do they all have valves TRVs
  • Where are they located?

How long does it take to get hot water from source to outlet?

  • Kitchen sink
  • Bathroom basin
  • Bath
  • Shower
  • Other

Thermostatic radiator valves

Thermostatic Radiator Valve

https://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-home-vtl120-15a-white-chrome-angled-trv-lockshield-15mm-x/9449h

 



Automatic Bypass Valves

ABV

https://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-home-straight-auto-bypass-valve-22mm/34127



Pipework and lagging

Pipe lagging

Materials, equipment, results and discussion.



Instant hot water

Materials, equipment, results and discussion.

https://www.heatershop.co.uk/stiebel-eltron-dhc-e-12



Shower water heat exchange

Materials, equipment, results and discussion.

https://www.celticsustainables.co.uk/showersave-shower-water-heat-exchanger/

 



Stopcock

Mains water supply shut off valve

Being able to turn off the water supply either for maintenance or in a crisis

Water meter – lead replacement and money-saving.

Surestop
https://www.screwfix.com/p/surestop-remote-stop-cock-22mm/57455

 



Results…



Discussion…

      • Practitioner stories
      • Workshops
      • Advice and support

Practitioner stories

https://www.neighbourhoodconstruction.org/category/plumbing/

Fitting my own thermostatic-radiator-valves – TRV’s


Workshops

Plumbing


Advice and support

https://www.neighbourhoodconstruction.org/contact/