Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
~ unit cost £30 + installation £30 = £60
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
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- Mains water
- Heating
- Hot water
- Wastewater
- Rainwater
Methodology
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- Stopcock
- Lead pipe
- Pipework and lagging
- Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV)
- Automatic Bypass Valve (ABV)
- Instant hot water
- Wastewater Heat exchange
- Rainwater
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.
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
https://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-home-vtl120-15a-white-chrome-angled-trv-lockshield-15mm-x/9449h
Automatic Bypass Valves
https://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-home-straight-auto-bypass-valve-22mm/34127
Pipework and 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
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- Practitioner stories
- Workshops
- Advice and support
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Practitioner stories
https://www.neighbourhoodconstruction.org/category/plumbing/