Upside down TRV?

[Bink]

Is there a reason why I shouldn't fit a TRV with the head pointing downwards rather than the more usual pointing upwards/sideways configuration?

I'm about to install a towel rail with pipes hidden in the wall. I think the neatest way to do this would be to fit standard right-angle valves between the pipes and the bottom of the radiator. This means either having the heads sticking outwards into the room (which I'm not that keen on) or pointing downwards.

Anyone got a good reason why I shouldn't do this?

[Grunff]

I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I think it will look a bit odd. Have you thought of perhaps using an inline TRV (one where the inlet/outlet are along the same axis)?

[Hugh]

the valve instructions should tell you, but, just a suggestion - why not put lockshield valves on flow and return - if your heat source is a combi- then one radiator should remain on permanently. Assuming you have another radiator like that, and you should (for dissipation of heat) then put a TRV valve there. In this way, you'll always have dry towels even with no central heating - and it looks quite neat - mine does.

Hugh

[BillV]

I've got exactly the same problem as the OP with a new ladder rad I'm about to fit. Inline valves won't fit in the space between the rad and the wall behind which the pipes come out of and even if they did I doubt that it would be good place for a TRV behind the rad.. Could reroute the pipes so they come out of the floor below the rad ... no thanks. I think I'm going to go with Hugh's suggestion and use lockshield valves at both ends.