Best Valves for Runtal Radiators
We renovated a bathroom and are replacing the existing radiator with a Runtal 3 ft UF-6 to maximize space. I’m seeing some Runtal installations exclude the valves all together but thought it’d be beneficial to have a shutoff and some flow control. My understanding is it’s best to have two valves for flow control and balancing.
The home has an oil fired boiler with a single zone. The Runtal will be the 2nd to last radiator on the zone. When looking for valves I found 4 options for manual flow control.
1. Runtal VALVE-PC $75/set
Runtal makes a variety of shutoff and thermostatic valves but only a single variable flow type. The flow is adjusted by a quarter turn Allen key and the connection is soldered.
2. Myson LKD16SN $30/set
Myson offers a variable flow valve with a 5 turn flow control and threaded connection. I like the idea of a 5 turn flow control because this allows for some precision flow and balancing. I also like the idea of the threaded connection because it doesn’t require heating the valve body, prematurely causing the valve components to degrade.
http://www.mysoncomfort.com/Products/Radiators—Valves
3. Bluefin RVHW050 or RVHWS050 $15/set
Bluefin offers a quarter turn variable flow shutoff valve typical to any existing radiator system. I could install the valves from under the floor in the basement, and terminate the connection with a nickel plated nipple for a simple and clean look. The challenge is this would require some extra fittings, might look a little awkward (from the basement) and will require going up and the down the stairs to balance.
4. Matco Norca BSGV-0500 $25/set
There’s also the possibility of using a Matco Norca steam valve with a straight body. Similarly to the Bluefin this valve would also be installed under the floor from the basement but allow for an easier install because it’s a straight body.
Does anyone have any experience with Runtal or Myson valves?
Does anyone have any recommendations?
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Replies
You could just get some chrome nipples, attach them to the radiator and have them go through the floor to the basement. Then you can pipe to them using copper and use regular ball valves for flow control and isolation. Use ones with petcocks so you can drain it down if ever needed and bleed it more easily. (you will have to install the return one backwards, opposite from flow)