Feeling chilly because your radiator isn’t heating up? It’s frustrating when you fiddle with the valve, unsure which way to turn it, and end up with a cold room—or worse, a busted system from guessing wrong. Don’t worry! This article has you covered with clear, simple steps to get that radiator humming, so you can stay cozy and stress-free.
To turn a radiator valve on, twist it counterclockwise. This opens the valve, letting hot water flow in and heat your room. For thermostatic radiator valves, set the dial to a higher number (like 3 or 4) to increase heat. Clockwise closes it, turning the radiator off.
Curious about more radiator valve tricks? Stick around—there’s plenty to learn about getting the most out of your heating system without the headache.

Should Radiator Valve Be on Flow or Return?
Let’s clear up something folks like Antonio, a Russian company owner buying from IVALVECRAFT, often wonder: where does the radiator valve go—flow or return? The “flow” is the pipe bringing hot water into the radiator, while the “return” sends cooled water back to the boiler. For standard radiator valves, they’re usually on the flow side. Why? It controls how much hot water enters, giving you better grip over the heat. At IVALVECRAFT, our brass thermostatic radiator valves shine here—they’re built for stable flow and pressure, perfect for wholesalers in Poland or Germany. Putting it on the return works too, but it’s less common and might mess with efficiency. If you’re asking, “Is it safe to close radiator valve?”—yep, as long as it’s the right one, you’re golden. Just don’t mix them up, or you’ll be scratching your head over a cold radiator.
Should Radiator Valve Be Up or Down?
Now, here’s a head-scratcher: does the radiator valve go up or down? It’s not really about direction—it’s about position and type. For manual valves, “up” or “down” depends on how you see it on the pipe, but it’s usually horizontal or vertical based on your setup. Thermostatic radiator valves, like IVALVECRAFT’s high-quality brass ones, often sit horizontally with a dial on top. You turn it to open (counterclockwise) or close (clockwise). Antonio might ask, “How to turn off radiator water supply?”—simple, just twist it clockwise ‘til it stops. “Up” could mean fully open, “down” fully closed, but it’s more about the turn than the angle. Our valves, exported to the UK and Czech, offer smooth control and sufficient flow rate, so you’re not left guessing. Just keep it clear of furniture for best results.
Which Valve to Turn on a Radiator?
Radiators can have two valves—one for adjusting heat, one for locking water in—so which one do you turn? The thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) or manual valve on the flow side is your go-to for turning the radiator on. Twist it counterclockwise to let water in. The lockshield valve, usually on the return side, balances the system—don’t mess with it unless you’re a pro. Need to know “how to turn off old radiator” or “how to open radiator valve”? Same deal—counterclockwise to open, clockwise to close. IVALVECRAFT’s brass safety valves and pressure reducing valves, loved by Romanian and Russian buyers, make this a breeze with their durability. Antonio, hunting for quality at trade shows, trusts us for stable export pressure. “How to turn off radiator in apartment?”—find the TRV and twist it shut. Easy peasy.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it—turning a radiator valve on is as simple as going counterclockwise, whether it’s on the flow side, positioned right, or the right valve to tweak. We’ve tackled the big questions to keep your heating game strong, from flow vs. return to which valve does what. IVALVECRAFT’s got your back with top-notch brass thermostatic radiator valves and more, built for quality and ease. Whether you’re a purchasing officer in Russia or a wholesaler in Germany, we solve pain points like unstable performance and delayed shipments. Next time you’re wondering “how to turn off radiator water supply” or “is it safe to close radiator valve,” just remember these tips.
Choose IVALVECRAFT, choose reliable partner, enjoy the high quality and best service.