The relaxation area, at the same time intimate, should look clean and please the eye - this is about the bathroom. And it should always be warm and comfortable here. And a heated towel rail helps maintain these two components of comfort.
It’s hard to imagine the interior of a modern bathroom without a heated towel rail
Modern heated towel rails for the bathroom
The heated towel rail in the bathroom (photo) looks like a curved pipe built into the hot water supply system, where it constantly circulates, maintaining a high temperature. That’s why this permanent element of bathrooms makes it easy to dry towels and more. And in places with harsh winters, the function of heating the room is also especially appreciated. In addition, there is a technical side to the issue: the design radiator is a compensating loop in the hot water supply system.
A heated towel rail will reduce the humidity level in the bathroom
Nowadays, manufacturers produce many models of heated towel rails of a wide variety of shapes and designs.
Modern heated towel rails in the bathroom interior are also a stylistic addition to the overall design. But large sizes do not always make it possible to place it in small apartments (Khrushchev-era buildings, for example).
The water heated towel rail is connected to a regular pipeline
As for the water heated towel rail, the choice is somewhat limited by domestic manufacturers. As for electric radiators, the opposite is true. Domestic and foreign manufacturers supply a wide range of these products to the market. Separately, it is necessary to note the combined version, which is especially relevant for houses where hot water is turned off during the summer.
The operation of an electric heated towel rail does not depend on the presence of hot water in the heating pipes
Convenient model of electric dryer with rotating rods
Water device installation process
The first step is to assemble it correctly. Next, it is important to follow the basic rules for installing a heated towel rail. Shut-off valves with detachable connections are installed on the supply line. In the future, they will ensure the smooth replacement of the old model with a more modern one.
Installation of a bypass using pipes and special tees. Here you will need three additional valves. Two of them are installed at the top and bottom of the heated towel rail and one on the pipeline itself to stop the water supply.
The final step will be to fill the device with water from the central water supply system. To do this, open all three taps.
Decorative and practical functions of a heated towel rail
In the difficult conditions of a bath, where washing, cleaning, and procedures are regular, it is difficult to achieve a normal microclimate even with the help of good ventilation. And humidity is a fabulous environment for the development of colonies of microbes and mold. The metal becomes rusty and the wooden elements begin to rot. Connecting a heated towel rail prevents destructive phenomena because:
- the air is always dry;
- mold and rot are afraid of dry conditions;
- equipment and furniture last longer.
A heated towel rail can play the role of an important decorative element in the bathroom interior
In addition to establishing a comfortable temperature and the ability to dry things, this is also a wonderful decor, since the design of modern radiators is charming.
Floor dryer made of brass pipes
Modern bathroom with frame-type heated towel rails
Which heated towel rail to choose
That snake-like pipe, which we have seen in our parents’ bathrooms since childhood, is classified as a water heated towel rail. Cost-effectiveness is one of their positive aspects (electrics are more expensive). But it is not possible to adjust the heating. In case of problems with it (mechanical accident), there is a risk of flooding not only your own, but also your neighbor’s bathtub.
The design of the towel rail should be in harmony with the interior of the bathroom
The materials for the manufacture of water heated towel rails, as in the photo in the bathroom, are used differently - brass, steel, stainless steel. This is a guarantee of strength and durability. They operate from a hot water supply system and require compliance with standards and proper care (proper installation of a correctly selected radiator that can withstand increased water pressure and resist corrosion).
Water heated towel rails are made from various materials, but the most popular is stainless steel, which can be polished, chrome-plated or coated with a decorative composition
Another type of design radiator is electric. It operates from the mains and does not consume much power (like a regular light bulb). The heating elements are filled with water or oil. The thermostat switch allows you to regulate its operation. The temperature in the bathroom can be maintained in the range of 5-30 degrees plus. The cost of the equipment is quite decent.
The electric model is convenient because it can be easily hung in a convenient place next to an outlet, but in small bathrooms it is almost impossible to install an outlet in accordance with safety requirements.
Installation of a combined model
Installing an electric heated towel rail requires special efforts. The main advantage of this installation is the continuous heating of the dryer at any time of the year. In addition, you can adjust the temperature here.
During the repair work, it is necessary to carry out additional wiring from the pipeline. This will save energy consumption in winter. At the end of the heating season, the electrical network is used.
The height of the heated towel rail from the floor should be from 65 to 100 cm. The higher the drying position for small items, the greater the heat transfer of the device.
As you can see, installing such a system requires special knowledge in the field of electricity. Photo installation instructions help to perform installation work correctly.
Sizes of heated towel rails and their power: choosing the right option for the bathroom
When choosing and purchasing a heated towel rail, not only the technical side of the issue is important. Size matters too. And it starts from the area of the bathroom. Standard is a relative concept here. Manufacturers study the needs of customers in the market and, based on such information, manufacture radiators.
If you really need a massive heated towel rail, match its color to the bathroom walls. This model will “dissolve” in the interior and will not clutter up the space
Correctly selected power will make it possible to completely heat the room. In the case of good insulation, when calculating the power, you need to multiply 80 W by the area of the bathroom. For poor insulation, this figure increases to 130. Do not forget that there will be something drying on the radiator, so add 20% to the final figure. Thus, the minimum room temperature will be 24 degrees.
It is important to know!
When purchasing a device for an apartment in a multi-story building, it is worth taking into account pressure loads from 8 to 12 atmospheres in the overall heating system.
In a private house with autonomous heating, the heated towel rail fittings must withstand a load of about 4 atmospheres. Be sure to take these parameters into account when selecting a dryer.
The duration of operation also depends on where you bought the heated towel rail for the bathroom.
You should not purchase plumbing equipment on the market; it is better to choose highly specialized plumbing stores. Cheap products will only cause trouble.
The diameters of the heated towel rail pipes and the heating system must match. Then you won't need an additional adapter.
When purchasing, ALWAYS make sure that you have a technical passport and warranty for the product from the manufacturer. All products must be labeled.
The cross-sectional geometry of the pipes must be perfectly round, and the threads must be smooth and without jagged edges.
Forms of heated towel rails, their features
A heated towel rail in a bathroom interior, as in the photo, should suit the style and at the same time fulfill its functional duties. Modern products come in a variety of forms:
- horseshoe;
- ladder;
- coil.
U- or U-shaped models are the most inexpensive and simple in shape, have a small “usable area” and are therefore ineffective
When choosing a heated towel rail, take into account the dimensions of the bathroom. In a small room it is better to give preference to compact M-shaped models
Ladder - a heated towel rail consisting of several horizontal bars connected by vertical collectors
The coating is also different: enamel, chrome, “gold-like”. Prices are directly dependent on the technological features of manufacturing. Representatives of the domestic industry produce U- and M-shaped chrome-plated products. However, you can also find a “ladder” option - transverse crossbars of straight and convex shape. M-shaped rotary models are also produced. They are designed for 15 atmospheres, although they can withstand tests of more than 20.
Chrome heated towel rail with clear geometric shapes
Foreign manufacturers spoil you with an assortment. A convenient design with three crossbars and different distances from the wall is convenient for drying things, since they do not touch. Finnish manufacturers produce S-, M-, and U-shaped options with different center distances. In Germany, radiators are made with a combination of round and square pipes, equipped with hooks for robe. However, when choosing, you should carefully study the technical specifications.
The combination of a heated towel rail with a heating radiator is an interesting solution for a bathroom in a country house
A heated towel rail is an indispensable attribute of a modern bathroom, which is designed to perform the functions of creating a constant comfortable temperature, drying small items and a design element.
A homemade heated towel rail made of copper pipes and plates is a suitable option for a loft-style interior
Video description
From the video you can learn how to connect a dryer at a great distance from the riser:
How to properly connect a heated towel rail to a hot water riser using fittings:
- The taps are installed between the pipes and the dryer. If there is already a thread on them, then it is worth correcting it with a die to ensure a tight connection.
- It is important to secure the fittings correctly here. They are prefabricated, so there is a seam on the body. It should be directed in the direction of the flow.
- Flax is used for compaction.
- The final fixation after manual tightening is carried out with a key ¼-½ full turn.
If you violate these simple rules, a leak will soon appear, a seam will rupture, or a nut will burst.
The last thing you need to do before launching the system is testing. To do this, turn on the riser for a short period of time. This will be enough to determine the tightness of the structure. If everything is in order, then you can put the heated towel rail into operation. Otherwise, eliminate the deficiencies and repeat the test again.
Leak detected during system testing Source www.tproekt.com
