Installing Your Hive Radiator Valve

Answer

Follow this step‑by‑step guide to safely remove your old radiator control and check that your radiator valve pin is ready for your new Hive Radiator Valve.

1. Remove Your Old Radiator Control

Most radiator controls can be removed by unscrewing the valve securing ring.

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If it doesn’t unscrew easily

  1. Turn the control to its highest temperature setting (e.g., “5”).
  2. Try unscrewing it again.
  3. Make sure you only unscrew the control, not the valve body.

If it still won’t come off

Your control may:

  • Be stuck, or
  • Use a different locking mechanism

Please note that Hive cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your heating system during the removal of your existing radiator control. If you are unsure at any stage, we recommend seeking assistance from a qualified plumber.

 CAUTION: If you see a few drops of water when you unscrew your old radiator control then your existing valve body may be leaking. Valve bodies can often be tightened up, but some might need replacing if they are leaking. We recommend fixing your valve body before installing your Hive Radiator Valve. Get advice from a plumber if you’re unsure of how to do this. 

 NOTE: If your radiator has manual (“+ / -”) valves rather than thermostatic valves (with a numbered dial) then your valve body will need to be replaced before proceeding. 

2. Check That Your Radiator Valve Pin Moves Freely

After removing your old control, you should see the valve pin. Its appearance may vary.

This pin controls the flow of hot water into your radiator. For Hive Radiator Valves to work properly, the pin must move up and down freely.

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To test the valve pin

  1. Use a coin to gently press the pin down.
  2. It should spring back up without sticking.

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If the pin feels stiff

Try:

  • Cleaning off any visible limescale or corrosion
  • Applying lubricant to help loosen it

If the pin cannot move freely, the Hive Radiator Valve motor will not be able to control the radiator effectively.

3. Choosing and Fitting the Right Adaptor for Your Hive Radiator Valve

Before installing your Hive Radiator Valve, you’ll need to identify the correct adaptor for your existing radiator valve body. Follow the steps below to help you choose and fit the right one.

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If your radiator valve has a screw thread, use the adaptor guide included in your Hive Radiator Valve box.

  • If the guide sits on top of the screw thread (Left Image Below) → you need an M30 adaptor.
  • If the guide slips over the screw thread and slides down (Right Image Below) → you need an M28 adaptor.

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If your valve does not have a screw thread, match its shape to the descriptions below:

RA Valves

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  • Round shape, typically Danfoss branded
  • Requires the RA adaptor

Giacomini Valves

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  • Two “wings” sticking out from the sides
  • Requires the Giacomini adaptor

Caleffi Valves

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  • Hexagonal top with no screw thread
  • Requires the Caleffi adaptor

 NOTE: Hive does not provide adaptors for valve types outside those listed above. To install Hive Radiator Valves on unsupported valve types, you will need to replace your current valve body with one of the standard types supported by Hive. A plumber can advise on this. 

4. Fitting the Adaptors

M30
  • Slip the M30 adaptor over your radiator valve.
  • Screw it clockwise until securely fastened.
M28

To fit:

  1. Slip the M28 adaptor over your radiator valve.
  2. Screw it clockwise until firmly in place.

If the adaptor doesn’t screw on

You may have an “M28 x 1.0” valve body, which has a narrower thread. These are sold under brands such as:

  • Orkli
  • Concerto
  • Wessex

Hive does not offer an adaptor for this valve type. To use Hive Radiator Valves, the valve body must be replaced with a compatible standard type. A plumber can help with this.

RA

The RA adaptor is the only adaptor that includes a screw.

  1. Slip the RA adaptor over the valve.
  2. Ensure the adaptor is positioned correctly:
    • Thread facing upwards
    • Screw near the bottom
  3. Use the hex key supplied to tighten the screw securely.
Giacomini

A Giacomini adaptor is not included in the box. If required, please contact support.

To fit:

  1. Slip the Giacomini adaptor over the valve.
  2. Push firmly until it clicks securely into place.
  3. Then slip the M30 adaptor over the Giacomini adaptor and screw clockwise until secure.
Caleffi

A Caleffi adaptor is not included in the box. If required, please contact support.

To fit:

  1. Slip the Caleffi adaptor over the valve with the hexagonal side facing you.
  2. Push firmly until it clicks securely into place, making sure it aligns correctly with the hexagonal shape of the valve.
  3. Then slip the M30 adaptor over the Caleffi adaptor and screw clockwise until secure.

5. Insert the Batteries

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  1. Press down the tab on the Hive Radiator Valve.
  2. Slide the casing off the device.
  3. Insert the two AA batteries provided in the box.
  4. Slide the casing back on, making sure the window aligns with the screen.
  5. You’ll hear a click when the casing is correctly in place.

Once the batteries are inserted, the screen will light up and display an “M” symbol, indicating the valve is in install mode.

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6. Fit the Valve onto the Radiator

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  1. Position the Hive Radiator Valve on the adaptor.
  2. Rotate it clockwise until you feel the first click.
    •  CAUTION: Stop after the first click to avoid damaging the valve. 
  3. Then gently rotate the casing back the other way until the screen is visible.

If you're not using the app to guide installation

Press the button below the screen for 3 seconds to exit install mode.
Your valve will now display the target temperature.

7. Open the Hive App

Once your Hive Radiator Valve is fitted:

  • Return to the Hive App to pair it with your Hive Hub.
  • If you haven’t opened the app yet, select "Add a device" from the "Manage" section and select "Smart Heating" then “Radiator Valve” to begin setup.