The Sorento Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 50mm pipe center measurement critical for installing The Sorento?
Unlike standard ladder rails where the valve connections are located at the bottom outer corners The Sorento features Central Connections. The inlet and outlet are positioned at the bottom center of the radiator spaced exactly 50mm apart. This technical detail is crucial because you must rough in your pipework to this narrow spacing rather than the full width of the rail. If replacing an existing radiator with wide pipe centers you will likely need to alter the underfloor piping or use pipe reducers to accommodate this central setup.
How does the stainless steel construction of The Sorento compare to standard chrome rails?
The Sorento is manufactured from Grade 304 Stainless Steel which creates a significant durability advantage over chrome plated mild steel. Chrome rails are prone to rusting and peeling over time especially in humid bathrooms. Stainless steel is a solid corrosion resistant material that cannot flake or peel. This superior material quality is why The Sorento carries a comprehensive 25 Year Guarantee compared to the standard 5 years for mild steel alternatives making it a better long term investment for wet environments.
What type of valves are best suited for the 50mm central connection?
Due to the narrow 50mm spacing between the inlet and outlet standard individual radiator valves can look bulky and may be difficult to tighten without scratching the rail. The best technical solution is to use a H-Block Valve (Twin Valve) which integrates both flow and return into a single neat unit. If you must use individual valves ensure they are compact. If your pipes come from the wall use Corner Valves; if from the floor use Straight Valves.
Can The Sorento be installed as a dual fuel towel rail?
Yes The Sorento is compatible with dual fuel installations which allows you to heat the rail electrically in summer when the central heating is off. However due to the central 50mm connections you cannot easily fit a standard T-Piece and element in the center. The electric heating element is typically installed into one of the vertical side collectors (which have blanking plugs) while the central valves handle the water flow. You must check the manufacturer specific entry points for the element to ensure safe operation.
What is the heat output of The Sorento and is it sufficient for a main bathroom?
The Sorento offers a high heat output for its size due to the efficiency of stainless steel and the multiple bar configuration. For example the 1106mm high model outputs approximately 2463 BTUs (722 Watts) at Delta T 50C. This is generally sufficient to heat a medium sized bathroom. However for larger bathrooms or those with poor insulation you should calculate your specific heat loss requirements to determine if this rail can act as the primary heat source or if secondary heating is needed.
Does the Polished Stainless Steel finish require special maintenance?
The Polished Stainless Steel finish mimics the look of chrome but is easier to maintain. To keep the mirror like shine you should clean the rail regularly with a soft microfibre cloth and warm soapy water. You can also use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner/polish to remove fingerprints. Unlike chrome you can polish out minor surface scratches on stainless steel. You must strictly avoid using bleach or chloride based cleaners as these can cause surface pitting even on high grade steel.
How far does The Sorento project from the wall once installed?
The Sorento has a wall projection of between 125mm and 140mm depending on the bracket adjustment. This is a relatively deep projection compared to flat ladder rails. You must measure the clearance behind any opening doors or adjacent shower enclosures to ensure the rail does not create an obstruction. The adjustable brackets allow you to increase the gap slightly if you need more room to drape thick towels behind the bars.
Is The Sorento suitable for use on low temperature heat pump systems?
Yes stainless steel radiators like The Sorento are excellent for heat pump systems. While the advertised BTU output is based on gas boiler temperatures (Delta T 50C) the material conducts heat efficiently at lower temperatures (Delta T 30C). You will receive a lower heat output on a heat pump system (roughly half the rated BTU) but the durability of stainless steel ensures the rail remains efficient without internal corrosion issues often associated with lower temperature sludge buildup.
What wall fixings are required to support the weight of The Sorento?
Stainless steel is significantly heavier than mild steel. The Sorento 1106mm model can weigh over 15kg before being filled with water. You must ensure the supplied wall brackets are anchored into solid masonry or structural timber studs. Do not rely on plasterboard toggles alone as the weight of the filled radiator plus wet towels creates a heavy load that could pull weak fixings out of the wall.