Removing a radiator may be incredibly easy for a trained plumber; however, if you want to have a go at the task yourself, you’ll need some instructions to follow. You are also going to have to bear in mind the awkward positions you are going to have to put your back in to reach the pipes, and you are going to need the right tools, too.
This article takes a look at why you might need to remove a radiator and how you will go about doing so. Let’s dive right in.
Why Would You Need To Remove A Radiator?
The most common reason that people would need to remove their radiators is that they have developed a leak or a crack in them. If this happens, then there may be water leaking into your property which could cause damage to flooring, walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and other items. It is important therefore that you get it repaired as soon as possible.
If you are looking to sell your house, and you have a cracked radiator, then you could also consider replacing your radiator before you list it on the market.
This is because many buyers might think that the house has been poorly maintained if the radiator is old, broken, or damaged, and will assume that it needs work done on it. They will also assume that the heating system is old and outdated.
The radiator might also be placed in the wrong area of your house, and you might need to relocate it. For example, it might be in a frustrating position when you decide to remodel the room.
Finally, you might simply need to remove the radiator if you want to redecorate your room, or you just don’t like the way it looks anymore. You might even want to change the radiator for a much more modern and new streamlined radiator.
Whatever the reasons are, you will find that it is sometimes much easier and cheaper to do it yourself than having a professional come in and do it for you.
Removing Your Radiators Yourself
If you decide to do it yourself, then you are going to want to follow this step-by-step guide we have written to help you through the process.
Step 1: Switch Off The Heating
Before you start taking apart your radiator, you will first need to turn off your heating. The best way of doing this is turning off the boiler.
Step 2: Switch Off Radiator Valves
On the radiator you are removing, turn the thermostatic radiator valve to zero or turn it off completely.
The valve on the side of the radiator is known as the lockshield valve. Take the plastic cap off of this and find the spindle located inside. With a wrench, turn the radiator’s lock-shield clockwise until fully closed.
It is necessary to make sure that these valves are fully isolated, so these valves must be fully closed. Use of decorators caps to close down the TRV and lockshield are advised.
When you do this, make a note of the number of turns it takes you and write this down. This will help you replace your radiator to the similar balance as you put it back on the wall.
Step 3: Draining The Radiator
Put a bowl or a ‘plumb tub’ underneath the valve you drain first and then place a wrench on the main body of the valve, and make use of the other one to slightly loosen the nut. This is what joins the radiator to the valve and will let the water drain out and into the bowl.
Step 4: Open the Bleed Valve
Turn your radiator key to open the bleed valve. This will let you remove even more water.
Step 5: Loosen the Other Valve
Close the bleed valve and move to the valve on the other side. Use two wrenches to loosen the nut connecting the radiator to the valves, and collect the water in a bowl. Open the bleed valve again to help more water drain.
Step 6: Disconnect the Radiator
Loosen the nuts on the radiators until you’re able to remove them completely. Then tilt the radiator over to one side to drain out any remaining water or residue into your bowl.
Step 7: Lift the Radiator Off the Brackets
Carefully lift your radiator upwards, then remove it from the wall, and by this point, you have successfully removed your radiator! Congratulations! With it off the wall, if you intend to keep the same one, clean the inside of your radiator, and get rid of any sludge that could be clogging it up.
Replacing The Radiator Back On the Wall
If you want a quick and easy guide on how to put the radiator back on the wall, follow the steps below.
- Turn off the heating and wait for the pipes to cool.
- Take off the blanking caps from the valves and put the radiator on the wall brackets. Fit the bolts.
- Attach the input which is the thermostatic valve to the radiator and tighten it.
- Attach the lockshield to the other side of the radiator.
- Open up the input valve and replace the control thermostat cap. Set this.
- Open the bleeding valve and use the boiler filling loop to let the radiator refill until all the air is out.
- Close the bleeding valve and open up the lockshield again to the right number of turns you noted down earlier.
- Correctly set your boiler pressure with filling loop to between 1-2 bar pressure (check the boiler instructions)
- Restart the heating and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
We hope after reading this article you have learned how to remove a radiator from a wall and recognize the reasons some people might need to do so in the event of a leak or just to simply redecorate.
We hope our handy guide also teaches you how to replace the radiator on the wall and you’re able to have that heat up and running again in no time! While it can be an easy procedure to do this yourself, if you’re unsure about the process in your own home, always be sure to seek expert advice!
