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Ever had a radiator getting in the way of decorating your room, or fitting new flooring? You’re not the only one. Radiators are wonderful for warming your home, but occasionally, they can get in the way. Maybe you need to paint behind one, replace one, or perhaps shift one from one place to another— disconnecting a radiator could be necessary.
Now, before you panic—yes, it might sound like a job for a plumber, but carefully, it is something that many do themselves. With the appropriate tools, a bit of patience, and the step-by-step how-to guide that we’re soon to provide, you’ll find that it’s not as intimidating as it seems.
Why Would You Need to Disconnect a Radiator?
There are several possible reasons why you might need to remove a radiator from the wall. Perhaps you’re decorating and it’s in the way, painting the wall behind it, or replacing a leaking or outdated unit. Sometimes, it’s done while upgrading the whole heating system, or simply for a deep radiator clean.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to do it safely and the right way to avoid leaks, damage, or a big mess on your floor.
Tools You’ll Need to Remove the Radiator
Before you get started, grab these basic tools:
- Old towels or sheets to guard your floor from spills
- Adjusting spanner for loosening the radiator valves
- Flathead screwdriver used to turn off the valve (if required)
- Radiator bleed key for releasing trapped water or air
- Plastic bowls or containers for catching the water from the radiator
- Optional: a friend for help (radiators are heavier than they appear!)
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Step-by-Step Guide to Disconnecting a Radiator
Disconnecting a radiator can seem intimidating, but it is relatively simple. Simply read through these steps carefully and go slowly.
Have your tools out and ready before you begin.
Step 1: Turn Off the Heating System
You do not want hot water circulating through the pipes as you are working. It might burn you. Provide the system with sufficient time for it to cool down naturally.
There is no need to touch your main water supply. Since you are only working with the radiator, shutting off the heating system and closing the radiator valves is sufficient.
In doing so, the rest of your heating system can still function after you have finished.
Step 2: Close the Radiator Valves
You will notice two valves, one on each side of the radiator.
- Lockshield Valve: This is normally capped with a plastic cap. Take off the cap and turn it clockwise with pliers or a spanner.
- Thermostatic Valve (TRV): This is generally the bigger valve. Here is what to do:
- Turn the head counterclockwise to close it.
- Turn it off or to its lowest level if it is automatic.
- If it is stuck, spray a bit of WD-40 on the little spindle inside.
- Wiggle the spindle carefully with the help of pliers until it loosens up.
Your radiator is now closed off and ready for the next procedure.
Step 3: Bleed the Radiator
You now need to release any contained air (and a little water). Use a radiator bleed key, or a flathead screwdriver and turn the small valve located on the top side of the radiator. It will make a hissing noise. That indicates the escaping air.
Wait for the water to trickle out. That indicates all the air is gone.
Tighten the valve up quickly so you don’t allow further influx of air. This prevents splashing of water when removing the radiator.
Step 4: Loosen the Valve Nuts
Next is the messy part—taking out the radiator from the wall. Put towels or rags under each valve to catch water. Loosen the nuts joining the radiator to the valves, one side at a time, with your spanner.
Loosen, then carefully pull the radiator off the valve and lean it a bit into your tub or bowl so that water drains out of it.
Take your time. Although you have switched off the heating and turned off the valves, there is still water in the radiator itself.
Step 5: Lift and Remove the Radiator
Once disconnected, you can now remove the radiator. Verify the wall brackets first—ensure that there is no sealer or paint securing it. If so, cut through it carefully. Now, raise the radiator up straight off the brackets.
The radiators are quite heavy, so don’t worry, it’s okay to call for help.
Step 6: Cap Off the Pipes
Since the radiator is gone, you’ll want to cap off the valve ends. Seal them using blanking caps and prevent water from dripping out. If you’re only removing it temporarily—for painting, for example, or decoration—temporary plastic caps will do.
How To Remove a Radiator Without Draining the System?
You can actually remove a radiator without draining the entire system. You would only need to shut both valves, one on each side of the radiator.
Once the valves are closed, the radiator is cut off from the rest of the system. You can then loosen the valve nuts and carefully drain just that one radiator into a bowl or tub. This way, you keep the rest of the system full and working, and avoid the hassle of a full drain-down.
But make sure the valves are fully closed—if not, water will come pouring out when you loosen things up!
Safety Tips When Disconnecting a Radiator
Disconnecting a radiator isn’t too tricky, but safety comes first. Here are some solid tips to follow:
- Turn off the heating and allow it to cool completely. Hot water can burn you, so never attempt to remove a radiator when it is still warm.
- Cover your floors. Place old towels, dust sheets, or newspapers near the radiator. Radiators leak dirty water when they are taken out.
- Wear gloves and old clothing. Radiator water is often smelly and rusty. Protective gloves shield your hands, while old clothing prevents your outfit from getting dirty.
- Go slow when loosening nuts. Open the valve nuts gradually, a small amount at a time. This allows the water to drain out slowly, not suddenly.
- Check for leaks after removal or re-fitting. Turn off the water once you have finished, then switch the system back on while monitoring valves and pipes. A tissue can be used to wipe quickly for small leaks.
How to Permanently Remove a Radiator?
If you are taking a radiator out for good, for space or aesthetics, you follow a procedure much like taking one out temporarily. Be sure you’re careful, as taking out a radiator permanently can have an impact on your heating system.
Here’s what to consider:
Impact on the Heating System
Your heating system came equipped with a certain number of radiators. Removing one could alter how warmth is distributed throughout the home, so it is worth considering how that could impact the efficiency of the system.
Sealing the Pipes
Once the radiator is removed, the pipes that have been laid bare must be capped off or sealed. This will prevent water and air from entering the system.
Legal Considerations
If you wish to remove the radiator and pipes entirely, it could involve redirecting the pipework. This is best carried out by a competent plumber so it is installed to building standards.
Balancing the System
After removing the radiator, the rest of the system may need balancing. This makes sure that the remaining radiators receive the correct quantity of heat and perform effectively.
How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating?
Removing a radiator for decoration is not uncommon – nor is it overly difficult, as long as you know how.
Step 1: Drain the water
Turn off both of the valves. Place a bowl under one of them. Loosen the valve slowly and turn the bleed valve with your key. Allow the water to drain out. Place a bucket nearby so you can pour it into.
Step 2: Raise the radiator
Loosen the cap nut from the other valve. Lift the radiator off the wall brackets carefully. Turn it on its side to drain any remaining water into the bucket. If you have a thermostatic radiator valve, cap it off to avoid leaks.
Step 3: Put it back
Once you have finished decorating, replace the radiator onto its brackets. Tighten up both valves, then bleed the radiator to release the air from it.
What is the Cost to Remove a Radiator?
The expense of radiator removal can vary. It will cost between £100 and £150 to have a plumber do it. This includes removing the radiator as well as fixing any leaks that could occur along the way.
If you are only removing it from the wall for painting, you can do so by yourself (as demonstrated above). Take care, however, particularly with the older types of radiators; you might need additional repairs where there are leaks.
How to Reinstall or Replace the Radiator?
Once you have taken out the radiator, you can reinstall the original one or replace it with a new one. This is how you do it:
- Verify wall brackets: Ensure that the wall brackets are securely fixed before reinstalling the radiator so that the radiator does not fall or wobble.
- Reattach the radiator: Hang the radiator back onto the wall brackets, checking that it is level and securely fastened.
- Reconnect the valves: Securely connect the radiator valves. Ensure everything is tightly closed so as not to leak.
- Test the radiator: After everything is installed, fill up the radiator with water and open the lock shield valve. Start up the heating system to ensure all is well and heat is evenly distributed.
When to Call a Professional?
Disconnecting a radiator is, for many, a job done by themselves, though there are instances where it is wise to consult a heating engineer if:
- Your system is pressurized or sealed
- Your valves are damaged or stuck
- You aren’t sure of any of the steps
- The radiator is actually old or leaking
Troubleshooting Common Radiator Issues
Radiators can occasionally be problematic, don’t worry. Below are some of the issues that arise with radiators, as well as their solutions.
1. Not Heating Up Effectively
This can happen if air is trapped inside. To repair it, bleed the radiator by using a radiator key on the bleed valve. Allow the air out until the water begins dripping.
2. Cold Spots on the Radiator
Should you see cold spots on the top of the radiator, the issue is likely to be sludge or air within. Bleed the radiator as a first step. Should the cold spots persist, flushing the system out will be necessary to clear up any buildup.
3. Leaking Radiator
The leak of a radiator can be caused by a faulty pipe as well as a loose valve. Look for leaks near the pipe fittings and valves. Tighten any loose fittings or replace any faulty parts.
4. Radiator Making Noises
Should your radiator be knocking or banging, there is a strong possibility of trapped air or sludge within the system. Bleeding of the radiator will most often fix the issue, though, if the problem persists, a system flush is likely necessary.
The Bottom Line
Disconnecting a radiator may seem daunting, but it is a relatively simple task. Turn off the heating, shut off the valves, have some basic tools, and you can disconnect a radiator with ease. Follow the instructions, go slowly, and don’t ignore the towels!
FAQs
The initial step is shutting off the heating system and closing the radiator valves. This prevents water from continuing through the pipes and ensures there is no hot water within it when you begin.
In order to unclog a radiator, first, you need to remove the drain cap, allowing the existing antifreeze to flow out. Next, flush out the radiator using water. Put new antifreeze back into it, and your radiator is as good as new!
To cap off a radiator, switch off the heating first and bleed the radiator. Then, clean the pipe end, apply thread seal tape, and fit a blanking cap. Ensure it is tightly secured, though not over-tightened, so water doesn’t escape.
Yes, you can turn off a radiator by closing the valves. For a thermostatic valve, you can turn it to its lowest setting.
