How to remove a radiator in your home.

This is among the most common requested services by customer’s, this usually occurs whenever refurbishments are about to take place. The removal of a radiator can be a straight forward procedure as long as everything goes to plan. What is essential before you attempt to remove radiator a is to isolate the water. This can be done by shutting down the valves on either side of the radiator. The these two valves are usually different, one controls the circulation and the other is used to regulate the temperature. There is no specific sequence to the installation of these valves i.e. left to right. Modern radiator valves are manufacture to allow duo flow, the flow of water can came from either side.

The temperature control valve is often abbreviated using the term trv this stands for thermostatic radiator valve. By twisting the valve clockwise this will adjust the settings from 5 to 0, 0 represents the closed position.  Situated on the opposite side of the radiator is the locksheild valve, this valve is crucial to the balance of a central heating system.

This valve should only be adjusted to assist the systems heat distribution or  water  isolation for maintenance. Due to the lockshields infrequency use, whenever it is adjusted,  this movement could create a miner leak.  Seizure is quite common depending on that age of the valve.  This makes them more susceptible when force is applied. Adjusting this valve to the close position will prevent the water from entering into the radiator.

How to ensure isolation before removing the radiator.

This is a fundamental aspect of how to remove a radiator without experiencing excessive water leakage. Ensure that you have a suitable container in place to capture the water whilst draining down. There are two compression joints on either side of a radiator that connect the valve to the radiator.

These securing joints most be carefully loosened but not disconnected. The reason for this is control, do not disconnect until the central heating water supply has been drained from the radiator. By using a radiator bleed key to open the bleed valve, will help you to remove the excess water trapped inside the radiator. Only after the water as been completely removed can the connections either side be disconnected.  To remove the radiator from the supporting brackets,  an extra pair of hands may be needed. Close bleed valve and plug openings here radiator valves were previously fitted. This will prevent radiator sludge staining carpets and floors.

Reconnect a radiator to the existing wall brackets and pipes.

The removal of a radiator is phase 1 this is always followed up by a relocation or the reinstallation back to the original position.  A reposition radiator will need new pipework to accommodate the charge in position. Nevertheless what is important in reinstalling a radiator back to the original position.  Is not to remove the radiator brackets without marking out the exact position.

After carefully replacing the radiator back onto brackets the central heating connecting pipes will slot exacting back into position. Radiators can contain from 0.1 to 6 litres of water after carefully reconnecting each valve. The water previously drained out of the radiator will need to be replenished. This can be accomplished by opening up the valves on either side. The system will have experiance a slight drop in pressure. This can be topped up via the filling loop depending upon the heating system. Usually in close proximity to this will be a pressure gauge, where readings can be observed whilst topping up. Ensure you return the valve attached the closed position. Remove air from re-established radiator by opening the bleed valve until all the air is removed.

Not all heating systems replenish there water supply using the above method. An open vented system refills lost water automatically from the header tank. The tank is situated in the loft.  A ball valve is operated whenever a small amount of water is required.  As the water level drops a valve opens letting water in.  The ball valve is designed to enable the tank to maintain a pre set water level.

If your looking for professional assistance we can help.

Diy plumbing is not for everyone, it takes expertise and time. If you require professional assistance to tackle any plumbing or central heating related issue,  we are more than happy to help…