Are you looking to update your home’s heating system or simply need to remove a radiator for maintenance purposes?
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of removing a radiator in just 5 easy steps. From the tools you will need to check before you start, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn how to remove and refit a radiator without draining the entire system and get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this DIY task. Let’s dive in!
Tools you will need
Tools you’ll need:
- An adjustable spanner
- Water pump pliers
- A plumb tub
- A radiator bleed key
- Some towels
To remove a radiator without draining the whole system, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. It’s essential. Before you begin, use the adjustable spanner to secure any loose parts so that everything is in place when you’re ready to start.
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Adjustable Spanner
With an adjustable spanner, you’re able to easily take apart the connections to the valves keeping the radiator in place.
This is especially important if you want to remove a radiator for painting behind it and for refitting a radiator after decorating. The adjustable spanner is ideal for this purpose because its jaws can be adjusted to fit most nut and bolt sizes, making it easy to loosen and tighten them as needed.
Plus, with its long handle design, it gives you plenty of leverage so that you can apply strong pressure without having to strain yourself. With this tool in hand, you’ll be able to swiftly get your radiator out of the way so that you can start on any necessary repair or decorating work.
MAXPOWER Adjustable Spanner Set, 3PCs
- Set of 3 suitable for most jobs
- MAX JAW CAPACITY- 20mm for 150mm (6-Inch) model adjustable spanner. 25mm for 200mm (8-Inch) model adjustable spanner. 30mm for 250mm(10-Inch) model adjustable spanner
Water pump pliers
Using water pump pliers, you can easily take apart the connections keeping your radiator in place without the stress of draining the entire system. These pliers are specifically designed to help provide a strong grip and ensure that no damage is done to the pipes while removing them.
With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to remove your radiator quickly and easily for any decorating project or maintenance work. To begin, use your water pump pliers to loosen the nuts that connect the pipework at either end of your radiator. Once they’re loosened enough, you can twist each one off using just your hands- no other tools needed!
WORKPRO Water Pump Pliers, 40/52mm Wide Jaw Capacity, Quick Change Adjustable Plumbing Grips and Slip Joint Plier Set,
200mm (8-Inch) and 250mm (10-Inch), 2-Piece
- Tongue & groove adjusting jaws for different sizes of components.
- Extra wide jaw opening up to 40 and 52mm. Quick release with push button.
- All-purpose jaw grips on round, flat, square and hex shapes, ideal for gripping, pulling, tightening & loosening nuts, bolts, pipe & fittings
- Nonslip handles for secure, comfortable hold with low weight just 200g and 365g
Plumb Tub
Plumb Tub catches water from the radiator making it the perfect tool to quickly and easily remove a radiator without having to drain the entire system. It’s designed with a special hook that allows users to securely attach it to the radiator pipework, to catch the water from the radiator
This makes removing a radiator fast and mess-free, allowing you to move onto painting or other tasks in no time.
Plumb Tub
- Helps prevent unsightly stains on carpets and floors
- Suitable for 10mm, 15mm & 22mm Copper or Plastic Pipe Sizes
- Snap clip holds tub in position for draining of radiator
Radiator bleed key
A radiator bleed key is the perfect tool for quickly and easily releasing trapped air from your radiator, letting you get back to comfortable temperatures in no time!
When removing a radiator from a heating system, it’s important to have a radiator key so that you can open the bleed screws to let the water out and then again to let the air back out when reinstalling the radiator.
Silverline Radiator Bleed Key 2pk Pair
- Solid brass
- Fits most domestic radiators
Towels
Once you’ve got your radiator bleed key, the next step in removing a radiator without draining down the whole system is to gather some old towels. Towels are essential for catching any excess water that may drip out of the system when you remove the radiator from the wall.
Whether you’re replacing an old radiator with a new one or just moving it for decorating purposes, having several towels on hand can help you avoid a potential mess. Be sure to cover all surrounding surfaces and furniture with towels before attempting to remove the radiator from its current location.
This will help protect them if there’s any water leakage during removal.
Things to check before you start
Before you start removing the radiator, it’s important to check your boiler pressure (If you have a sealed system). Make a note of the reading on your boiler pressure gauge its normally between 1 and 2 bar (when the system is cold) as this is the optimal range.
Make sure that all radiators in the house are cold and have no residual heat before removing them so that you don’t risk burning yourself.
How to remove and refit a radiator without draining the whole system (5 easy steps)
Before you start removing a radiator, it’s important to make sure that all steps have been taken to ensure the process goes smoothly.
First, close both radiator valves and then drain the water from the radiator.
Once this has been done, pull the valves clear of the radiator tails and lift the radiator from brackets.
Make sure all of the water has been removed from within, carry out any work required, decorating etc and then refit it and refill your system.
- Close both radiator valves
Be sure to close both valves tightly – it’s essential for avoiding any system-wide water loss! Make sure you do this before you begin removing the radiator, otherwise, your entire system could be drained. Shutting off the valves is a crucial part of changing a radiator without draining the whole system.
If you have a TRV it will likely have come with a cap that you can use to fully close it, if you cant find it then try turning the valve all the way down, you may need a ½” brass cap to stop it from leaking once the radiator is off. On the other end you may need to remove a cap to turn the valve off, use an adjustable wrench and carefully turn the valve clockwise until it is completely shut off. You should feel resistance as you turn the valve and notice that it has stopped moving when it is completely closed. If necessary, wrap some cloth or padding around the head of the valve to protect it from damage while tightening it with your adjustable wrench.
- Drain the water from the radiator
Now that you’ve closed both radiator valves, it’s time to drain the water from the radiator. Here’s how to do it:
- With the Plumb Tub or other suitable container (Paint trays work well also) underneath loosen the nut on one side of the radiator.
- When the water starts to come out open the air bleed to let air in (and the water out)
- Once all of the water has been drained undo the nut on the other end of the radiator and retighten the air bleed screw.
You’re now ready to remove your radiator without draining down your whole heating system!
- Pull the valves clear of the radiator tails
Once all the water has been drained and the valves are undone, it’s time to carefully pull the valves clear of the radiator tails so you can safely remove your radiator.
- Lift radiator from brackets
Gently lift the radiator from its brackets, being sure to keep it level so you don’t cause any damage. Have someone nearby to help support and take the weight as this can be a heavy job.
Once removed, carefully place it on a flat surface such as an old blanket or carpet so as not to damage any flooring.
Top tip to avoid making too much mess, turn the radiator upside down when moving it around your house. While the radiator is off it is a good time to wash out any sludge that might be in it, do this outside!
- Refit radiator and refill system
Once you have completed any work you were doing with the radiator removed its time to put it back!
To do this, you’ll need to make sure the empty radiator is tightly fitted back into its brackets. Once it’s securely in place, you should use a spanner to tighten both nuts that were undone when removing the radiator.
The next step is to open one of the valves that were closed when draining the system. This will start refilling the radiator, you can then open the air bleed to let the water in, once the radiator is full close the air bleed and open the other valve.
If you have a presurised system, top it back up to the same pressure as it was when you started. Then run the system to force any air in the system in to the radiators and bleed them.
Finally check that you don’t have any leaks, tighten then nuts if you find one.
And that’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a radiator without professional help?
Yes, you can remove a radiator without professional help. All you need is the right tools and knowledge to do so safely and quickly.
This includes having access to an adjustable spanner, adjustable pliers, a container for draining the water, and towels or rags for cleaning up any mess. It’s also important to know what type of connections are on your radiator in order to know which tool will be needed when disconnecting them from the valves.
Is it safe to remove a radiator without draining the system?
Yes but it is important to be prepared to drain the whole system if something goes wrong, if you follow the steps in this article then you shouldn’t have any problems though.
What other systems in my home could be affected if I remove a radiator?
Removing a radiator from your home’s heating system can have an effect on other systems in your house. If the system leaks during removal then it could cause problems with the hot water supply and radiators throughout the rest of your house.
Is there a risk of flooding if I remove a radiator without draining the system?
Yes, there is a risk of flooding if you remove a radiator without draining the system. If you shut off the water supply to the radiator but don’t drain the radiator before removal, or if you can’t fully close either of the radiator valves.
Conclusion
You’ve successfully removed the radiator without having to drain down the whole system.
Before you start reattaching and refilling, it’s important to check that all parts are clean and in good working order.
Make sure all connections are secure, tight, and free of leaks or any other damage.
Doing this will ensure your radiator is properly fitted for many more years of efficient heating.
Congratulations on a job well done!
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