How to remove a radiator
Last updated on: 24 October 2024

How to Remove a Radiator in 7 Simple Steps

Do you want to know how to remove your radiator but don’t know where to begin? Then, luckily, you landed on the right article. In this article, we will tell you the necessary steps that need to be performed to remove your radiator easily and safely without damaging or injuring yourself.

Reasons to Remove Your Radiator

  • Removing a radiator for decorating
  • Your radiator is leaking.
  • To change the location
  • To replace the old radiator with a new one.

Tools You Need For Removing a Radiator

  • Pair of gloves
  • Adjustable spanner
  • Radiator key
  • Towels
  • Plastic or metal bowl

DIY Radiator Removal Process

Step 1: Turn off your heating

The first and most basic step is completely shutting off your central heating system, including your boiler and radiator. Let the system cool down. Doing that will make you safe if the water splashes out on you during removal; it won’t be hot.

Step 2: Turn off the valve

After turning off the central heating system, it’s time to turn off the valves. There are two valves on either side of your radiator. First of all, turn your thermostatic radiator valve head to the zero position. After that, loosen the cap on the lock shield, locate the spindle, and turn it clockwise with the help of a wrench until it is closed.

Tip: Count the number of turns it takes to close the valve, as it will help when you reconnect or replace the radiator.

Step 3: Drain water from the radiator

Now, after removing the cap and turning off your chosen valve, it’s time to drain the water from your radiator. Place a towel on the floor and put a plastic bowl on top to collect the water and avoid spillage.

After that, place a wrench on the valve’s body, locate the nut that connects the radiator to the valve, loosen it up, and let the water drain out.

Step 4: Open the bleed valve

Now, remove excess water from your radiator. Before doing that, follow the same drill and place a towel and bowl to collect the water. Attach a radiator key to the bleed valve, turn it anti-clockwise, and drain the excess water from your radiator.

Step 5: Loosen the other valve

Move to the other side of the radiator to the next valve and repeat the process of removing the radiator and capping off the lock shield valve. Loosen the connecting nut with the help of the wrench to drain out the water and open the bleed valve to remove the excess water.

Step 6: Disconnect the radiator

Loosen up all the nuts and disconnect the radiator entirely.

Step 7: Lift and remove the radiator from the wall

After disconnecting it, remove the radiator from the brackets and see if any water is left should be drained if it’s heavy, you might need help. After lifting it off the brackets, gently remove the radiator from the wall to put it on its side carefully and safely.

Conclusion

After following the above steps, you can remove the radiator yourself without needing the assistance of a gas-safety engineer. However, if you have difficulty performing the above mentioned steps, we suggest you contact an expert. If you don’t know whom to contact, don’t worry; 24|7 Home Rescue is here for you. Contact 24|7 Home Rescue at 0345 3192 247, and our team will help you.

FAQ'S

How long does it take to remove the radiator?

Removing a radiator typically takes 30-35 minutes. This process includes:

  1. Shutting off the central heating system.
  2. Allowing the system to cool down.
  3. Bleeding out excess water from the radiators by loosening the valves at both ends.
  4. Detaching the radiator from its brackets and the wall.

Can you remove the radiator and still use central heating?

Yes, you can! But bear in mind that radiators are responsible for spreading heat around your home in certain areas, so if you remove your radiators, you will not be left out without heating.

Still, the heating flow around your home will be disrupted. So to adjust the heating flow, you will need to change the settings of your heating system and adjust accordingly.

Can a radiator valve be fitted without draining the system?

If you are changing both valves on more than one radiator in your home, then it is suggested that you drain out your whole central heating system.

But when you plan to change a valve on a single radiator, you can change or replace the valve without draining the system.

How to remove a radiator from a combi boiler system?

To remove a radiator from your combi boiler system, you will need to follow these steps, which include:

  • Turning off your central heating system.
  • Closing the valves
  • Draining the water
  • Opening the bleed valve.
  • Loosening the other valve.
  • Disconnect the radiator.
  • Lift and remove the radiator.

The information provided in this article has been collected from various sources. However, we suggest you consult a certified Gas-Safe Engineer in your area before making any decisions, as every individual’s home situation is unique.

Posted by: Martin Astley 22 August 2023