How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating | Easy Step-by-Step Guide, by plumbgrade on YouTube. 6 min 19 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 19 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn the heating off at the boiler and wait for the radiator to cool completely before you touch anything.
Close the lockshield valve at one end by turning the cap clockwise with a spanner until it stops.
Close the thermostatic valve at the other end. If it has a removable head, fit the decorator's cap instead.
Check for leaks around the valve spindle. If water seeps out, tighten the gland nut a quarter turn with a spanner.
Put a Plumb tub or tray under the valve and open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator with a radiator key.
Crack open the valve union nut with a spanner and let the water drain into the tub. Keep a bucket and towels handy.
Once the water stops, close the bleed valve, undo both union nuts fully and lift the radiator off its brackets.
Tip the radiator over a bucket to empty the last of the water, then cap the open valve tails so they do not drip.
Remove or flatten the wall brackets if you are plastering, then store the radiator upright out of the way.
Tips and common mistakes
Open the bleed valve before undoing any union nut so air gets in and the water flows out freely.
Keep old towels under both valves, since a few litres always spill even with a tub in place.
Do not overtighten the valve gland nut or you can damage the seal and make the leak worse.
Label which valve is which before you start so you can refit the radiator the same way.
Questions
Do I need to drain the whole heating system?
No. Closing both valves traps water in the pipes, so you only drain the radiator itself. The rest of the system stays filled.
What if the radiator valve leaks while I am working?
Tighten the gland nut under the valve head a quarter turn with a spanner. If it still drips, wrap PTFE tape around the spindle or replace the gland.
Can I put the radiator back on the same brackets?
Yes, if the brackets are still sound. Refit the radiator, reconnect both unions, open the valves and bleed the radiator before turning the heating back on.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
