Sometimes when you’re decorating a radiator isn’t a problem at all. With jobs like painting and wallpapering removing them is really not necessary. But sometimes, you really can’t do what you need to without getting rid of it. For example, plastering, plasterboarding and changing skirting boards may require removing the pesky radiator. This article will cover how to do just that without making a huge mess. Note that we are talking about standard UK radiators here, things may work differently in other parts of the world.
Disclaimer: please use this information at your own risk. You are liable for any damage caused while removing a radiator yourself if something goes wrong so please consider hiring a professional if you are not confident in performing the task yourself.
Tools
- x2 spanners, adjustable if you have them. Otherwise, the correct size to fit (see images)
- radiator key OR a flat headed screwdriver
- small pots that will fit under the radiator to catch the water
- big bucket
- towel or any other rag for wiping spillages
STEP 1: SWITCHING OFF THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE RADIATOR
To begin, check if your radiator has a thermostatic valve. A thermostatic valve is a thing on the end of the radiator at the bottom that you can turn to change how hot the radiator gets.
If your radiator has one, turn it to 0. 0 should be right at the end – so turn the valve as far as it will go. This switches off the water at the pipe connected to the radiator.
The other side of your radiator will have a lockshield valve in the same place. The lockshield valve may have a small plastic cap on it. Remove this cap. Note that it may have a screw through the top of it – just unscrew it and pull the cap off. If your radiator doesn’t have a thermostatic valve, it will have the lockshield valve at both ends. Simply follow these steps at both ends of the radiator.
When the cap is removed, the valve will have a thin-ish sticky-outy bit. This needs to be turned for the water supply to be disconnected. Turn this clockwise until it turns no more.
STEP 2: DRAINING THE RADIATOR
Now that the pipes will not leak water, it’s time to drain the radiator to remove it without causing a huge watery mess.
First, get a couple of jugs that will fit under the radiator and a big bucket to pour the jugs into as they get full. Place the jugs underneath each radiator end. Make sure to have a big towel ready for catching any spillages.
Get your 2 spanners. To drain the radiator, one end needs to be disconnected slightly so that water can escape from it. You will be working with only ONE end of the radiator to begin with. One spanner will hold the connecting nut securely in place so that there isn’t any damage while with the other spanner you will turn the radiator securing nut. Both sides of the radiator will turn the opposite way – the right side nut needs to be turned up while the left side nut turned down. Remember you are undoing one end right now so pick one side of radiator and undo that nut only.
Once the nut is undone DO NOT remove the radiator valve fully as this will create a huge water flow at this stage. Just let the water trickle out slowly into your jug. When the jug fills up, secure the nut back to stop the water flow and empty it into the big bucket. Then proceed until the water is running very slowly.
To speed up the water flow you can let air into the radiator. You will need either a radiator key or a flat headed screwdriver to do this. Simply place the key/ screwdriver into the bleed point and turn it gently. The bleed point is located on the side of the radiator at the top. Make sure to close the bleed point once the radiator is fully drained.
STEP 3: REMOVING THE RADIATOR FROM THE WALL
Once you can’t get any more water out of one side of the radiator, gently remove the valve fully so that the radiator is not connected to the pipe at all. Make sure to have the jug underneath in case this will cause more water to come out.
Repeat the process on the other side of the radiator. This may cause more water to come out so just be ready with the jugs and a towel.
When no more water is coming out either end of the radiator and both valves are removed fully, lift the radiator off the wall and lay it down flat. Then lift the radiator and stand it upside down. This will ensure that no residue leaks out of it. Be careful, radiators weigh more than you think!
When you’re ready to put the radiator back on the wall, place it in position and secure the valves back on. Don’t forget to bleed the radiator once it’s attached to get all the air out of it!
TIPS
- If you do attempt to do this yourself, follow each step thoroughly and watch a couple of YouTube videos beforehand too. I highly recommend this one (no affiliation, I just think the process is explained wonderfully with no BS)
- Be ready for leakages ALWAYS, especially if you are working upstairs. If you leak a huge amount of water upstairs you will damage or at least stain the ceiling underneath so take care and consider calling a professional if in doubt
- Be extremely delicate when removing the pipes connected to the radiator, you do not want to break one of those by accident!
