Your Guide to Installing a Designer Radiator
It can prove a tough process to install a new designer radiator.
This step-by-step guide will address the best and most efficient means for dressing and fitting a designer radiator.
After following these instructions, you’ll probably never require professional plumbing services again! Unless you experience a plumbing emergency, of course, so fingers crossed you don’t!
Follow the simple steps listed below for insightful guidance on how to install a designer radiator and make your room feel cozy and warm, and look brilliant too!
Before Installing a Designer Radiator
Prior to the installation of your designer radiator, you’ll need to drain down the system.
Explore our guide on how to drain a pressurized heating system for help with this before you start.
It’s always a good idea to dress your designer radiator before fitting it. To do so, you’ll need the following…
- Radiator Wrench
- Adjustable Wrench
- PTFE Tape
Dressing a Designer Radiator
‘Dressing’ a designer radiator is the process of preparing it for attachment to the wall.
Step 1 – Wrap the Valve Tails & Connect to the Designer Radiator
To begin with, you should wrap the radiator tail with PTFE tape clockwise about 17 times.
Use the radiator wrench to wind the tail clockwise into the radiator, until the thread is concealed from view.
Step 2 – Insert Blanking & Bleed Plugs
An air vent (bleed valve) and a blanking plug will come supplied with your new designer radiator. These should be inserted at both ends at the top of the radiator.
Then, tighten them up with your adjustable wrench, taking care not to over-tighten and cause damage to the O-ring.
How to attach your Designer Radiator to the wall
Dependent on the material your designer radiator is being fixed to, the tools required can vary for different jobs. If you aren’t certain, consult a professional or the manufacturing guidelines provided with your radiator. To attach a designer radiator to a brick wall, you will require…
- Tape Measure
- Cordless Screwdriver
- Hammer Drill with 0.28″ masonry bit
- Brown Plugs
- Pencil
- Spirit Level
- Suitable Screws
Step 1 – Mark the Center Line of the Radiator
Mark the center line of the radiator between both pipes. That is where the middle of the designer radiator should be positioned on the wall.
Step 2 – Mark the Line for the Foot of the Radiator
Now, you need to work out how high you want the bottom of the radiator to be positioned from the floor.
Add the distance between the top of the bracket to the foot of the radiator to your measurement.
Mark the distance across the center line.
Step 3 – Check the Distance of the Brackets
Once you’ve marked the center line, you’ll have to work out the distance between the brackets on the back of the radiator.
Step 4 – Mark your Measurement on the Wall
Divide your measurement in two and mark it up on the wall.
Step 5 – Record your Final Measurements
The last measurement you need to note is the distance in height between the bottom and top bracket.
Mark a center line higher on the wall and record your designer radiator’s width and height across your top center line.
Step 6 – Time to Drill
If you’re pleased with the measurements you’ve recorded, you’re now ready to plug the wall and drill.
How to Install the Valves
Position the nut and olive over the water pipe, and place your radiator valve over the top.
Then, tighten up the nut with your adjustable wrench. Put a rag on the body of the radiator valve to avoid damaging it.
Finally, turn the valve anti-clockwise to prepare your system to be re-filled.
That’s it. Your designer radiator should now be fitted to the wall.
