How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating

If you’re planning some decorating work, the removal and refitting of a radiator will probably be necessary. Plenty of designer radiators are quite heavy. This is especially the case with cast iron radiators. So we’d advise enlisting the help of a friend before attempting to lift the radiator yourself. The following instructions will explain how to remove a radiator for decorating, whilst avoiding your radiator leaking water or any other problems occurring. Both horizontal radiators and vertical radiators follow the same principles…

Required Tools

For the safe removal of your radiator from the wall, the following tools are required:

Adjustable wrench
A pair of grips
Plastic bowl
Two towels
Radiator key

Removing your Radiator for Decorating

Step 1

Initially, switch off the radiator valves by turning them clockwise.

Step 2

When the valves have been turned off, position two towels or a plastic bowl beneath them. Then, ease your radiator away from the wall. This will ensure that with your radiator leaking water, the excess amount will be caught. As a result, it will prevent any stains from appearing on the floor.

Step 3

Put the plastic bowl into place. Use your grips and adjustable wrench to gently unscrew the radiator nut.

Step 4

Drain the water out of the leaking radiator into the washing up bowl.

Step 5

Turn your radiator key anti-clockwise to open the bleed nipple. This will enable the water to be drained into the bowl.

Step 6

Once the radiator has been drained, and there’s no chance of the radiator valve leaking, turn your radiator in an anti-clockwise direction. This will close the bleed nipple again, before you undo the nut on the other side of the radiator.

Step 7

Ease the radiator away from the wall and get rid of any remaining fluid. Remember, radiators can be much heavier than you might imagine. You could require help when lifting.

Once all the excess water has been removed, use tissues to bung the outlets and prevent a home radiator leak. From there, you can fully remove the radiator from the wall.

Step 8

After the decorating is done, you can position your radiator back onto the brackets. Tighten up the valves and open them both in an anti-clockwise direction. The radiator is then ready to fill.

How to refill your Radiator

If your heating system is pressurized, you will have to open the filling loop slightly. This enables you to top up the system pressure whilst the radiator is refilled.

Check the boiler’s water pressure gauge. Then follow the instructions for your specific boiler to top up the pressure.

That’s it! You should now be well equipped to remove your radiator for decorating. You can follow the same principles to replace an old radiator with a new component, too. Best of luck and don’t forget, professional help is always available if you need it.

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How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating

Required Tools

Removing your Radiator for Decorating

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

How to refill your Radiator

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