Once you've taken a radiator off the wall, you can keep it off permanently if you need to.
Very simple - Drain down heating system, Undo valves of radiator and remove radiator from wall. Cut and cap off the two pipes. If you need to refill and use the heating system before you take down the stud wall that's fine, just make absolutely sure the two pipes are properly sealed. Take down and clear away the stud.
Our recommendation is to always have a professional do this for you: one who can disconnect the element at the electricity supply. This will allow you to remove a radiator from the wall whilst retaining the fluid and to work safely without damaging the radiator or element.
If you simply want to remove the radiator altogether, a plumber will usually charge around £80 for removal alone. If you need to remove the radiator to flush the central heating system, your plumber will package up the costs into one quote, usually sitting at around £350 for six radiators. Need to relocate a radiator?
To cap a radiator pipe, turn off the system and drain any remaining water. Clean the pipe end, apply thread seal tape clockwise, and securely attach a pipe cap or plug using pliers. Avoid over tightening. Test for leaks by turning on the system.
Locate the manual valve on the radiator. This is typically located on the side or bottom of the radiator and should have a knob or lever that you can turn. Turn the manual valve clockwise until it stops. This will shut off the flow of hot water into the radiator.
For permanent removal, the best practice is to cap the pipes after removing the radiator. Water shouldn't get past a closed valve, but the cap acts as an extra safety measure.
Yes, you can remove a radiator and still use central heating. However, it is important to note that if you do remove a radiator, you may need to make adjustments to your heating system in order to balance the flow of heated air throughout your home.
A plumber will typically charge between £100-£400 to relocate a radiator, materials included. The lower price is based on the pipes already being in place and the relocation being simple. Do you need a plumber to move a radiator?
Radiators are common items that often end up in scrap yards when they fail or need to be replaced. Their copper and aluminum materials can be quite valuable as scrap metal. If you have an old radiator to get rid of, it's easy to prepare it for recycling and receive some cash in return.
Remove and replace radiators that aren't working properly and as well as saving you energy, it will ensure that your home is being heated efficiently. Replacing a new radiator isn't too difficult a task but do be sure to follow our instructions to avoid any unnecessary mess as well as any impact to the system.
If the TRV is reading the temperature inside the radiator cover, which could be very hot, it could reduce the heat output, leaving the room cold. However, as your home isn't reaching the temperature set by your thermostat, the boiler will work harder, burning more gas and potentially increasing your energy bills.
If you are planning on doing some decorating, chances are that you'll need to remove and refit a radiator. Many radiators can be quite heavy, so even if you think you'll be able to lift the radiator by yourself we recommend getting someone to help you.
Once you've taken a radiator off the wall, you can keep it off permanently if you need to. However, if you're not going to be replacing the radiator, then it's a good idea to cap off the radiator valve to prevent any water leakage.
The amount of water in a radiator
For example, a small radiator designed for a single room may hold only 1-2 litres (1.75 - 3.5 pints) of water, while a larger radiator designed for a bigger space could hold up to 10-12 litres (17.5 - 21 pints) or more. In general, the larger the radiator, the more water it will hold.
Once you have identified that you need to remove a radiator, you need to determine the cost that is going to be involved with the whole job. Prices from smaller local tradesmen range from £150 to £200. Larger companies with national coverage charge £175 to £300.
This is something most of us learn in school and it helps to explain why radiators are located underneath windows. As the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently.
Removing a radiator is a fairly easy job. It's something a competent home plumber should be able to manage with little trouble. After all, it is one of the last things a building contractor installs, and the pipes will already be accessible.
Prepare the area and plan your job. You will be releasing air and water from the radiator, this may drip or spray a small amount of dirty water, so it's best to remove the radiator before you start decorating the room.
You will require the assistance of a licensed plumber to handle the pipework involved in this job, but apart from that, anybody can move a radiator with a little bit of patience.
Open up the bleed valves on all radiators to let the air out of the system; the water will drain out more quickly. Return to the radiator you attached the hosepipe to and open up the valve. The water will begin to drain out of your central heating system. This can take up to an hour, depending on the system you have.
Locate the drain plug. This is found on the bottom of the radiator. Place a pan under the drain plug to catch old coolant. Loosen the drain plug and allow coolant to flow.
Replacing your home's central heating pipework can be an expensive and messy job. Lifting your floorboards and cutting into joists or digging into concrete - it's not a task you'll want to undertake unless absolutely needed.