If you want to change a radiator, it's fairly straightforward. The task will take a couple of hours so long as you know what you're doing. The easiest way to replace a radiator is like-for-like. This means your new radiator is the same size as your old one, rather than buying exactly the same model.
Replacing a radiator can take most of a day, but, with care and patience, it is is doable. In order to replace a radiator, you'll need to drain the old radiator, detach any the parts keeping it in place, remove it, install a new radiator, re-install any parts that were removed, and add coolant.
This is totally doable, but it's rarely as simple as swapping one in for another. The radiators can be found easily on Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, or architectural salvage shops, but they often require modifications and/or repairs. They also need to be sized correctly so that your home heats efficiently.
The easiest way to replace a radiator is to choose one with identical pipe centres. If this isn't the case, you'll need to reorient your new valves – it's best to get a plumber to do this.
In fact, modern radiators can be up to 50% more efficient than their year 2000 counterparts. This increased efficiency leads to a decrease in energy bills, meaning that your new radiators will eventually pay for themselves.
Radiators typically last for the lifetime of your vehicle. On average, they have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. However, there are some factors that can reduce a radiator's working life.
According to Fixr.com, the average cost nationally for a house radiator replacement ranges from about $1,000 to $3,500, though some replacement jobs can be accomplished for as little as $500 on the low end and as much as $8,600 on the high end.
Fitting a new radiator like for like is easy to do, as long as the radiators you are replacing have identical pipe centres. It shouldn't take long to do, and you might not need a plumber. However, if you fit a new radiator that isn't the same size, you'll need to call a plumber.
On average, the cost to fit a radiator valve in the UK ranges from £50 to £150, including the cost of the valve and the plumber's labour. However, prices may vary, so it's advisable to obtain quotes from different plumbers to get an accurate estimate for your specific requirements.
Like any second hand parts, you never really know how long they will last, but radiators (particularly OEM ones) can last decades and should be fine if they are in good condition.
Radiators are accepted, free of charge, at all our household waste recycling centres. If your radiator is usable you can take it for reuse at all sites. If it is unusable it can be recycled in the scrap metal skip at all out sites.
It's easy to assume that radiators made decades ago are less efficient, but studies have shown that a new radiator can be as much as twice as efficient as even a twenty year old equivalent.
While replacing the radiator, consider replacing other cooling system components that might be nearing the end of their lifespan. This could include: Thermostat: Regulates coolant flow to the engine. Radiator hoses: Can become brittle and crack over time.
Depends on the car. Could be half an hour to drain the coolant, replace the radiator and fill it. Or it could take longer than that just to replace the radiator, plus and hour just to bleed it after refilling. But it shouldn't take more than 2–3 hours.
In the majority of cases, moving a radiator is a straightforward job that most plumbers can complete in a short space of time.
Refrain From Driving
A malfunctioning radiator can cause extensive damage to your engine. A serious leak can even drain your radiator completely.
That depends. You may feel confident changing a like-for-like model, but if you're purchasing something different, you may need to make adjustments to your pipework. Plumbers know how to change a radiator and will complete the job nice and quickly, without any head scratching!
Radiator repair costs $350 on average, but pricing often ranges from $100 to $500 based on the radiator type, material, and issue. Radiator repair costs can range from $5 for simple DIY fixes to $600 for major issues, but most people pay around $350.
Radiator replacement
Each radiator takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to replace with like-for-like, plus the system drain-down and refill time (see above). Consequently replacing 3 radiators is typically a full day's work.
You can absolutely replace a radiator yourself. It's a challenge, but with the right tools and some basic knowledge, an untrained layperson can do it without a mechanic. Cars can be complicated machines, and your car's engine bay might have hundreds of precisely fitted components.
If you need to replace your radiator, you can expect to spend between $700 and $1,000. You can save on labor costs (about $300) by replacing the radiator yourself if you're experienced with auto DIY jobs. Keep in mind this is a big undertaking that will likely take all day.
For a plumber or heating engineer, replacing a radiator is a fairly straightforward task. For those with less experience in this field, DIY is not recommended.
Most heating engineers will now recommend radiator replacement for anything installed 15+ years ago, but if you've taken good care of your radiators, they may still be good to go. Design faults and pain points found in old radiator models have been rectified as manufacturing has improved over time.
The most obvious sign that your radiator is damaged is if your car overheats frequently. If the temperature gauge in your vehicle is rising higher than usual or if the engine warning light comes on, these are both indications that your radiator needs to be checked out.
Average replacement radiator costs range from: Between £100 and £200 for a small radiator replacement. Between £200 and £300 for a medium radiator replacement. £300 or more for a large radiator replacement.