You may need to remove your radiator for a number of reasons. If you’re decorating for example, removing the radiator will make it much easier for you to paper and paint the wall behind and you won’t risk marking or damaging the radiator. Perhaps you’re re-plastering or even changing the style. Whatever the reason, we’ll show you how to remove a radiator quickly, easily and safely.
Removing a single radiator is possible without draining the entire system. You’ll need plenty of old rags handy to take care of any spillages as well as a large bowl and a smaller sized jug.
Before you start, it’s best to roll back your carpet or cover your flooring as best you can as radiator water can be extremely dirty and difficult to remove if it stains.
- Turn off both radiator valves by turning the lockshield valve anticlockwise with a radiator key or adjustable spanner. Make a note of how many turns it took to close the valve so you can do the same number of turns in the opposite direction to open again.
- Unscrew the nut that keeps the locksheild valve attached to the adaptor at the end of the radiator.
- Hold the jug under the joint and slowly open the bleed valve so that the water begins trickling out.
- As the jug fills up, transfer the water to the bowl and carry on until the water has completely drained.
- Unscrew the nut that keeps the valve on the other side attached to the radiator and lift the radiator from the wall brackets. Radiators are very heavy so it’s best to get help when removing them from the wall.
- Drain the rest of the water from the radiator by tilting it upwards.
- Wipe any excess water away from the pipework and dispose of the water.
When you’re ready to put the radiator back on the wall, see this guide.
FAQs about removing a radiator
Do you need to turn off the water supply to remove a radiator?
You don’t need to turn off the water supply to remove a radiator. You don’t even need to turn off your boiler. You need to turn off the valves that supply the radiator, drain it, unscrew the radiator and remove it.
Can you remove a radiator and still use central heating?
Yes, in fact we currently have 4 radiators removed from the system and the walls at the moment and the central heating system is still full operational. Just keep an eye on the pressure and top up if necessary.