Whether you are undergoing a revamp of your home heating setup, or are relocating your existing radiators, the first thing to cross your mind is probably how much it is likely to set you back.
The cost of moving radiators will vary depending on factors such as size, number, location etc. This task is often best left to be completed by professionals. However you might be able to do it yourself, which would eliminate labour costs.
Keep reading to discover how easy it is to move a radiator and the factors that might affect the cost of moving a radiator.
How Easy Is It To Move A Radiator?
Determining how easy it will be to move a radiator will ultimately depend on experience, the number of radiators, and the type of radiators. For example, if you are moving multiple heavy radiators this will be a time-consuming task which will require extra manpower. It will also result in a higher bill (more on that later).
Trained plumbers shouldn’t find moving radiators too challenging however this could vary if additional pipework needs to be installed.
If you have no experience moving radiators, then you might find it particularly challenging and it would be best to contact a professional.
Can You Move A Radiator Yourself?
If you are competent in the realms of DIY then you could be able to move your radiator without the help of a professional. However you need to make sure you are well-equipped and confident in the task, otherwise, you could end up damaging your radiator, the walls, and your water system.
You will need:
- Towels
- Drill
- Adjustable wrench
- Radiator key
- Large bowl/container
- Ruler
How To Move A Radiator:
- Turn off your central heating and wait for your system to cool.
- Protect the surrounding area with towels and drain your radiator.
- Once your radiator is empty, cap the pipework.
- Remove your radiator from the wall, if the wall brackets are in poor condition, we recommend replacing them before relocating your radiator.
- Measure your radiator brackets and mark where you will be moving your radiator to.
- Using a drill and the screws provided with the brackets, attach them to the new wall.
- Position your radiator onto the brackets, ensuring it is firmly in place.
- Connect your radiator to the existing pipework, or install new pipework if necessary. This should be done by a plumber.
- Refill your system while checking for any leaks.
Check out our handy guide for an in-depth look at how to hang a radiator.
It’s important to note that this can be a difficult task to take on, therefore we would always recommend you contact a professional to move your radiators to ensure it is done correctly.
Cost-affecting factors when moving a radiator
It’s difficult to advise the cost of moving a radiator, as this is likely to differ from job to job. If you are moving one existing radiator in your home it will be more straightforward. However, if you are refurbing your home with brand new radiators in new locations, then you will be expected to pay quite a bit more.
To get started in working out the costs of your project, you will want to get a quote for your radiators. If you are unsure of what style of radiator you would like, check out our Essential Radiator Buying Guide.
Once you have an idea of what you will be paying for your radiators, it’s time to get in touch with a professional. Make sure you shop around and get a couple of quotes from different traders. You will then be able to estimate how much you will be paying in labour.
There are also factors you should be considering ahead of undergoing the move which will give a guideline of how much you could be expected to pay.
Additional Plumbing
Depending on where you are moving your radiator to, you may require a lot of additional pipework. The cost to move a radiator to another wall in your property will be higher than if you are repositioning by a couple of inches, and you will more than likely require extra pipework.
Number Of Radiators
If you are moving more than one radiator, this will increase the amount of time it requires to complete the job, resulting in higher labour costs. The cost could increase even further based on the type of radiators you are moving.
Type Of Radiators
Moving a small convector radiator should be pretty straightforward for a plumber. However, if you have a large designer radiator that you are looking to relocate, this will be tricky for one person to do alone.
Once you have taken into account materials, labour, and additional factors you should have a good idea of how much it will cost to move your radiator. See our range of radiator accessories to support your radiator move.
