Have found yourself questioning “how do I remove a radiator from the wall” or “how to take a radiator off the wall for painting it”. Don’t worry we have created a simple step by step guide on how to effectively take a radiator off the wall.
Before learning how to remove radiator from wall, it is essential to prevent damage to your pipes, floors, or the radiator as much as possible. Before we get started you need to get the listed equipment below to hand which can be found in most UK stores.
Equipment Needed:
- A radiator bleed key
- A few towels
- Washing up bowl
- Adjustable spanner
- Pump pliers (only if you have lockshields)
How To Remove Your Radiator Off The Wall
Step 1 - Switch Off Your Heating System
Before you begin learning how to remove a radiator from a wall, be sure to turn off your heating system and wait 10-15 mins to let it cool down. This allows you to remove the possibility of contact with hot water and potential heat scalding.
Step 2 - Isolate The Radiator
To remove the radiator, make sure to turn the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) to the zero or off position. Next you need to close the lock shield valve, to do that remove the plastic cap and locate the small spindle inside.
Use an adjustable spanner to turn the valve clockwise while counting the turns to ensure you can return the radiator to the same pressure when you reinstall it.
Step 3 - Drain The Radiator
Position a bowl beneath the valve you intend to drain first, then place one cloth around the valve body and use a wrench on the valve body and use the other wrench to loosen the nut connecting the radiator to the valve, enabling the water to flow out and into the bowl.
Step 4 - Loosen The Other Valve
After the water stops flowing from the first valve, you can follow the same steps on the opposite side of the radiator.
Step 5 - Disconnect Valves
Once the water stops draining from the radiator, fully unscrew and detach the nuts on both radiator valves from the radiator.
Step 6 - Lift The Radiator Off The Wall
Depending on its size, having water in the radiator means that this step may require two people. The radiator/towel rail will either detach from the wall with the removal of small screws.
There we have it. You now know how to take a radiator off the wall to decorate your home space and also how to take a radiator off the wall to paint behind your radiator.
FAQ’s
Can I Take A Radiator Off The Wall Without Draining?
If you are not sure how to take a radiator off the wall without draining, don’t fret as you don't have to turn off the water supply when taking out a radiator because the water will stop flowing once you close the valves.
Step 1: Turn off both the lockshield valve and the thermostatic valve on the radiator. Ensure they are tightly closed to prevent water flow.
Step 2: Place a bucket beneath the valves and have towels ready to catch any potential water leakage.
Step 3: Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts connecting the radiator to the valves. Be cautious not to completely disconnect them yet.
Step 4: Carefully tilt the radiator away from the wall while keeping the connections attached. This will create an angle, minimising water spillage. Catch water with towels. Move slowly and be prepared to react quickly if water starts to leak.
Step 5: Fully disconnect the radiator: Once the radiator is tilted and stable, you can fully disconnect the nuts connecting it to the valves. Continue using towels to absorb any residual water.
How To Take A Radiator Off The Wall To Decorate?
If you're not sure how to remove a radiator from the wall for decorating temporarily, here's a simple solution with just a few steps to update your home.
Step 1: Shut off both valves and remove the cabinet linking the valve to the radiator. Set a bowl beneath the joint, slowly open the bleed valve to allow the water to drain into the bowl, and then transfer the water from the bowl to a bucket until all the water has been removed.
Step 2: Carefully remove the cap nut securing the other valve to the radiator, then lift the radiator off the wall brackets and drain any remaining water into a bucket. Remember to cap off thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) if they are present to avoid potential leaks.
Step 3: Reposition the radiator and secure on both valves, then release any trapped air from the radiator.
How To Take A Towel Rail Radiator Off The Wall?
When removing a towel radiator from the wall, the process is identical to removing a regular radiator, with the only distinction being the need to also remove the brackets. So there you are, now you know how to take a towel radiator off the wall.
How Much To Take A Radiator Off The Wall?
On average it takes approximately 30-35 mins to remove a radiator from a wall. If you are looking for a price it is best to check with your plumber on average it will cost between £50-£70 for a plumber for an hour.
