Replacing your Radiators: A Complete Guide

Do you need a plumber to change a radiator?

Ideally, when you want a radiator changed, you should always enlist the help of the professionals, such as plumbers or heating engineers. 

For a plumber or heating engineer, removing and changing radiators are fairly straightforward jobs. For those with little to no experience in this field, a DIY job is not recommended. 

When should I get my radiators replaced?

There is no black and white answer for when you should replace your radiators, but in general, they should be replaced every 15-20 years. However, this all depends on the overall wear and tear of the radiators. 

If your radiators are nearing this age, it’s worth keeping track of how they’re performing. 

More modern radiators are so much more efficient and also come in a range of styles, colours and shapes, so can make a big difference in heat output but also change the look of a room.

How do I know when my radiators need replacing?

Generally, if you are confident your boiler is still performing as normal but your radiators are failing to perform just as well, this may be a clear sign that your radiators need replacing. 

You can also check by viewing the temperature of your pipework. If they are very hot but the radiator’s temperature isn’t as hot, this may be another indication that your radiators have stopped working efficiently. 

Can you just swap radiators?

Yes, if you can find a like-for-like radiator, meaning a new one the exact same size as your old one, the job of swapping the old for new radiator is fairly straightforward. 

If you want to change the size or design of your radiator, then adjustments will need to be made to your heating pipework. This may take slightly longer to do as it is more complex than swapping like-for-like radiators. 

Over time, how we calculate heat outputs in properties have also changed along with radiator sizes so if you have very old radiators it’s more likely you will need adjustments to your heating pipework.

If you wish to have a larger radiator, your floorboards will likely need to be lifted to access the pipework below.

This again can take a bit longer to complete, but a professional plumbing and heating engineer will be able to finish the job as quickly as they can so you can get back to using your central heating.

What are the different types of radiators?

There are many different types of radiators, meaning you may have a tough choice when deciding what to replace your old ones with.

Don’t worry too much about this, as we can advise you on the most suitable radiators for your home. 

Central Heating Radiators

Central heating radiators use corrugated panels to radiate heat into a room, and tend to be the most popular choice due to their high efficiency and compact design. 

You can get either single-panel style radiators for small rooms, or double-panel ones for larger rooms which produce more heat. 

Column Radiators

Column radiators are great for anyone looking to add a classic period look to their home. 

They have a traditional aesthetic, yet the modern models offer great heat distribution and efficiency. 

Designer Radiators

Classic central heating radiators can ruin the look of your home, especially if you are aiming for a specific aesthetic. 

Stylish, contemporary radiators are space savers, whilst also providing functionality by doubling up as mirrors, memo boards and much more.

Designer radiators are one of our most requested new radiator installations. We can advise you on where to look to get an idea of the style that you like and what size and heat output you need for your designer radiators.

Vertical Radiators

When wall space is limited, vertical radiators are a saving grace. They can fit perfectly onto small wall spaces, meaning you can heat your home where you previously may not have been able to. 

They also come in a range of designs and colours, meaning you can find one to suit your home aesthetic. 

Towel Radiators

Towel radiators have become a must for many, due to the fact you can dry your towels whilst also heating your bathroom. 

They act as a stylish, space-saving solution, whereas in the past, they were always chrome; you can now get a variety of different styles and colours.

Cast Iron Radiators

Cast iron radiators are perfect for period homes with high ceilings. They remain warm for longer, whilst also providing a good contrast with modern decor.

Flat Panel Radiators

Flat panel radiators are light, compact and can fit into almost any room without taking up a vast amount of space. 

Stainless Steel Radiators

Stainless steel does not rust or corrode like other metals do, meaning a stainless steel radiator is guaranteed to last a long time. 

They are efficient, low maintenance and come in various different finishes. 

Space Saving Radiators

A space-saving radiator is a great option if you don’t have a lot of room and want to make the most of your space. 

They can fit into narrow spaces and even wrap around corners!

How do you replace a radiator?

We ALWAYS recommend getting a professional to replace your radiators. However, if you are confident in your abilities and have some form of experience, we have listed a step by step guide below to help you.

A big consideration when changing your radiators is the type of heating system that you have. Not all heating systems are the same, and once you come to refill your heating system, you may find this difficult. 

You could experience air locks and have difficulty balancing your radiators to get a uniform temperature across all each room. Our engineers are experienced at dealing with the issues encountered with all types of heating system, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us first for advice on changing your radiators. 

Remember, this guide is for swapping a like-for-like radiator. If you require any additional pipe work or have any doubts, contact our expert heating engineers for assistance and a quotation for replacement radiators.

• Before getting started, you should always check the condition of your wall. Patch up any crumbling plaster and ensure you know where any stud walls, piping or wires are in the wall. 
• Make sure you have plenty of towels and protective sheets ready to prevent any water damage and as radiators can be full of black water or sludge you need to be extra careful to cover your carpets and furniture. 

Follow these steps: 

• Isolate the radiator

The first thing you need to do is turn off your central heating and water supply, and make sure your radiator is completely cool before moving on. 

Isolate your radiator by closing off the valves located at both ends. Turn the thermostatic valve clockwise until it stops. 

At the other end, turn the lockshield valve clockwise with a spanner until it stops. Keep a note of how many turns you made as it will need to be set back to the same position once the new radiator is fitted. 

• Drain the radiator 

The next step is to release all the water out of your radiator so you can remove it. You will find a connection at either end of your radiator. Place a bucket and a towel underneath it to catch the water. 

Using a spanner, turn the nut away from you to loosen it. You’ll find that not a lot of water immediately comes out as you need to let some air into the radiator. To do this, place your radiator key into the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and turn it clockwise.

More water should begin to drip out. Do this on both sides of the radiator, ensuring all the water is drained before you move on. 

• Remove the radiator 

Once all the water has been drained, you can lift the radiator off the wall or the floor. You may need to pull the pipes out slightly at the sides before lifting it straight upwards. A second pair of hands will be useful for this step!

There may be some water left in the radiator, so carefully pour this into your bucket. You can stuff some rags into the openings to prevent any water leakage whilst you take it out the room. 

Keep your old valve tails from your old radiator and clean them up as you will be able to use them again.

• Replace the wall brackets

If your new radiator is not compatible with your old bracket, you should take these off and fix the new ones on.

• Hang the new radiator 

Once everything has been lined up, place your bleed valve and valve tails back into the new radiator. Hang it into position and tighten the nuts to connect the radiator to the pipework. Use a spanner here to tighten the nuts. 

Then, reopen your lockshield and control valve that you isolated to drain the radiator using the same number of turns. Open the bleed valve to let any air out of the radiator, and make sure to close it properly when done. 

You should hear gurgling as the radiator fills up with water. If you don’t, check you have opened the valves enough.

• Add some radiator corrosion chemical inhibitor 

This is an extremely important step as it prevents sludge building up within your radiator. 

• Turn on your central heating

Once you’re sure all the connections are tight, you can go ahead and turn your central heating back on and enjoy your new radiators!

If you get stuck during any of the steps, or you are unsure what each element is, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Messing up could be costly and may leave you with damaged pipes, floorboards, walls or even damaging your brand new radiator.

Do you have to drain the system to replace a radiator?

It is possible that you will need to drain the entire heating system even if you are changing just one radiator. This depends on a number of factors and it is best to get advice from a professional.  

Where to position new radiators

You can position your new radiators exactly where your old ones were, but if they were not in the coldest part of the room, it may be a good idea to reconsider where the position is within the room. 

These are known as “cold spots”. However, many modern homes have changed their insulation design, meaning there aren’t so many specific cold spots. 

Do new radiators need Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s)?

Yes, you should be using thermostatic radiator valves on your new radiators. They will control the temperature of each room and do not cost as much as having a thermostat in each room. 

Just make sure if a radiator is in the same room as a thermostat, it does not have a thermostatic radiator valve on it as the room will be controlled independently by the TRV. This means the room may not get warm enough to turn the boiler off via the thermostat.

You should also always have one radiator without a TRV in your home which is usually a towel rail. We can advise you when we’re surveying for new radiators or when you’re looking at upgrading your boiler.