Replacing a radiator is usually a job left to the pros. It’s a bit technical, and there’s a chance you could walk away with a burn if you’re not careful.
That being said, it’s not too difficult to pull off as a DIY task either. Plus, it’s not always practical to wait for a pro to come round and replace the radiator for you!
That’s why all of the radiators we stock at Radiator Village make self-assembly easy. But we want you to know what you’re doing and stay safe during installation.
Whether you’re installing a new single radiator or swapping out a bulky unit for a sleek horizontal radiator that fits perfectly under your living room window, this guide has you covered!
Step 1: Turn Off the Central Heating and Radiator Valves
Make your worksite safe by turning off the heating supply first. Then, locate the pipe valve on your radiator. If it’s a thermostatic valve, turn it to 0. If not, turn it clockwise fully, possibly using a wrench.
Step 2: Allow Your Radiator to Drain Completely
Use a radiator bleed key (or a screwdriver if you don’t have one) to open the bleed valve on the side of the radiator. Place a container on the floor and let the radiator drain until it stops dripping.
Step 3: Remove the Radiator from the Wall
Once dry, you can remove the radiator. It’s usually easiest to unscrew it from the brackets while keeping it attached to them.
Step 4: Check the Wall Behind the Radiator
Look for any signs of damage and repair these before mounting new brackets. Be sure to turn off water and electricity supplies, use a detector to avoid drilling into wires or pipes, and proceed cautiously.
Step 5: Mount New Brackets
After confirming it’s safe, drill into the wall and screw in the new radiator brackets.
Step 6: Attach the New Radiator
Place your new radiator—whether a double radiator for more heat, a modern vertical radiator to save space, or a stylish flat designer radiator—in position and fix it securely.
Step 7: Connect the Heating Pipes
Tighten the valve nuts to attach the radiator securely to the pipes. Then open the bleed valve to fill it with water.
Step 8: Turn Your Central Heating Back On
Almost done! Turn the heating back on and check if the radiator heats up properly.
Step 9: Check for Leaks
Watch closely as the radiator warms. If water leaks, turn off the heating, tighten fittings, and try again.
Ready for a New Radiator?
If you’re upgrading, explore our full range of designer radiators at Radiator Village, including:
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Single Radiators — simple and efficient
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Double Radiators — ideal for bigger rooms
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Horizontal Radiators — great under windows
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Vertical Radiators — stylish space savers
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Flat Designer Radiators — sleek and modern
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Oval Radiators — unique design options
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White Radiators — classic clean look
Browse our Designer Radiators collection to find the perfect fit for your home today!
