Whether you are redecorating, making room for a new radiator, or doing a deep clean, knowing how to safely remove the radiator from the wall can be incredibly handy. The process may sound daunting, but with a bit of care and the right tools, it can be an achievable step towards your DIY job.
At Radiator Village, we're here to walk you through it step by step so you can take it on with confidence.
When Might You Need to Remove a Radiator?
Are you planning to redecorate or looking to paint behind your radiator? Are you installing a new or upgraded one? How about deep cleaning or descaling? Whatever your reason, the steps below will help you remove your radiator cleanly and safely without flooding your home or damaging the pipework.
What You'll Need:
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Adjustable spanner or wrench
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A large bowl or container
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Towels or cloths
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Radiator bleed key or Flathead screwdriver
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A second set of hands for heavy radiators
How to Remove a Radiator
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Before you do anything else, turn off the heating and make sure the radiator is completely cold. You don’t want to work on a hot radiator filled with boiling water.
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Close the thermostatic valve and the lock shield valve to isolate the radiator completely. Use your spanner to gently turn the lock shield valve clockwise until it’s fully closed. Count your turns and make a note — this helps when reconnecting.
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Use your bleed key or Flathead screwdriver to open the bleed valve slightly. This releases any pressure inside and prevents sudden sprays of water when disconnecting.
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Place your bowl under the valve nut on one side and carefully loosen it. Make sure to only loosen the nut connecting the valve to the radiator, not the pipe. Water will trickle out — take it slow. Once it stops, repeat on the other side.
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Now it’s time to lift the radiator off the bracket. This can be heavy, so take care. Once both sides are disconnected and drained, lift the radiator upwards to release it from the wall. Tilting the radiator slightly helps drain any leftover water into your container or sink.
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Plug the open pipes to avoid drips or leaks. You can use radiator tail caps, or temporarily use tissue and plastic wrap as plugs.
Ready for a New Radiator?
If you’re taking the radiator off permanently or looking to upgrade, now’s the perfect time to browse our collection.
At Radiator Village, we stock a wide range of radiators to suit every space and style, including:
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Single Radiators — classic and efficient for any room
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Double Radiators — for extra heat output
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Horizontal Radiators — perfect under windows and low walls
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Vertical Radiators — great for narrow spaces and stylish statement pieces
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Flat Designer Radiators — sleek and modern
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Oval Radiators — unique designs that blend form and function
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White Radiators — clean and classic finishes
Explore the full range of designer radiators today and find the perfect fit for your home at Radiator Village.
