Removing a radiator?

12/2/2012 at 9:43:09 AM

Looks like you got on a gb website on how to ..perhaps this is the time to get a plumber.

12/2/2012 at 10:14:19 AM

Those instructions aren't necessarily correct. There are different rads. More importantly make sure you shut off the main supplies before you do anything at the actual rad. So you need to go to the utility room where the boiler is and turn off the shutoffs for the radiant system. If not, you will have a massive flood. After shutting off the mains, then bleed the pressure out if the rad so there's not so much water in it when removing.

Good luck

Pat Vale

12/2/2012 at 11:59:05 AM

Harvey,

The pictures are fine but, as mentioned, there is more to it. You have pressure in the water lines. You also have very hot water to contend with. If you are not sure where the hot water will end up or if the potential for flooding is possible, don't attempt the removal yourself. It is simply a matter of safety!

A qualified plumber will cost, true, but the job will be done correctly and to code.

Another point is that if you make the changes yourself, and it floods, your home insurance probably will not cover your loss.

Food for thought. You're asking the pros, use a pro.

12/2/2012 at 7:31:51 PM

Hello Harvey,

This instruction is actually correct. And with respect I have to disagree with all of the pre-posters.

Nicolas wrote: "...Looks like you got on a gb website on how to ..perhaps this is the time to get a plumber..." Yes it is a gb website however if you have an Radiator like in the video, it doesent matter at all.

Only if you have problems to coordinate your hands. If you are a DIY it is a piece of cake to do it. There may be different types available However the procedure is generally the same. First close both the intake and outtake valves and thereafter drain the radiator like described. Than you can dismantle it from the wall.

For Example: In Germany we have more advanced radiators where the commections are more hidden and placed on just on one side of the radiator and the temperature controlled valve is always above and more convinient. Please look at this pictures to see what I am talking about: http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeigen/s-anzeige/heizkoerper-,-plattenheizkoerper,-80x60/78853351-87-3763)

Pat wrote: "...More importantly make sure you shut off the main supplies before you do anything at the actual rad. So you need to go to the utility room where the boiler is and turn off the shutoffs for the radiant system. If not, you will have a massive flood. After shutting off the mains, then bleed the pressure out of the rad so there's not so much water in it when removing..."

Pat, your statement is unfortunately totally wrong. These shut-of valves are designed to shut of the radiator while the rest of the system is fully working. And if you proceed like describbed in the video everything will be OK.

12/2/2012 at 7:45:25 PM

► Mark wrote: "...You have pressure in the water lines. You also have very hot water to contend with. If you are not sure where the hot water will end up or if the potential for flooding is possible, don't attempt the removal yourself..."

Mark, your statement is also not correct.

First: - These are not a water lines these are heating pipes. There is NO resp. just a low pressure in the system. It is a closed system wit a fixed amount of water. The only pressure that me occur is the circulation pump which moves the water around the system. And this pump produces very very low pressure. Furthermore you could shut down this pump if you like however you don't have to.

Second: - It would be stupid to heat up the system first and thereafter remove the hot radiator. Just turn of the valves 1 hour before you want to remove the radiator. This time would be plenty enough to let the water inside the radiator cooling down.

!!! There are only a few things I would perform a bit differently. I would use for sure proper tools and not these big wrenches. Look at the connections what this guy did. He scratched everything. If he would scratch my radiator like he did in the video, I would claim a new one. Furthermore he forgot to show exactly how to loosen/dismantle the radiator from the wall because Radiators are usually proper secured to the wall to prevent them from fallen off by accidentally hitting them. This would be a huge mess.

Regards,

3D-Tile-Design - Bertram Tasch

Maple Ridge, BC (Greater Vancouver)