How to remove a radiator

This article is about how to remove temporarily a radiator, as to replace it or to decorate or paint the wall behind it. Removing a radiator is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance if you follow a series of straightforward procedures. Don’t forget to take a look over the rest of my home improvement projects HERE.

First of all you should understand the consequences of a failed attempt to remove the radiator: if you are not prepared the radiator will leak and the water might damage the flooring. Nevertheless, if you pay attention to our tips, you won’t face any issue during the process of removing the radiator.

 

 

Materials

  • Paper tape
  • Plastic bags

Tools

  • Bucket
  • A bowl, just small enough to fit under the radiator valves
  • Two adjustable wrenches
  • Bleed key

Tips

  • Be prepared to wipe out water leaks with some old cloths or towels
  • Protect the radiator from scratching with an old blanket, when depositing it

 

 

 

How to remove a radiator

Radiator valves

Radiator valves

 

First of all, we have to show you the main elements of a radiator: the lockshield valve, the manual control valve and the bleeding valve. Consequently, the bleeding valve is a component with the role of taking the air out from the radiator.

Next, there are two valves situated oppositely on each side of the radiator: the flow and the return. The manual control valve manages the flow of hot water in the radiator, as the lockshield valve controls the exit of the water out of the radiator.

 

Turning off the lockshield valve

Turning off the lockshield valve

 

The first step is to take off the cover of the lockshield valve, and to turn it off counterclockwise, by using a hexagonal key. Afterwards, you should turn off the manual control valve, as to prevent water entering in the radiator.

Smart Tip: Number the rotations you make, as to know exactly how to turn it on after you mount the radiator in its place.

 

Loosening the cap nut that holds the lockshield valve

Loosening the cap nut that holds the lockshield valve

 

You should loosen the cap nut situated just beside the lockshield valve, by using an adjustable wrench. Remember that just as you unscrew the cap-nut, the water will start dripping out of the radiator, so place a bowl below the joint. In addition, be prepared to wipe out the water with some old cloths. Use the bleed key to open the bleed valve, as to let air replace the water from radiator.

Smart Tip: As to protect the flooring, place under the radiator several old towels, clots or other substitutes.

 

Loosening the cap nut that holds the manual control valve

Loosening the cap nut that holds the manual control valve

 

After you notice no water coming out of the radiator, you should proceed to unfastening the other cap-nut placed on the opposite side, near the manual control valve.

Consequently, use two adjustable spanners, as while with one you hold into position the manual valve, with the other one loosen the cap-nut. Use another bowl to retain the water from the radiator. When the bowl has filled up, tighten the cap-nut and pour the water in a bucket. Next, loosen again the cap nut, and repeat the process until there is no more water in the radiator.

 

Removing the radiator from brackets

Removing the radiator

 

The last step is to lift the radiator from its brackets and drip the rest of the water left in it.  The best advice we can give you is to make everything possible to get the help of another person, when removing the radiator from its brackets, as it is heavy. In addition, usually the radiator has some water left in, so for a better control, the operation requires two persons.

Smart Tip: If you have to paint the wall, protect the valves with paper tape and plastic bags.

 

Airing the radiator

Taking air out of the radiator

 

During the painting process, deposit the radiator on an old blanket, as to protect it from scratches. After the paint has dried out, or you have bought another radiator, you have to put it back on the metal brackets, making sure it is aligned with the valves.

Next, tighten the lockshield valve and the manual control valve to the radiator, with cap-nuts. Afterwards, open the lockshield valve, anti-clockwise, using the exact number of rotations as when you have lock it.

Next, turn the manual control valve counter-clockwise, as to let the water in. As the water gets into the radiator, use the bleed key to let the air out of the radiator. When you notice drips coming out of the bleed valve, turn off the bleed valve.

 

 

Thank you for reading our article on how to remove temporarily a radiator, and check out the rest of our diy projects. Don’t forget to Like our projects and share them with your friends, by using the social media widgets.




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