Removing old convection radiators

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi all

We are now removing the old convection radiators in the house to be replaced with new ones. The problem is we need to get to the wall behind the radiators before adding the new ones to allow remove old wallpaper, fix any cracks , apply lining paper and paint.

A few quotes came in saying in order to give us the time to do the wallpaper and paint work, they’ll do one visit to remove the rads, and schedule a second visit to add the new rads. So, quoting us double totalling £800 + vat. Each fix is £400 + vat.

Does this seem excessive to remove 7 radiators?

It makes sense to have two fittings I guess, but we are hoping to remove the rads ourselves and do the wall work, then have them come in to attach the new ones for us because the new ones are different sizes so need need pipework done to fit them - the previous owner had the wrong rad sizes and BTU (I also want them to do a proper flush). This way we only need to pay £400 + vat for one fitting of 7 nee radiators.

Has anyone removed all their radiators in their house before? B&q have a video about how to remove and replace one radiator, but I’m wondering if there’s anything i need to know about removing them for the whole house? Or is it pretty straightforward since i would be shutting off/isolating every rad after removal? Can I leave them like this for a fee days before the new rads are fitted in?

Thanks for your help

 

[Cubist]

As you're planning to replace all the radiators, and some will be of different dimensions, AND you want to flush the system then the process is different. This consists of leaving all the radiator valves open and leaving them in the condition while the entire system is drained. Usually theres a drain valve near the boiler and to this a hose pipe is connected and set to drain outdoors or into a convenient drain. Before opening the drain cock the air bleed valve of the highest radiator - usually in a bathroom - is opened to allow air to enter the system after the drain cock is opened. Open the drain cock to allow the water to exit. As you intend replacing the radiators theres little need to flush the system as much of the rubbish will reside and remain in them, but if you belt and brace it then, close the bleed valve in the bathroom and the drain cock and turn on the water supply into the boiler to refill the system. Repeat the drain cycle - a couple of times if it gives you some comfort - and you can then remove the old rads. Oops, don't forget to turn off the water supply to the boiler - and also turn off the pump - before starting all of this.

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi @Cubist , thanks. I don’t want to flush the system myself (i would want the plumber to do that when the fit the new rads in). I don’t want to touch the boiler.

What I am wondering is if I can remove all the rads myself and just turn the valves at those radiators to isolate the area so no water leaks from the system.

Can I i remove all radiators in the house like this for a few days before the plumber comes in to fit in the nee rads and flush the system for us.

Thanks

 

[a twig]

If you are happy putting your trust in the old radiator valves not to leak for those few days then sure.

Worth nothing that you will still end up splashing some water from the CH around when you do as the rads will be full of water (which also makes them heavy to remove).

One other pint: I think Cubist’s post assumes you have a combi-boiler: if you don’t then you will need to isolate the header tank when draining the system rather than just shut off water to the boiler

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thank you.

Yes it’s a combi-boiler.
Maybe we should just pay for the first fitting i was hoping it would be straightforward

 

[paulc]

As it is a combi boiler, close off the valves under it on the feed & return pipes - This will allow to to have hot water when you need it. Set the thermostat to minimum, and have a look at the boiler manual. There may be a menu option to disable heating..
Once the heating system has been drained down, the radiators can be safely removed. But before you lift them off the wall, seal the ends with a pair of male blanking plugs. You really don't want icky black water staining everything as you cart the radiators outside.

If you haven't already got one, ask your plumber to fit a magnetic filter to the return pipe close to the boiler. When he does a chemical flush of the pipework, it will help to trap any sludge floating around in the system.