Introduction: Replacing Central Heating Linked Towel Radiator by Yourself
More by the author:
About: Hello my Dear Reader, My name is Joan Wong, and at the moment I work in a hospital. This hasn’t been my dream since I was a child, but this experience changed my life greatly. This is why I’m currently studyi…
I love my home and do all kinds of work with my own hands. It’s not because I’m fond of DIY, but because when I do everything by myself, I feel that the house I live in actually becomes my home.
The last “project” of mine (well, ok, not just mine, but my boyfriend mostly :) ) was replacing an old towel radiator in my bathroom. Friends tried to talk me out of it, for they believed that such a task can only be handled by a professional. However, some research and several hours of hard work on my part proved that nothing is impossible for a person with a plan and tools on hand.
Today I’d like to share a simple guide to replacing central heating towel radiators that I made based on my personal experience. Hopefully it will help some of you.
The last “project” of mine (well, ok, not just mine, but my boyfriend mostly :) ) was replacing an old towel radiator in my bathroom. Friends tried to talk me out of it, for they believed that such a task can only be handled by a professional. However, some research and several hours of hard work on my part proved that nothing is impossible for a person with a plan and tools on hand.
Today I’d like to share a simple guide to replacing central heating towel radiators that I made based on my personal experience. Hopefully it will help some of you.
Step 1: Research & Measurements
First you have to decide what kind of towel radiator to install. Measure the one you already have and write down the numbers.
Next, start your research. This includes:
• Decide on the desired size of the radiator you want to install.
• Decide on the color and material.
• Find a store that offers the items you want at the lowest price. Personally I prefer http://cheap-radiator.co.uk/.
• Check whether you have all the tools required to install the radiator you chose.
Bear in mind that the tools you will need depend on the type, size and material of the towel rack.
After you buy all the necessary items and deliver them to your home, move onto the next step.
Next, start your research. This includes:
• Decide on the desired size of the radiator you want to install.
• Decide on the color and material.
• Find a store that offers the items you want at the lowest price. Personally I prefer http://cheap-radiator.co.uk/.
• Check whether you have all the tools required to install the radiator you chose.
Bear in mind that the tools you will need depend on the type, size and material of the towel rack.
After you buy all the necessary items and deliver them to your home, move onto the next step.
Step 2: Removing Old Towel Radiator
One cannot do any work with pipes when the central heating system is filled with water. Thus, you must switch off your boiler and wait for several hours for the system to cool down. After this, find your expansion tank and close the gate valve in order to cut off your water supply.
You will need a spanner or an allen key to open the drain cock.
Note that some radiators are heavy. If you cannot lift heavy items, call someone to help you with this project.
Carefully disconnect your old radiator and take it off the wall. Next, clean up the pipes and cap them. Last remove the radiator braces.
You will need a spanner or an allen key to open the drain cock.
Note that some radiators are heavy. If you cannot lift heavy items, call someone to help you with this project.
Carefully disconnect your old radiator and take it off the wall. Next, clean up the pipes and cap them. Last remove the radiator braces.
Step 3: Adapting Pipe Work (only If Necessary)
Skip this step if your new radiator is the same size as your old one.
In case the sizes don’t match, start with lifting floorboards. Once you get to the pipe work, mark where new feed and return pipes will need to be installed.
The easiest way to fit in new pipes is connecting them to the old pipe work by adding some capillary fittings and several elbow joints.
After you make the necessary changes in the pipe work, fix the wall and floorboards. Be sure to work carefully in order to minimize the amount of damage.
In case the sizes don’t match, start with lifting floorboards. Once you get to the pipe work, mark where new feed and return pipes will need to be installed.
The easiest way to fit in new pipes is connecting them to the old pipe work by adding some capillary fittings and several elbow joints.
After you make the necessary changes in the pipe work, fix the wall and floorboards. Be sure to work carefully in order to minimize the amount of damage.
Step 4: Installing New Towel Radiator
Once all the preparations are done, connect the new radiator to the pipes. Leave the plastic coating on to protect the item from scratches.
Use a spirit level when installing new radiator braces to make sure that they are aligned properly.
Connect the pipes and refill your central heating system. Check the connections for leaks and turn on your boiler.
Replacing a towel radiator may seem like an extremely difficult task, but if you study the process and prepare the necessary tools, there shouldn’t be any problems. Be sure to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property.
Never take unnecessary risks and contact a professional if you see that the problem is too big for you to handle.
Use a spirit level when installing new radiator braces to make sure that they are aligned properly.
Connect the pipes and refill your central heating system. Check the connections for leaks and turn on your boiler.
Replacing a towel radiator may seem like an extremely difficult task, but if you study the process and prepare the necessary tools, there shouldn’t be any problems. Be sure to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property.
Never take unnecessary risks and contact a professional if you see that the problem is too big for you to handle.
