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Radiator specialists - what you need to know

You’ll ask many things of your home. But there are few more important yet basic requirements than making sure it’s safe, dry and warm. And the latter of those means getting enough radiators installed and ensuring they’re in the right places.

Installing a radiator might seem like an easy enough job. It’s just a case of swapping the old model out for a nice shiny new one, right? Sort of – but it’s more involved than you might think.

First, you’ll need to turn off and bleed your old radiator. You can then remove it from its brackets and empty out any remaining water. After safely disposing of the old, it’s in with the new. You can hang your new unit on the same brackets – assuming you’re swapping it for a radiator that’s the same size. If not, you’ll need to measure up and drill new brackets too, as well as potentially moving piping to ensure the valves line up. When the new radiator is in position, you can then reconnect it, and reflow water back in. Check for leaks, and if everything looks fine you’re done.

It’s quite a job, and that’s why it’s quicker, easier and safer to find a reliable, experienced professional. They’ll have your new radiator fitted and warming your home in no time and save you from any leak-induced headaches.

Cost of radiator installation

The fee you’re charged for your radiator installation job usually depends on the number of units you’re looking to replace, and whether they’re like for like.

Swapping out an old radiator for a unit of the same size is around one day’s work – and that means (depending on where you’re based) anywhere from £150-£300. The price of a more involved job (more radiators, installing a bigger or smaller model) will depend on the number of days required. Expect to pay upwards of £500 for more complicated installations.

How to install a new radiator

As we’ve explained above, fitting a new radiator is a relatively simple process – provided you know what you’re doing and have a spare pair of hands to help position it.

1. Begin by turning the hot water off. Then ensure you’ve turned the old radiator itself off, by rotating the main plastic handle (AKA the flow valve, the one with the number dial on it) clockwise as well as the lock-shield valve (the other valve, under the protective cap). Count how many turns are needed to close off the lock-shield valve – you’ll need to know that later.
2. Next up, bleed the radiator to get excess water out. You can do that by turning the key at the far top corner – remember to have a rag or a piece of kitchen towel ready to catch any of the old (and often dirty) water that comes out.
3. After undoing the nuts that attach the radiator to the central heating pipes, you’ll then be able to lift it clear from the wall brackets. When it’s off the wall, drain any remaining water into a bucket – it pays to find the biggest you can, as radiators can be heavy and you’ll want to get that excess liquid out as quickly and cleanly as possible.
4. Remove the valve connectors from your old radiator and place them to one side. You’re now ready to get to work on your new rad. Grab those valve connectors and after cleaning the threads with wire wool, wind some PTFE tape round a few times, to help ensure a tight seal. Screw those connectors into your new radiator and tighten them fully.
5. Now hang your new radiator. Assuming your new model is the same size as your old one, it’ll hopefully sit neatly on your existing wall brackets. If not, you’ll need to measure up and drill in new wall brackets (and potentially move your pipework too).
6. Lining the valves up is a delicate job and needs to be done with precision. If the valves are correctly positioned, you can carefully tighten them (taking care not to overtighten). Next, you’ll need to reopen the bleed valve and flow valve. As soon as water begins to leak from the bleed valve, close it.
7. Finally, open the lock-shield valve (by the same number of turns as it was previously set to). Water will start to filter evenly throughout the radiator. After checking for any signs of leaking, you’re done.

Underfloor heating and radiators

Can’t decide between underfloor heating and conventional systems (like radiators)? Well, the good news is, you don’t need to. Because both systems can work in partnership.

A typical combination arrangement is underfloor heating on the ground floor with radiators on the first floor. With ground floors usually consisting of concrete screed, they’re ideally suited to water-based underfloor heating systems. And while suspended timber floors upstairs can also have underfloor heating fitted, it’s often cheaper and easier to opt for radiators.

Installation aside, the two systems can both operate using the same water temperature from your boiler. The underfloor heating system takes a feed from the boiler, with some plumbing work required to bring the temperature down. Hot water from the boiler can go directly to the radiator and wider central heating system as normal.

The trick is installing a two-port valve in each system, which provides independent control. That’ll allow you to operate radiators and your hot water supply with a standard two-channel timer and control the underfloor heating system with dedicated room thermostats.

The qualifications your tradesperson needs

Installing a new radiator on its own won’t require any official or trade body qualifications, but this service is usually delivered by a professional who specialises in broader plumbing and heating engineering. And anyone who carries out that work will require Gas Safe accreditation. So, while it’s not compulsory for your professional to hold a specific qualification, it’s certainly a good sign if they have Gas Safe registration.

Your tradesperson should also be able to showcase a proven track record, along with a collection of customers willing to sing their praises for a job well done.

Insurance your tradesperson needs

Public liability insurance is of paramount importance, especially given your professional will be dealing with your pipework, and the potential for leaks later down the line. Get your tradesperson to show you evidence that they have the necessary cover in place.

Questions you should ask your tradesperson

• Are they Gas Safe registered?
• Are they able to install a radiator which can work alongside underfloor heating?
• Would they recommend installing a different size radiator or one with superior heating performance?
• Can they offer a warranty on their work?