I’m remodeling ny bathroom and I’m trying to get the old tile out. All is going well except for under the radiator. I think I need to remove it.
How is this done? will water come rushing out when I undo the plumbing? Can it be turned off?
The radiator has two connections which allow it to be disconnected. Unless you have some expertise you might want to call a plumber. You need to drain the system first and then remove the radiator. After it has been replaced you need to ensure it does not leak, fill it up again and bleed the air.
I think I’m gonna go with the plumber.
Thanks!
I do this all the time when decorating and I’ve never found it necessary to drain the entire system for a single radiator; just turn off the valves at both ends and drain the radiator, then take it off.
Problems you might enccounter with this:
—If the valves are old and pitted, they might seep a bit.
—If one of the valves is thermostatic and you’re doing this in winter, the valve might open and release water if the room gets too cold.
(Both of these problems can be overcome by fitting brass caps to the valve connections while you have the radiator off.
When you put it back on, don’t forget to wind a little PTFE tape around the threads (or use plumber’s compound) to ensure a leak-free seal.
Oh and beware of the sludge that will have accumulated in the bottom of the radiator; have an empty plastic ice cream container ready to tip it into and (before you begin) prepare an area in which to store the radiator (put some newspaper down and use an old towel to stop it scraping the wall you lean it against.