Moving a radiator typically costs between £150 and £400, with the average expense for relocating a single radiator being £275. It is important to note that moving a radiator is a complex procedure that you are better off entrusting to a professional. Radiators are essential in modern homes because they keep us warm when the chilly months approach. By using hot water, radiators help generate heat and ensure that all the different corners of your home get an even distribution of warmth. But that is partially because of the placement of the radiator. Winters in the UK can be brutal and a heating system is something you should invest in. Wondering how much does it cost to move a radiator? Here’s our guide to moving a radiator as well as a cost breakdown.
Why You Should Move Your Radiator
Knowing how expensive it is to move a radiator, you might be wondering: why would anyone want to move their radiator? Well, one of the most common reasons is that it isn’t efficiently distributing warmth, and your home feels persistently cold. In such cases, you can either relocate the radiator to find a better spot or replace it. Radiators are typically built to last 15 to 20 years, so if yours is older than that, it may be time to purchase a new one.
Homeowners often replace radiators when planning to sell their property to improve the prospects for buyers. You might want to relocate your radiator to make changes in the overall layout of your space. Most requests to move radiators are made during renovations and remodels.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Radiator
The average cost of moving a single radiator is £275. However, this can vary depending on multiple factors. As a homeowner planning to move your radiator, you’ll learn about determining its total cost, including labour and additional expenses. Here are some factors that will affect the cost of moving a radiator, especially if you intend to hire a professional for the job. This will help you better plan for when the time comes to relocate your radiator.
Location of the Radiator
Where is the radiator located in your house? Is it located in the living room? Or is it installed in a skinny hallway? The location and accessibility of the hallway will affect the cost of moving your radiator. You can remove and install a radiator easily from an accessible area. But in comparison, if you are moving the radiator from a hard-to-reach spot, you will find that the cost of labour will be higher.
Type of Radiator
The type of radiator can also be the reason why you might have to pay more for moving it. Traditional cast iron radiators are more difficult to move. This is because of the intricate piping and robust construction, which means there is more material to relocate. Modern panel radiators are a lot easier to move. They are simpler in design, and that makes them more portable. The cost of moving radiators may also vary if there is a need for specialised equipment that is required for handling the move efficiently.
Distance
The cost of moving radiators may also vary depending on just how much distance is being covered. Moving radiators requires specialised equipment for the efficient transfer of piping and fittings. Moreover, determining if the radiators can be installed in the new location with the pre-installed connections or if new ones are required is also an important consideration. If there is a need to modify the existing connections, this will affect the cost of moving and installing the radiator.
Plumbing Complexities
Plumbing systems can vary, and it is important to check the kind of plumbing system a home or a building has before you move a radiator into it. Sometimes, significant modifications are required. An example of this would be rerouting pipes and adjusting water pressure accordingly. This will lead to an increase in the cost of moving a radiator.
It is important to note that older homes will require extensive upgrades for relocating radiators. This is because older properties may have outdated plumbing systems that are often incompatible with modern radiators.
Labour Costs
Labour is an important factor that affects the cost of moving radiators. Labour costs can vary depending on the location. The hourly wage rate of a plumber may also vary depending on how experienced they are. All in all, it is important to find a reputable professional to help you move a radiator because mishandling a radiator move can cause significant damage to the property.
We recommend getting quotes from different contractors before settling on one.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Radiator to Another Wall?
Now that we know distance and complexity affect the cost of moving a radiator, you might wonder, what is the cost of moving a radiator to another wall or what is the cost of moving a radiator across the room?
The average cost of moving a radiator to another wall is £275. On average, completing this task takes about 2 hours, but in some cases, you may need to extend your budget and allocate more time, especially if you must knock down a wall or create additional space in the room as part of the remodel.
Cost Breakdown for Moving a Radiator
Material Costs
If you plan on moving a radiator, here are some of the materials that you will need as well as the cost of materials.
Piping
If you are moving a radiator to a new place where the existing connections are not compatible, you will need to purchase additional piping.
Average cost of Piping: £20 to £30
Fittings & Connections
When moving or installing a radiator, you will need to purchase new fittings such as connectors and valves. These will prevent leaks and ensure that the radiator works efficiently.
Average cost of Fittings & Connections: £20 to £30
Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
You may have to replace the TRV for the radiator if the existing one is not compatible. The TRV is essential for balancing the temperature in individual rooms.
Average cost of TRV: £8 to £80
Insulation
Another material you might have to purchase is insulation for pipes. These help prevent heat loss and allow you to spend a lot less on heating in the long run.
Average cost of Insulation Pipes: £17.5 – £22
Labour Costs
The cost of labour may vary depending on the experience of the plumber or heating engineer, and the overall complexity of the project. Here are the average rates that you should know about.
Hourly rate: £40 per hour
Project-based pricing: £100 to £200 per radiator.
Additional Fees
Here are some additional fees you might have to pay for when moving a radiator.
Disposal fees:
A disposal fee is what you pay when you are replacing an old radiator or moving a few radiators. The cost of relocating a radiator for large renovation projects can be higher, and local regulations may impact the cost. Disposal costs are usually part of the contractor’s fee.
Patching Up Walls & Flooring:
When relocating a radiator, alterations are inevitable. Expect some extra charges for patching up walls (£6 to £10 per square metre of wall), as well as flooring costs (£50 to £200 depending on the floor material).
What If Moving a Radiator Is Not Right for You?
We hope this was a helpful guide to moving a radiator. We understand that this could be a complex and costly procedure. Wondering if there is a better use of your money? We think so!
If you are moving and want to replace your radiator, Chelsea Supplies could be the perfect choice for your designer radiators. Modern radiators are much more efficient, and that is exactly what you deserve.
Want to buy designer radiators online? Let Chelsea Supplies guide you!
