While we recommend replacing a radiator after 10-15 years and buying a radiator online, there are many reasons why you might need to move a radiator. In fact, it is one of those daunting tasks that every homeowner has to do at some point, whether it is for renovation or relocation. The process of moving a radiator needs to be handled by a specialist who has experience in handling such a complex task. That being said, a homeowner or a tenant should be aware of the basics, such as how long it takes to move a radiator and how to move a radiator.
If you plan on moving a radiator, then you should plan ahead to ensure a safe move. Moving a radiator is a complex procedure, even if you are simply moving a radiator to another wall. The move has to be handled carefully to ensure that there are no leaks or burns associated with mishandling either the heating system or the water connections of the home. Hiring a specialist means entrusting someone who is well aware of how to move a radiator, and they will ensure not only the smooth transition of the radiator but also employ all the safety measures necessary, such as using the appropriate tools and wearing protective gear.
Why You Need to Move a Radiator
Moving the radiator is a complex procedure that has to be carried out in several carefully planned stages. Here’s what you should expect.
Assess the Situation
Reason for the Move
Before we can answer the question of how to move a radiator, we must first pinpoint the reason behind the relocation. This will affect the procedure as a whole. So if you are planning on moving a radiator to another wall or along a wall as part of a home expansion project, you will have a different project on your hands than if you were moving a radiator to upgrade your heating system. The reason behind the move can also affect how much it would cost to move a radiator.
Remove Obstacles
Before you can move a radiator, it is important to check for potential obstacles. This may include fixtures and structural elements. You might have to check the wall and flooring for any kind of damage that may exacerbate if there are complications in the move. The process of moving a radiator to a concrete floor may vary from that of moving a radiator with paint behind. This is because of the complexities of the move. With the area around the radiator cleared away, you can more easily move the radiator to a different location without causing any damage.
Once you have figured out what kind of obstacles you might be met with, you can minimize the risk and in doing so, avoid any additional costs.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
If you are wondering how hard it is to move a radiator, you might be surprised to learn that with the right tools and materials, moving a radiator could be a smooth transition. The distance is also a huge factor because moving a radiator a few inches is a lot less complicated than moving a radiator from one building to another. Moving a cast iron radiator may require special equipment to lift it into a vertical position. This allows you to lift it from the center and move it without causing damage to the joints and seals.
You will need the following essential items to move a radiator efficiently:
- Pipe wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe cutter
- Pipe sealant and insulation
- Pipe extenders
- Brackets
- Radiator valves
You might also arrange some help because if you are moving a heavy radiator, you will need two people to hold each end to ensure that it is kept upright at all times.
Preparation
Shut off the Heating System
In order to start moving the radiator, the first thing a professional would recommend you do is turn off the heating system. This way there is no hot water or steam circulating when you are handling the radiator. This is an important step because it will help you avoid burns or accidents in the process. With the main valve shut off, there will be no heat circulating in the radiator, and you can start your move.
Draining the Radiator
The next step would be to drain the radiator of any heat. Once the heating system is off, you can place a bucket under the radiator’s valve to catch remaining water, and then you can open the bleed valve at the very top of the radiator to allow air to enter the system. This will speed up the draining process and allow the plumber to handle the radiator effectively.
In some cases, you might want to move the radiator without draining the system. In that case, you will have to turn off the heating and turn off the main valve. The next step would be to bleed the radiator. This can be done by opening the bleed valve and releasing trapped air. You can hear an audible hiss, which means that the air is escaping. Once that is done, you can unscrew the valve nuts and lift the radiator off the wall.
The procedure is similar if you are wondering how to move a radiator with a combi boiler. In the case of moving a radiator with plastic pipes or moving a radiator with flexible pipes, you will have to ensure that the pipes are capped or sealed to prevent water leakage. This will help maintain the integrity of the heating systems and allow you to install it in a new location easily.
Wait for It to Cool Down
It might take some time for the radiator to cool down. If you are moving a cast iron radiator, you might have to wait longer to move it because it will take longer to cool down. The size and temperature of the radiator may also cause it to take longer to cool down.
Detaching the Radiator
Now that the radiator has been drained and has had enough time to cool down, the next step in the process of moving a radiator would be detaching the radiator.
You will have to disconnect the valves and pipes to remove the radiator from its brackets and mounts. The next step would be to remove the radiator, ensuring that you use sturdy support in the process to hold the radiator in place.
It is important to use the help of a professional because you want to ensure that you are able to efficiently move a radiator no matter the size. Moving a heavy radiator can be a cumbersome task, and it’s best to have assistance. You can also avoid injury or accidents by using professional help as they are equipped with the right tools and radiators.
Reinstallation
Reinstallation is a crucial part of moving your radiator. You want to ensure that the radiator is compatible with the existing fixture in the new location for this purpose.
Start by ensuring that the brackets and mounts in the new location are level and secured, then you can lift the radiator onto these brackets and secure it in place by tightening the screws and bolts. Once it is attached, double-check for any misalignment to prevent issues in the future.
Now you have to reconnect the valves and pipes with the help of a wrench and nuts. This will prevent leaks in the future.
Once the radiator is fitted, you want to test its functionality. This means allowing the radiator to fill up with water and then monitor its pressure. This will also help you detect any leaks and see if the radiator is providing even heat distribution. Sometimes there are complications due to excess air being trapped in the radiator; in this case, you can bleed the radiator once again and start all over to ensure that your radiator is working efficiently after the move.
We hope this guide was helpful and helped you understand how to move a radiator. We understand that moving a radiator can be complex and time-consuming. Maintenance is an important part of ensuring that your radiator stays functional, but if it is older than 10-15 years, it may be time to invest in a new one. Chelsea Supplies can help you pick out a radiator for your new place, as it is one of the best places to buy radiators online.
If you are interested in upgrading your home’s heating system, we recommend checking out our collection.
