New rads

[ChilliBob]

Hey guys,

We need to replace four radiators, all imperial, and mostly ones a bit over 16000.

Am I best to just get 16000 and use an extending union, or re-route the pipework?

Also, the ones we want to replace just have these tiny little knobs on them, not like the larger ones with temperature control dials. I'm guessing this means we would need to drain the whole system, then replace?

Where would you look to get new rads? Just b and q, or specialised rad places? Any suggestions?

Thinking I'll end up getting a plumber in to do this as I've never replaced a same size rad, let alone different sizes and possible pipe re-routing.

Thanks

 

[John D v2.0]

If you just want a bog standard rad then order online for delivery as it's cheaper. If you want a fancy one then it may be wise to check physical shops first.
I redid our pipework partly because i was insulating the floor, partly because i was rezoning the house and partly because i was adding more radiators. If none of those applied i would have just done what you suggested and adapted.
To add trvs you would have to drain unless you want to isolate the boiler/expansion vessel and then try to do it super quick without losing water.
Replacing rads yourself is not hard but with no experience and no help it would be a slow process watching YouTube videos.

 

[ChilliBob]

One is for the hallway, and I was thinking of a semi fancy one, but might be too expensive since I need 1,600. The others would be standard ones.

Plumber we used before said between 150-200 for 4 rads, which I though wasn't bad.

 

[ChilliBob]

I suppose one further question, if I was to choose a radically smaller rad, say 600 instead of 1,600, silly question but what happens to one of the existing pipes? I guess you need to get access below, saw it off and cap it or something?

 

[ChilliBob]

The picture shows the main concern one - with skanky old painted pipes, plus a floor with tricky access (that we intend to replace so not too fussed). Guess it's a bigger job if we want to replace the upright pipes too.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Always go bigger. Pipes are easily hidden. Extensions always look schit.

 

[ChilliBob]

Hmm, with this rad being over 1,600 not sure how easy that is :/

 

[dilalio]

Hmm, with this rad being over 1,600 not sure how easy that is :/

Why not use an1800mm?

 

[Mottie]

It sometimes can be major aggro lifting carpet, lifting floorboards (mine are T&G) and draining the system down to replace just one imperial sized radiator with a metric one. When I replaced mine, I was advised that if I didn’t want to do that, just go down to the nearest metric size and use an extension (or two if you’re anal about getting the rad centred between the pipes). The most you’ll end up with would be 50mm extensions either side which I think doesn’t look to terrible. I was told that replacing an old, imperial radiator with a slightly smaller but more efficient finned radiator would give you more heat output anyway. That’s what I did and I can certainly notice the increased heat output from the ones I replaced. If I ever have need to take the floor up in the future (for leaks or rewiring etc), I can cut the pipe to size then - if I can be bothered but by then I’ll probably be well used to it!

 

[ChilliBob]

Yeah, I was very much up for keeping things as is really, but then on closer inspection those pipes look awful. If I have a new rad and a nice new floor, new skirting etc, those pipes that look like they belong in a squat will stand out like a sore thumb I'd have thought...

 

[Mottie]

Clean 'em up and paint them then! A good brushing with a wire brush/sandpaper and a lick of paint and you’ll never know. They’ll show the skirting/walls up though......

 

[ChilliBob]

The skirting is being replaced when we replace the floor, so that should be okay. Do you really reckon I could get those pipes back to decent looking copper?!

 

[FiremanT]

TBH, that pipe is not as bad as I was expecting. I would, as DIY, clean them and use spacers - NOT extendable valves. Was the £200 for replacing pipes?. I guess not.

 

[ChilliBob]

I would guess not too, but I'm trying to find out exactly what I want the guy to do so it's clear and he can quote properly.

But, if he says he can replace the upright bits of pipe at the same time and it's like £30 more I'd rather that than scrub away for hours!

It's only the hall one that's a pain, the others either have good access just lifting a bit of carpet, or practically direct access due to polished original boards.