Remove old heater- decorate - install new

[firapara]

Hi guys,

In my bathroom I need to remove the old radiator, then decorate the wall, and then invite a plumber to move the pipework and install a new radiator.

Is it safe to just to remove the old radiator (I will be doing this when it is warm, so not heating involved)? Will it not affect the whole system, and will it be easy for the plumber to install the new radiator? I am worried about some pressure in the system, or some other stuff I do not know.

Thanks,

 

[Blagard]

In theory you should be able to turn off both valves then disconnect the radiator but unless there is a drain cock on one of the valves it means catching the radiator water in a container as you undo a connection

I say in theory as not all radiators valves may hold 100% so even turned off there could be a weep from them. Fitting caps onto the exposed open ends of the valve may be possible and I do it as insurance against leaks!

If one of the valves is thermostatic, you need to remove the thermostatic top and fit the "decorators" cap onto it to shut it off.

Altering the pipework will usually mean the rest of the system gets drained down for a short while so the changes can be made.

Watch out with the water in the radiator as towards the end of draining it out, it will be black and nasty staining water - you don't want to spill any!