How to swap a single radiator to a double?

[banjodeano]

Hiya...
We have just moved into our house and have realised that we need a couple of radiators swapping to doubles, i was going to let the plumber do them this summer when have the boiler replaced, but i thought i may as well do them myself and save a few quid, but going under the floor boards i have realised that the pipework to two radiators goes vertical down through a joist, and this restricts movement somewhat, i was hoping that the pipes would move a little to allow me to move the pipe to fit a double radiator, is the only alternative to cut the pipework and refit, or would a plumber find an easy way round it?
Thanks guys

 

[rochdalegas]

Most radiator brackets have a wide and narrow side for fitting which. Fitted on the narrow side it may give you enough room to change without too much pipe manipulation.

 

[durhamplumber]

or would a plumber find an easy way round it?

would a novice be able to do your job with no training?

 

[banjodeano]

Most radiator brackets have a wide and narrow side for fitting which. Fitted on the narrow side it may give you enough room to change without too much pipe manipulation.

Thanks for the reply..
the radiators at the moment are unfortunately fitted very tight to the wall, i guess the only way round it is to re route the pipework.
Cheers

 

[crooner]

i will be changing a single to double at some point & was thinking if i'm a couple of mm away from the wall to get closer to the wall to file the bracket where the rad sits back a few mm & see if that helps, don't know if this would work with your setup ,but you never know

 

[banjodeano]

i will be changing a single to double at some point & was thinking if i'm a couple of mm away from the wall to get closer to the wall to file the bracket where the rad sits back a few mm & see if that helps, don't know if this would work with your setup ,but you never know

that sounds like a blooming good idea, i will have a look at that when i get round to it, thanks

 

[crooner]

that sounds like a blooming good idea, i will have a look at that when i get round to it, thanks

Please let me know how you get on

 

[endecotp]

"Double panel plus" aka "Type 21" radiators have two panels but they are relatively close together because there is only one convector; they will probably fit to pipework intended for a single. Of course their output is a bit lower than a double.

I'd not recommend trying to get a double closer to the wall than the small side of the brackets allow; this will reduce convection from the back of the radiator.

 

[dilalio]

Reroute pipework into the wall and come out onto angles valves... looks much neater and easier to keep the floor clean beneath the rad.

 

[jeff the gasman]

Turn the boiler stat to maximum, you may not need a double. It makes a huge difference.