How to install a radiator

A guide to installing a radiator

Sometimes installing a new radiator might mean that you have to adjust the pipework before fitting.

Of course, you could always call the professionals and get them to do it, but where’s the fun in that?

If you are the kind of person who likes things done their own way then this How-to guide is perfect for you.

Follow the simple instructions below or watch the video to learn how to install a radiator and adjust the pipework and leave your home feeling warm and cosy.

Step 1 – Dressing the radiator

Before you can start installing your new radiator you will have to dress it to make sure it’s ready to go.

So first thing’s first – take your radiator valve and apply PTFE tape to the tail of the valve.

Wrap it around clockwise about 17 times. Do this for both valves and remove the radiator bung.

Step 2 – Attach the air vents

Screw in the air vents, being careful not to over-tighten too much – you don’t want to damage the O-ring.

Step 3 – Connect the radiator tail

Wind in the rad tails with your adjustable spanner until there is just one thread showing.

Your radiator is now ready to be installed.

How do I get the radiator on my wall?

Once your radiator is dressed, before installing it on your wall, you need to work out the centre-point of where you would like your radiator to be positioned.

Follow the steps below to complete this task.

Step 1 – Measure the width of your wall

Measure the width of the wall using your measuring tape.

Step 2 – Measure & mark your centre line

Mark where the centre of the radiator will be at the centre of the wall.

Step 3 – Find the centre of the brackets

When you have marked your centre-point, you will then have to measure the centre between the left and right brackets.

It is best to do this with the radiator led flat on its back.

Step 4 – Measure between the brackets

When you have measured the centre, you will need to work out the height of your radiator.

You can do this by measuring from the top of the top bracket to the top of the bottom bracket. Again, it is best to do this with the radiator flat on its back.

Step 5 – Measure to the centre of the bottom bracket

The next step is to measure the height of the bottom brackets on the wall.

To do this, take a measurement from the floor to the centre of the valve outlet.

Step 6 – Measure between the brackets

Once you have the centre-point marked on the wall, you will have to measure the distance between the centre-point and the left and right brackets.

Step 7 – Mark bracket positions on the wall

Using your earlier measurements, mark the top and bottom brackets on the wall.

Step 8 – Drill the wall

Take your hammer drill – with 7mm masonry bit – and drill and plug the wall.

Step 9 – Plug the wall

Be sure to hammer the plugs into the wall before screwing.

Step 10 – Screw in the brackets & level check

Once you have all of the brackets screwed in, check that they are level and you are then ready to hang your radiator.

What if I need to alter the pipework?

The first thing to do is to ensure that you have drained down your heating system.

To learn how to do this, visit our guide – here.

Once you are sure this is done, follow the next steps.

How to alter your radiator pipework

Step 1 – Pull back your carpet

Lift up your carpet beneath the radiator you are working with.

Step 2 – Reveal the pipework

Carefully lift up the floorboards and uncover the pipework.

Step 3 – Mark where changes are required

Once you have uncovered your pipes, it’s time to mark your floor.

Step 4 – Be sure you measure correctly

To be sure that you are marking and cutting the floor in the correct area, attach the valve to the radiator before you take the measurements.

Step 5 – Make the cut

Cut the floor and then attach the valve to the radiator and bend the pipes in line. (if your pipe is larger than 10mm, you will have to use joining elbows.)

Step 6 – Clean & measure

Clean your pipes with wire wool and then measure the gap between the pipes.

Step 7 – Measure & cut

Measure and cut the joining piece and clean it with wire wool.

Step 8 – Apply flux to pipework

Apply a small amount of flux to all the joining points and inside the fittings and connect the pipes together, ensuring that they are fully inserted.

Step 9 – Begin to solder pipework

You are now ready to solder. Using a blowtorch, heat the join until it is hot enough for the solder to melt.

When applying the solder you must ensure that it runs around the whole fitting. Allow the solder to set and then using a wet cloth wipe away any flux residue and clean with wire wool.

Step 10 – Fit the valves

Using your adjustable spanner, affix your valves to the radiator on both sides.

Once you are happy that the radiator and the pipework are sound, fire up your boiler and check that your radiator is warming up.

If it is you can then put your floorboards and carpet back down.

Step 11 – Fix up the carpet

Using a sharp knife, make a small slice in your carpet where your pipework is. And that’s it, you’ve just installed your radiator. Congratulations!