Getting a new designer radiator can be exciting. The very thought of an efficient, warming radiator in your house can sometimes be a dream come true. Especially if you’ve had to put up with an old rickety one for years.
When deciding on your new radiator, you may have been faced with a challenge. There are lots of different radiators on the market, so it can be tricky to find the one that suits your home best.
One great style of radiator that can be adapted to any home is designer radiators. These come in all different shapes, sizes, and colours. This means you can find the perfect radiator to match your own personal stylistic choices.
Once you’ve got your perfect designer radiator, you might not know how to actually install it. If so, keep reading and discover our DIY guide…
Removal Of Your Old Radiator
The first thing you’ll need to do is to remove your old radiator. This can sometimes be easier said than done, so if you’re unsure, then it’s always best to contact the professionals.
When removing your old one, you need to make sure that you bleed it to ensure as little liquid gushes out as possible. If you’re only removing one radiator, it can be possible to not drain your whole central heating system.
However, it’s probably best to do it anyway as you’ll most likely be installing your new one soon after. It’s also important that you check the pipework when removing, as it might need changing to fit your new designer radiator. This work will need to be carried out by a licensed plumber in order for it to be done safely and correctly.
Get Your Equipment
Once you’re ready to start fitting your new radiator, you must gather all the equipment that you could possibly need. You’ll not only need the fittings and fixtures for the radiator, but you’ll also need a tape measure, a pencil, screwdrivers, a drill, a spanner, cloths to protect the floor, and a spirit level.
Depending on the type of radiator you have, this list could be even bigger. This is why it’s important that you prepare everything beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll find it impossible to install your radiator correctly.
Drain The System
Before you fit your radiator, you need to make sure that your central heating system is off and has been drained. This can be a whole procedure in itself, so be sure to give yourself enough time to do it all in one day.
You’ll need to open up the drain valves and the bleed valves in order for the water and air to escape respectively. Once the drain valve has stopped putting out water, then you’ll be able to continue with your work.
Measure Up
Now, designer radiators can come in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial that you measure the space and the radiator accurately. You need to make sure that measure everything, down to the space where the brackets need to go.
Otherwise, you’ll end up trying to hang a radiator that won’t fit. When you mark the space for the brackets on the wall, you need to make sure you use the spirit level so that you can ensure the distance between them is level.
If it’s not, when you fit your radiator, it will be at an awkward angle, and you may not be able to reconnect it to the pipework.
Fix The Brackets
The next step is to fix the brackets that will hold your radiator in place on the wall. It will depend on what type of wall you’re placing the brackets on as well.
If it’s pure brick, you’ll need a drill, but if it’s plasterboard or something else, you may need to contact a professional or the manufacturers themselves.
For the brackets, you want to find the centre of the radiator measurement and mark it on the wall. Then work out how far away from the floor you want the radiator to sit, and mark that as well.
Next, measure the distance between your brackets on the back of the radiator. Then half this measurement and mark it on the wall.
Finally, you’ll need to measure the distance between the top and bottom brackets. Mark another centre line on the wall and pop the top and bottom distance on there as well. This will then show you where your brackets will need to be.
Once you’ve made all the measurements, drill and plug the wall. This will then allow you to easily hang the radiator without trouble
Connecting The Valves
The next step can be pretty tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re unsure at any point, you definitely need to call in a professional, as you could hurt yourself or damage the radiator.
You’ll need to place the nut over the water pipe and then put the valve on top. Using a spanner, adjust the nut until it’s tight.
Once you’ve done this, turn the valve anti-clockwise and you should then be able to refill the radiator. This part is crucial to get right, so don’t feel like you have to do it because you’ve done the first part.
There’s no shame in asking for professional help once you get stuck. After the system is refilled, your gorgeous new designer radiator will be ready for use!
Final Thoughts
Designer radiators can really spruce up your home but installing them correctly is a must. Make sure you follow any manufacturer’s guidance when carrying out the project
There might be little things that are required for that particular model that you may not know about, so be sure to read any instructions carefully. If you’re stumped at any point, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
They’ll be able to advise and even finish the job for you. This way, you can be sure your stunning new addition is installed correctly.
With a little time and effort, you’ll soon have your fabulous designer radiator in pride of place for all to see!