Radiator Problem

JCR1987

Hi guys,

Having a slight problem with my bathroom radiator. I've tried to take it off the wall but the side nuts just won't undo. Its not necessarily that the nuts are on too tight, but if I start to increase the pressure to undo the nuts, the copper pipe to the radiator begins to bend, and the last thing I want is that to split or snap.

Any ideas on how to get the radiator off? I can see there are 2 more nuts on the copper pipes, but when I undid those water came flooding out, even when I turned the water off at the tap.

Ideas welcomed.

Cheers,
JR

mexicanwaver

If the nuts won't unscrew, have you tried screwing them a little bit tighter first (eg. clockwise)? This may help to loosen them and allow you to then unscrew them the other way (eg. anti-clockwise).

If you're thinking of removing the "other nuts", then you would need to drain your central heating system first. Even if the water is turned off, some of the the existing water in the system will still come out.

In any case, if the nuts really are ceased on, then it may be a good idea to drain the system first just incase one of the copper pipes does split

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: See advice here

HTH

Canucklehead

JCR1987

Obvious question now, how do I drain the central heating system?

I did try to tighten the nuts to loosen them, but just started to bend the copper pipe the other way so didn't persist. If it's easier to drain the system, lift off the radiator and refill it, then that's what i'd rather do.

lrr_2

To drain the system switch the water off at main (or it will never empty) then open the valve at the heater to let the water out. Might take a while as will drain all your heaters. Have 2 containers to switch with for emptying.

jblack_2

JCR1987 wrote: »

Obvious question now, how do I drain the central heating system?

I did try to tighten the nuts to loosen them, but just started to bend the copper pipe the other way so didn't persist. If it's easier to drain the system, lift off the radiator and refill it, then that's what i'd rather do.

I have a feeling that if you drain your system you'll be back on here asking how to refill and get rid of air locks etc. Remember to replace the inhibitor if you do drain the system.

Have you tried to hold the valves with a pair of grips whilst undoing the nut with an adjustable spanner? Always works for me.

jblack_2

lrr wrote: »

To drain the system switch the water off at main (or it will never empty) then open the valve at the heater to let the water out. Might take a while as will drain all your heaters. Have 2 containers to switch with for emptying.

Or if you don't want a mess;

look for a radiator with one of these and attach a hose leading outside;

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/11074/Plumbing/Radiator-Valves/Radiator-Valve-With-Drain-Off-15mm-x-1-2;jsessionid=FUGP3AEMQEGRMCSTHZOCFFY#

or one of these on the outside wall of your house;

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/13349/Plumbing/Brassware/Drain-!!!!-15mm-Type-B-Light-Pattern

Also, if you close all the valves on your radiators then you'll not need to drain as much.

J

Incisor

JCR1987 wrote: »

... Having a slight problem with my bathroom radiator. I've tried to take it off the wall but the side nuts just won't undo. Its not necessarily that the nuts are on too tight, but if I start to increase the pressure to undo the nuts, the copper pipe to the radiator begins to bend, and the last thing I want is that to split or snap.

Adjustable spanner on the nut, pair of stillsons on the body of the valve - but wrwp the stillson jaws with a fair amount of rag to reduce any marking of the valve body with the teeth in the jaws of the stillsons. The copper pipe is not expected to be strong enough to provide the reaction torque you need

plumb1_2

jblack wrote: »

Also, if you close all the valves on your radiators then you'll not need to drain as much.

J

Doing this, you are more likely to get airlocks when refilling, best to drain full system.

JCR1987

Cheers guys, will have a go at loosening the nuts with the 2 spanner method first. I'll probably be on tomorrow asking how best to mop up a major radiator leak but hey ho, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.

xs11ax

theres no need to drain the system.

instead of removing the valve from the pipes, remove the radiator from the valves and leave the valves on the copper pipe. make sure both valves are on the off position.

this is what i have done.