Removing and capping off a radiator?

titewad_2

I want to fit new taller skirting boards in a dining room and at the same time replace the radiator pipes and move them further up the skirting.These pipes come through the ceiling and down the wall before leading along the skirting so I'd also like to remove and replace this part at the same time.Is this an easy thing to do,and how long am I looking at?
I presume I will have to drain and refill the boiler/heating system and I have never done anything like this before but really can't afford to get a plumber in to do it for me.I can live without connecting the radiator back up straight away and do the things I want in stages if it's a lengthy job,
eg. 1.cut and cap pipes
2.remove and replace skirting
3.reconnect pipes to pipes and radiator
I realise this option will mean draining more than once but I really need to save the plumbers fees.

alanobrien

You may want to cut and cap for access purposes but another option may be to just close the radiator valves, unscrew the valve extension into the radiator and then remove the radiator leaving the valves in place ? Saves draining down the system. I have done this on the odd occasion. It does make draining down the rad a bit painful though.

lapat

what type of boiler do you have..?

titewad_2

We have a Vaillant combi boiler.

plumb1_2

It wouldn't take long to drain down and refill a combi system.

What you could do, is drain down, cut the pipes and install isolating valves (best fitted in the ceiling) if the pipes drop down. you would have to lift the floorboards above.
Refill the system, then you can refit the radiator and pipes at a later date.

ps, best to fit full flow valves (gate) if they will fit in between the joist.

lapat

if you have a combi boiler as long as you make sure your filler loop is closed and turn the boiler of completley before you cut the pipe then you will not drain the system and will only have to bleed that one radiator you are moving.

when you re-affix the rad just open the filler loop until your pressure in your boiler is up to say 2 bar then turn on the boiler and bleed the rad you have re-installed.then just top the boiler back up with the filler loop

P.s some filler loops are disconnected depends on how keen your plumber was they dont need to be unless they dont have a tap or servicing valve on them to stop cross contamination under the water regs act

dont be fazed by this as changing/moving a radiator is one of the easiet jobs you will ever undertake.and consider using hep20 push fittings and pipework make your life even easier

plumb1_2

PLease Please dont use hep2o pipes, they will look awful, please use copper pipe if on show.
Hep2o is ok, if you use it hidden ie, underfloors behind kitchen units etc