How can I remove a seized on Radiator?

WeirdoMagnet

I'm decorating my bathroom, and would like to remove the radiator so I can paint behind it.

We've tried to get it off, but it seems seized on, and we don't want to force it as the pipes coming from the floor have started to bend with the pressure.

We'd left it for the time being, but would WD-40 or similar help it loosen up, or is there another way?

TIA,

George

BobProperty

I'm assuming you are trying to undo the radiator valves. You need to hold both parts firmly to stop the valve twisting and damaging the pipe. It's easy for me to say that and a lot harder to do it in practice. At worse, I would resort to heating the joint up with a blow torch but that really is a last resort. What tools are you using? You probably need a wrench of some sort to hold the valve steady while you use a spanner to undo the nut on the valve.

HugoSP

I assume you are talking about the valve connections when you say the radiator is seized.

firstly, make sure you are trying to undo them the right way.

Then, try using a correct sized spanner and tapping it gently with a hammer or mallet, in the right direction.

H

Lord_Gardener

A tip a plumber mate told me was to put your heating system on , turn all others off just leave on the bathroom one at max temp (I know it's hot weather!), leave it to get nice and hot and then try to loosen - expansion of metals at different rates should do the job!

WeirdoMagnet

Thanks for all your suggestions - we'll give them a go.

Not sure what all the bits are called, but I'm trying to remove the radiator off the connections, but leave the pipes in the floor!

I've turned off the valves to stop the water flowing into the radiator - no problem. We were using an adjustable spanner (a wrench?) to turn the nut and my OH was using something else (can't remember what) to prevent the whole thing moving/breaking!

I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks,

George

star1_2

Just a word of caution - unless you are draining the system (ie. emptying all the water from the radiator / central heating system) .... you might not find that the valves (even if turned to the off position) will stop the flow of water completly - when the rail/rad is removed.

Good Luck.

WeirdoMagnet

star1 wrote:

Just a word of caution - unless you are draining the system (ie. emptying all the water from the radiator / central heating system) .... you might not find that the valves (even if turned to the off position) will stop the flow of water completly - when the rail/rad is removed.
Good Luck.

Ah yes, I'll be ready with my old towels to mop up!!!

HugoSP

We haven't heard from Geogina for a few days now, do you suppose she's OK or is she trying to swim against the tide of central heating water????

plumb1_2

HugoSP wrote:

We haven't heard from Geogina for a few days now, do you suppose she's OK or is she trying to swim against the tide of central heating water????

Her OH gagged her with the wet towels:D