Radiator replacement (New from old) What plumber price to expect to replace it ? (in Midands)

Karen_taris

Midlands plumber rate?

Wanting to get the old radiators removed and a new one installed.

a) What would be a rough price to expect a plumber to come remove one old radiator in install a new one in it's place?
but probably a double fin 1.60m x 50cm

a) What would a guideline price be for Installing it by the plumber
b) What would a guideline price be for the radiator of that size (double fin 1.60m x 50cm0

and if we want 5 new radiators (changing 5 old ones, in 5 separate rooms), then what would be a price to expect?
(as the plumber would only drain the water once)
c) How much should we expect to pay a plumber for changing 5 old radiators for 5 new ones?

d) any tips, to add additives to the water when they install it (which they would know to do anyway)

Have you had one changed recently? How much did it cost you? (Midlands)

Jeepers_Creepers

No idea about the midlands, but surely not such an expensive area in the UK for trades? 

Rads cost this much: https://www.screwfix.com/p/kudox-premium-type-21-double-panel-plus-single-convector-radiator-600-x-1600mm-white/32071?_requestid=471652 as an example. Other sizes are there too.

As you say, they'd only have to drain down once, so much better getting them all done in one go. How long will this take? Hard to know, but I guess one element will be how closely the new rads match the old ones for size. I have seen all sorts of handy things to make this sort of job easier for DIYers, such as 'telescopic' rad tails that'll cope with an inch or so of difference at each side (something like that - I haven't looked for ages). But even with a bit of cutting and soldering, I'd have thought around an hour or so for each rad? 5 should be done in a day, surely?

Labour? A guy with a helper/apprentice for a day - I dunno, £400-ish? Something like that? I suspect more, tho'. Really, I have no idea. 

All you can do is try and get three quotes from recommended local plumbers.

Other things - are the rad valves ok? Not too old? TRV type? If not, then factor in at least £20 per rad for new ones (which I suspect the plumber would prefer to work with anyway).

Chemicals? Yes. It'll at least need fresh 'inhibitor' (~£15), but the state of the drained water will tell you if there are more serious issues like sludge. If there is - if the water is dark brown and the rads have black sludge in them - the plumber might recommend a magnetic filter and some system cleaner - that's £100 or more.

That will hopefully give you a ballpark, although I have no idea how much plumbers charge (I DIY...) Best try and get three to quote (they might even do this over the phone/via email if you send them photos and dimensions), explain what you are after, and then listen to what they say, what they recommend, if there's any BS. Then go with your gut :-)

You can always come back on here once you have quotes?

nofoollikeold

1. If you are changing from type 11 to type 21 or 22, then the radiator pipe centres will be further from the wall, so pipework modifications required.  These are quite small difference, which makes is a much more difficult job.
2. If you freeze the pipes, there is no need to drain down, but this requires access to sufficient pipe to get the freezer heads on.
3. If you drain down, then depending on the type of system you have this can require loft access to empty and clean the F&E tank (rather than draining all the muck in it through your radiators and pipes). 
4. Drain down and refill times can vary from 1/2 hour each to several hours each, depending on the state of the system.
5. The new radiator will have new brackets.  So the old ones will have to be removed, new holes drilled and the new brackets fitted.  If all goes OK, 20 minutes.  If the wall is rubbish and requires reinforcement could easily be an hour.
6. In summary - non one can tell until they see the job and its conditions.
7. I'd give you a ballpark estimate of around £200, plus radiator, but charge for time by the hour.  I'd try and warn you as soon as possible if the bill was likely to go over £200, but the risk remains yours, not mine.

EssexExile

The only way to find the price is to get quotes. Whereabouts in the Midlands?

triton07

Try a few quotes from companies.