Replacing radiator

moonpenny

I am decorating Living Room and have taken radiator off and am going to renew it.
Is it just a simple job of getting a plumber in to fit new one or is it a more complicated job.

I know nothing about plumbing etc but have read stuff regarding "flushing the system" etc. Does this apply to my job?

nofoollikeold

1. If its an EXACT replacement (same width, same distance from pipe centres to wall, re-using old valves), its an easy job.  Plumber, or even a decent handyman. Really just a question of fitting the "tails" into the radiator, and fixing the brackets in the right position.  
2. If it is is any way different (different width, different distance of pipe centres from wall, new valves) it needs a plumber to adjust pipes.  Because the valves would have to be removed (even if reused), it would require the system to be drained down, or at least blocked in an appropriate way.
3. There is no requirement to flush the system just to fit a new radiator, but if the system is full of sludge, it would be an ideal time to flush it.
4. If the system is drained down, you will need to add new inhibitor when it is refilled.  Best done once you know there are no leaks.  

Beeblebr0x

I'm wondering if the brackets for the new radiator will be the same distance apart 

moonpenny

I am planning the same size radiator in the same place but have removed and got rid of old brackets (had room skimmed)

Would it still be simple job if I decided to go with a double radiator instead of original single one?

Regarding flushing system, how would i know if it was full of sludge and what exactly does that involve?
Would all radiators have to be  taken off as all rooms have recently been decorated and I would rather avoid that.

I will be employing a plumber to fit radiator.

WIAWSNB

Hi moonpenny.
How did you remove the rad? Did you drain your CH system, or just turn off the two rad valves, and drain just the rad?
Regardless, when you did so, what colour was the drained water? In particular, when you tilt the rad to drain out the last wee bit, was it black and sludgy?
If 'yes', then you'd be advised to at least fit a magnetic filter to your system, on the return pipe to your boiler. The plumber who replaces your old rad can do this, usually easily. 
Fitting a new rad can be straightforward, or a bit of a pita. For instance, going 'double' means it's thicker, so the pipes coming up from the floor won't be in line. This could be simple or a pain to adjust.
Really, get a friendly local - recommended - plumber out to discuss.

moonpenny

WIAWSNB said:

Hi moonpenny.
How did you remove the rad? Did you drain your CH system, or just turn off the two rad valves, and drain just the rad?
Regardless, when you did so, what colour was the drained water? In particular, when you tilt the rad to drain out the last wee bit, was it black and sludgy?
If 'yes', then you'd be advised to at least fit a magnetic filter to your system, on the return pipe to your boiler. The plumber who replaces your old rad can do this, usually easily. 
Fitting a new rad can be straightforward, or a bit of a pita. For instance, going 'double' means it's thicker, so the pipes coming up from the floor won't be in line. This could be simple or a pain to adjust.
Really, get a friendly local - recommended - plumber out to discuss.

Son removed the rad and just turned off the 2 valves.  He drained the rad only, and said it was a bit mucky but not black and sludgy.

I think I will just stick with the same size I removed as I don't really need a bigger one - it was just a thought.
Thank you all for your help.