How to Remove and Replace a Radiator For Decorating - No Draining Required!

In this plumbing guide i will show you how to take a radiator off the wall for decorating or painting! If you want to learn DIY plumbing basics, then this guide is for you! This video will show you how to remove and refit a radiator in just a few easy steps without draining the heating system. No plumbing skills required!
Tools i recommend for this job below:
⚪ Radiator Bleed Key - amzn.to/3NlaLLX
⚪ Plumb Tub - amzn.to/4afBkMu
⚪ Adjustable Spanner - amzn.to/3TgI4A8
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[@alexanderjalowiecki7357]

This was a job I wasn't looking forward too....but this video explains all. Thanks

[@vsan6353]

This is by far the clearest description and video on the subject that there is IMHO. Thank you very much.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eloisewarren8457]

I love your videos. They are so helpful and well explained. I always thought I was useless at DIY but thanks to several of your videos I have tried my hand at things I never thought I would.

[@CarlosBambarlos]

made a job i was dreading so simple and easy, subscribed!!

[@samgosnay7167]

This is the best video I have seen simple and straight forward, thank you.

[@qprjeff1882]

About to do this in the next few days as I need to strip wallpaper, prepare and repaint and was really anxious about it. Great clear video and you've made it fuss free and straight to the point. Thank you

[@electricmox9110]

I just used this video to replace my radiator, clear instructions, straight to the point, useful tips, no messing around, what a legend! Thanks!

[@markorafferty876]

Such a great video and the tip using the paint tray was invaluable - thanks

[@colinfisher2463]

Had a leaky rad for years and just needed to replace bleed valve unit. I’ve been putting this job off for ages as other videos on you tube have not explained the little details you did. Job done in less than 10 mins, cheers.

[@MinifigJez]

Just about to do this coz the rad in my daughter's bedroom has a hole! SUPERB step-by-step instructions THANK YOU SO MUCH And... I just ordered a Plumb Tub off Amazon... who knew they even existed?... SO useful ! You're an absolute star.

[@ncooty]

Another helpful, stfuctured, specific video. Thanks!

[@dizzybee7386]

Invaluable stuff, thank you. We've recently moved into an older house and had tradesmen running around for the last month. Our radiators are quite old and recently the system has been upgraded from an open oil-fired system to closed gas. We couldn't afford to update the radiators in the budget for gas conversion, and to be fair they are in good shape...except for the siezed bleed valves and lockshields. Ok they're dodgy as Del Boy. But, now I have a bit more confidence in handling the smaller "tasks" that the tradesfolk around here wouldn't normally entertain.

[@BB49.]

After all that trouble I would definitely have decorated behind it while it was off!😂that’s commitment to your subscribers👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Haha I know right 😂. That room is getting a lick of paint soon as well

[@patburke5740]

Great video, everything well explained as usual.

[@MichaelAnderson-vp4kb]

Very helpful the clearest instructions I’ve seen on removing a radiator. Thank you.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it helped

[@markfarley9223]

Thanks for this video first go at taking radiator off followed you step by step and now it's off with NO dramas thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it helped

[@caroliendebruijn25]

This video was so helpfull. Thank you so much!

[@chatlow]

brilliant video, thank you sir

[@robmunro3060]

Brilliant instructional video. Really clear and simple - thank you!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amykelly1608]

Brilliant video and worked perfectly! Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelsharpin3369]

Love your video's keep them coming.

[@saglike93]

Awesome video mate, would love to see one of putting a trv on a radiator that has none!

[@sjacko1066]

I have a couple of radiators with sludge in, I really am considering changing them myself. This video is great thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad I could help

[@justwannaridemabike]

You’re so clear. Very helpful Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Your welcome

[@justwannaridemabike]

@@TheDIYGuy1 you’ve got a new subscriber!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Welcome aboard 😊

[@grantgwyn1992]

Thanks for doing this video, we've been quoted £50 to remove and refit ours, this has saved us £50, thanks mate

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it helped

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Excellent vid. We've just gone from an unvented system to pressurised with TRVs. The fitters told me about the 'painter's cap' for the TRV but didnt tell me how to use, I thought the cap replaced the TRV top so found that out!

[@JasGawera]

It does replace the top/head, (not shown in this video) best to do before you disconnect the radiator as taking the head off opens the valve. However if you have lost them then the brass cap with rubber tap washer as shown works well. This is the way I do it, I also cap the lock shield too just in case.

[@rizimirza8190]

You are one of the best my dear ❤

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 😊

[@bobbymike]

Great vid and advice its hard at times to find decent UK stuff but I rate ur channel as one of the best 😊

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I appreciate that! 😊

[@Mansviews]

Where have you been all my Diy life..brilliant mate..

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Haha glad to help

[@daveh1081]

Mate.....your videos are always clear and concise. I do it the same way......but on the lockshield valve, I always use a sharpie pen to put a mark on the valve and I also write the number of FULL turns so that when I open it up again, it gets opened to precisely the right place. I also always shove a hose pipe nozzle into each end, several times and properly flush the rad out. That's just me though.......I'm OCD!!!! 👍👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍👍

[@richardjerome1737]

Great video. Thanks for creating sir.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Sure 👍

[@michellenicholls3727]

Thanks

[@andybrown169]

Excellent video on how to remove a radiator, but there are plenty of different brushes or rollers to paint where you can see behind the radiator without taking it off.

[@Begnis]

Mate genuinely thank you for all your great videos.. I have learn so much and I have saved a ton of money from simple tasks. Also on my annual performance review from the senior management.. I get huge appraisal !

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😂 your welcome and well done on the review 😉

[@lindajohnson7575]

Brilliant thanks for sharing this 😊

[@TheDIYGuy1]

My pleasure 😊

[@MaximusJohal]

Perfect this was so helpful.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Andy-no1gc]

great job, very helpful film

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mclaneinc]

Just a quick comment to wish you and yours a very happy Xmas Cameron, and the same to all your followers. The vids have kept me entertained and boosted the old confidence that I could do some of this stuff. Nice one...Paul..

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Cheers Paul happy Xmas to you too!

[@cprog]

Glad to see your video! Thanks!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for watching!

[@PeterTangsley]

Another amazing video. Thanks 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@neilballam8701]

Need to upgrade all the rads in our house. Lifesaver again!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍👍

[@Pique147]

Dude are you reading my mind? This is the second video you posted (previous one was drilling through a wall with a hole saw) that basically pre-empted me needing to do it by a matter of days. So anyway, I'm doing the lottery in a couple of days. Do your thing!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😂 great minds!

[@baldvale5418]

Very good video, thank you. You talked about rust inhibitor & that it may need topping up then you didn't tell us how. I always add it into my radiator before i open the bottom valve's. I don't know if this is the correct thing to do though .

[@grahamharkness5744]

very well explained

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@davidlongman2341]

Great walk through a helpful job. Personally I would remove the head of the TRV and put a decorators cap on before removing the radiator rather than rely on closing the valve. Not something that you can do as an afterthought without flooding the place. The decorators cap ensures a safe valve closure for an extended period if needed and is not risky if the temperature falls in the unheated room.

[@TopCrinkly68]

Great thanks!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You're welcome!

[@danimourinho]

great and useful video! thanks again!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Anytime!

[@karltwigger3989]

Brilliant video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 🙏

[@Michie1391]

Have a look at plumb thumb tools too, saves fully draining the radiator.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@franceleeparis37]

Why does this guy not have his own TV series… he is brilliant 🙂

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks. Please let Amazon prime know 😂👍

[@gregc7699]

Watch this guy all the time amazing tips professional, consice, clear and very easy to follow brill job mate deffo taught me something today im a oerfectionist and its been bugging me seeing behind the rad not painted properly

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant, glad to help you 😊

[@r.d.1991]

Love this channel. Full of useful, real world tips and help. Thank you! 👌👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great to hear!

[@russelledwards43]

Great video, where do you put in the inhibitor and how much for a medium size radiator

[@swirlgalaxy]

Happy Christmas to you & yours!!!! Big hugs from Kenny Ohio USA!!!!!!!!!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Happy Xmas to you too! 😊

[@mbthapa4592]

Great video and do we have to turn off the main water supply as well?

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thank you

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Welcome 👍

[@herbetone]

Thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You're welcome

[@MrCobbsalad]

Great video. My radiator has a thermostat but the other valve has a nut on top, looks different to your one. Any suggestions please?

[@justintemp]

Great vid. On a separate note, after refitting , what does it mean if the radiators remain on even when you close the trv to frost or zero settings? Value stuck?

[@Stunl3y]

Fantastic , be great if you could possibly do a video explaining how to put inhibitor into the system im always worried my system doesn't have enough when I remove a rad

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great suggestion!

[@FishBikeMike]

@thediygyu1 thanks for the informative video! Will a half inch cap fit both sides? Thanks!

[@no-oneman.4140]

This guy is brilliant and no I'm not related. Wish I had mates like him.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 😊

[@no-oneman.4140]

You're welcome, any chance you could answer my question on your euro locks video please.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I’ll see if I can find it. Can sometimes be hard to see them all

[@user-hm6jm9oq5l]

Hi, have you used or installed radiators that drop/pivot away from the wall with radiator full? I have installed all my radiators myself and they all work fine.

[@ValgniTehki]

I live in a flat so don't have a loft, but I have a cupboard in the hall way with a big tank thing of some sort. It has like a metal cylinder above it that's upside down, and also has a little gauge with numbers 1, 1 1/2 and 2 with a red needle and black one. So do I have to take a reading, or do I skip the first part? Great video BTW, really easy to follow along.

[@joebloggs3629]

Also if you have to take the wall mounting brackets off mark on them with a pencil the position of the screws so they are nice and level when they are reinstalled

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@drcl7429]

i would suggest that when you refill the radiator, open the bleed valve and the flow in valve a tiny amount (can be difficult if the flow in is on the TRV). Then allow time for the water to refil the radiator, when full you will see water at the bleed point. Close it. Adjust the valves to how they were previous to the change. Done

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@irahg12]

Your videos are great!!! A question though. After putting the radiator back on and hearing the water flood back into the radiator itself, when I open the bleed valve I heard aload of air get released and then silience... No water coming out though. Its an older radiator that doesnt have the white cap around it. It could be around 30 years old maybe (just a guess) is this normal or does this indicate that I need to balance the radiators or something else? Cheers.

[@chriscunningham1348]

Another good video are you going to box in those pipes below the boiler please

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I probably will when I reno that room 👍

[@chriscunningham1348]

@@TheDIYGuy1 I enjoy your videos at 61 and living in a new build, I only have bits of snagging to do. I've done the loft and used your video for putting a sensor in the ensuite thanks

[@pauljinks8480]

Hi mate, is the 1/2” blank cap the standard size for capping all rad valves? I see there are also 3/4 & 22 / 15mm Is there a conversion table to work out the size you need from the across flats size of the nut on the rad tail? Thanks

[@mikebashford8198]

What's the leftmost (black) pipe going into the boiler? I've got a wet/dry vac - I use it in addition to a plumb tub - belt and braces!

[@explorewithant8263]

Hi pal,,is that the same for changing an old radiator to a new one 👍

[@Jim-nm1en]

I advised my son in law to watch your videos before attempting any jobs round his house, he is not very practically minded. In spite of me telling him about your videos, senior management in their house tends to give me a call asking me to advise, assist or just do the job and son in law gets sent out to the shops for a pint of milk even though there is a 4 pinter in the fridge . 🤣🤣

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😆 great comment. Thanks for recommending my videos all the same

[@michaelgriffiths5723]

If i wanted to replace a radiator would there be any extra steps other than maybe moving the brackets?

[@stehirst227]

Hi DIY Guy, My rad was leaking (rust) so i have bought a new one, My copper pipework is 10mm and the new rad valve is 15mm is there a way to fit these together ? thanks !

[@rumenrahman]

Great video. Quick question if anyone can help....I need to replace a radiator but the valves where you insert the radiator key are stripped. So basically no radiator key works to be able to bleed it. Will this be an issue if I'm installing a new radiator anyway? Thanks in advance.

[@MattWadeonline]

Thanks - how would you add the inhibitor?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You can add this straight into the top of a radiator. I may make a video on this in the future.

[@lawrencehenson8409]

You need to fit a "decorators cap" BEFORE opening the radiator unions NOT after & before removing the radiator, otherwise water will gush out of the TRV. Very important. ALSO, of you save the water that you drained from the radiator prior to removal, you can reintroduce it to the system by removing the bleed screw union and, using a short length of garden hose & a small funnel, pour the saved water back into the radiator, then refit the bleed screw union, PRIOR to opening the TRV and lock shield.

[@RidgeForrester]

Missed opportunity to point out that this is also the moment to apply an aluminium layer behind the radiator. Keep up, thoroughly enjoying these videos. Management is pleased.

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍 💯

[@TheDIYGuy1]

🙌

[@user-vs8ih3zx5d]

Good video but there is no water coming out of the bleed valve after putting the radiator back on the wall? What could the reason for this be?

[@prafulmp]

I need to try and replace my rusty radiator, I took the plastic caps off both side and they are both the same square ends how can I tell which is the trv and the other end ,please can you help.thank you in advance.

[@dmcgwhisper5945]

Hi. Have you got a comprehensive guide on installing a hiden systern floating toilet? Please?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Not yet but I plan on one in the future

[@An.Individual]

Good video. That looks like it will take much more than 5 minutes though.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I reckon the majority of the time will be spent waiting for the rad to drain. The rest of the process should be about 5 mins (I’ve not timed it though)

[@richard_in_rayleigh]

Interesting video. TBH unless you're plastering or wallpapering a wall I can't see the point of removing a radiator to decorate. Just unclip and remove the metal decorative edges and use a long arm roller designed for the job. The dustcap is supposed to go over the pinned (naked) TRV valve instead of the TRV to a) prevent any leaks and b) prevent any paint getting on the TRV. x

[@ovidiuroman631]

Can you run the boiler with on e radiator removed?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Sure can

[@indigovae3579]

I have a question: when I'm pouring the water out of the container to the bucket, do i close the valve again, or can i let the water continue to drip onto the towel until i place the container back in place?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Use a couple of containers or just use the towel

[@meethree6305]

So on a system with a tank in the loft you don’t need to worry about filling it up?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Your F&E tank in the loft will take care of that for you 👍

[@meethree6305]

Thanks, I’ve got a combi but need to take some rads of the in-laws system and have never worked on F&E

[@djemmay]

Not 10, not 20, but 15 donuts! Not going for the obvious multiples of 10; like it!

[@aidancushenan3510]

while the radiator is off should you flush it out with power washer?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You could if need be but not necessary unless you suspect sludge

[@markseymour8767]

What about loss of inhibitor?

[@therealdojj]

earlier this week we had an issue with our radiator not heating up turns out it was a faulty lock shield valve from when we had it fitted in april needed a plumber as it was a bit of a mess the last time i did this job i left a bit of water in the bottom and it ruined the carpet 🤦‍♂

[@mikkimason4716]

hiya bud i notice you aint done a loft boarding video yet, you doing one soon ??, (bit cheeky here, or you can come do mine, for a price reduction obvs)

[@robjuurlink490]

Fantastic tips! However, I'm facing a challenge with my radiator-it has just one valve, sadly 😭. Must I drain the entire system? The radiator sits on the ground floor, while my heating system resides in the attic.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Can you explain the job needed a little more?

[@robjuurlink490]

​@@TheDIYGuy1 I would like to completely remove a radiator (as the room now has electric heating) without the need to drain the system.

[@worstuserever]

Is it a very old system? Are there two pipes running between the radiators or only one? There may be an older type of valve concealed beneath a cap. Could you upload a video showing all of the radiator and pipe(s) from it to the next nearest radiator, or the boiler?

[@MRHDGUY]

what is INHIBITER? thanks

[@johnmac3387]

You did not show us how to unscrew the left hand valve in full view ? Was it clockwise or anti clockwise ?

[@fartypants5696]

Is it worth flushing the radiator when you do this?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You could if you suspect sludge build up

[@wra7h]

The water just won't stop coming out of the valve closest to the boiler. I've tried the valve max left and max right

[@bbsaid218]

No insulation?

[@RogerHolden]

Oh the difference between youtube and reality! I've just tried this. Unscrewed the nuts on either ends and drained out all the water, but the pipes won't physically move more that a couple of mm so I can't extract them from the rad inlets thus can't remove it! Any ideas?

[@jtechs7382]

Why not disconnect the radiator, then block off the pipes with some plastic and hair ties and move it full of water outside and then drain it (as you would anyway)?