How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating

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Last Updated: April 14, 2024 Approved

A radiator circulates water to provide heat in a room. It is usually installed with clips or brackets on the wall, so you must remove it entirely if you want to repaint the room. You will need to shut off the radiator and bleed out the water before you try to remove it. Then, it can be removed fairly quickly until you are ready to reinstall.

Things You Should Know

First, turn off the radiator by twisting the valves on either side and removing the cap from each valve.
Set up a towel below the end of the radiator and unscrew the cap nut with an adjustable wrench, draining water into a wide bowl.
Get a friend to help you pick up the radiator and tip it towards the bowl, letting the rest of the water drain before storing the radiator.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Turning Off the Radiator

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The valves are usually located just above the base points that extend from the ground. Use a clockwise or tightening motion to turn them off.
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Remove the caps from the top of these valves. They are plastic or resin and they cover the hot metal valves. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the valves even further.
- Use the wrench to tighten the nuts at the top of the valve.
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See if you have thermostatic radiator valves that take the temperature of the room and turn on and off automatically. If you do, you will need to remove them and replace them with a regular cap to turn them off.
- Use the caps that came with your radiator or use caps from a nearby radiator if they will only be used for a short time.
- Screw the caps on tight by hand and then with an adjustable wrench.^{[1]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Bleeding the Radiator

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Along with proper precaution, it will prevent damage to your room.^{[2]
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Turn it counterclockwise until it starts to drip water. Keep turning until the flow is slightly larger.
Unscrew it a little more when the flow stops. When you have no more water coming out, you can unscrew the cap nuts completely so that the radiator is no longer connected to the base.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Removing the Radiator

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Radiators are heavy. You will also need to tip it to pour remaining water out.
Place the bucket on top of it.
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Lift up and out to remove the radiator from the brackets.
Let the rest of the water flow out of it.^{[5]
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They often drip a little water after the radiator is removed.^{[6]
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Question

Can I run the central heating with a radiator removed from the system?

Community Answer

Yes, but only if a connecting pipe is installed in place of the radiator in order for the system to work correctly.

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Tips

Once your decorating is finished, you simply have to reverse the process. First, ensure it is on the brackets before you reconnect the cap nuts and open the valves.

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