How Do You Know When Radiators Need to Be Replaced?
Radiators are an essential item in modern houses to distribute the heat generated from the boiler around your home. Sometimes, though, they can stop working and may need to be replaced. However, sometimes, the issue can be fixed without the need for a replacement. So, how do you know when your radiator needs to be replaced?
Plumbing expert David Cruz at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this handy guide to help you identify different radiator problems and how to fix them. This could help you save some money on radiator replacements.
How Do You Fix Cold Spots on The Radiator?
Rust, dirt, and scale deposits build up over time in your radiator, which can lead to cold spots. Flushing the radiator helps to take out these deposits. Build-ups of these deposits can lead to your radiator not working effectively and could damage the radiator, so it's important to flush them out to keep your heating system working properly.
It is recommended that you flush your radiators once every five years to keep them running effectively and to prevent the build-up of unnecessary sludge.
How to Flush a Radiator
Below is a step-by-step guide on flushing out a radiator:
- Begin by turning the heating off. Give your radiators time to cool down before you start working on them. It may take around an hour and 30 minutes for your radiators to cool down properly after you’ve turned them off.
- Next, protect your floors by laying down some old sheets or towels to prevent stains from dirty water.
- You will then need to shut off your radiator from the rest of the system by turning off the valves at both ends of the radiator. Turn the thermostatic radiator valve off with your hand by twisting it clockwise to the off position. To turn off the lock shield valve, you will need to remove the cap and then use a spanner to turn the valve completely clockwise.
- Next, use a spanner to loosen the nut that joins the radiator to the thermostatic radiator valve.
- Put a bucket underneath the thermostatic radiator valve, and then use your radiator bleed key to open up the bleed valve and remove any air pressure.
- Catch any dirty water and sludge that flows out of the valve in the bucket. Then, loosen the nut on the lock shield valve using your spanner and catch all of the running water on that side of the radiator as well.
- Once it is drained, you can then close the bleed valve using the bleed key.
- Once you've loosened the nuts on both of the valves, you should be able to move your radiator. Lift it away from the wall and take it outside, as this can be a messy job. Make sure to cover the inlets with plastic bags or towels while you transport them, as they will probably still have some sludge or dirty water inside.
- Once the radiator is outside, attach your hose pipe to the radiator valve inlet and then turn the tap on full to give the radiator a big flush. This flow of clean water flushing through the radiator and out of the other inlet should bring the sludge out with it.
- Repeat this same process by attaching the hose to the valve inlet on the other side and keep flushing until you get as much of the sludge out as possible and the water begins to run clear.
- You can then hand your radiator back on the wall and re-tighten the nuts. Once everything’s in place, open both of the valves again, remembering to turn the lock shield valve the same number of times that you did when you removed the radiator.
- Open the bleed valve with the key and allow any trapped air from within the radiator to escape.
- Finally, check your boiler pressure, as disconnecting a radiator can cause the pressure in your system to drop. If the pressure has dropped below 1 bar, you will need to repressurise the system with an external filling loop.
- Finally, turn your heating system back on and check that everything is working correctly.
How Do You Fix a Noisy Heating System?
Most noises in your heating system are not too much to worry about and can be fixed easily, often as a DIY job. Below is a list of common heating system noises and how to fix them.
How to Fix Creaking Pipes
Creaking pipes are usually caused by the pipes expanding when they’re hot or by the pipes rubbing against the floor, wall, or other pipes with the changes in temperature.
To fix this issue, try widening the pipe notches in the joists. If the pipes are loose, clip them or pack some insulation between the pipes.
How to Fix Humming Sounds in Pipes
Humming sounds may occur in the pipes when the pump speed is too high or when the pipes are too narrow for the system flow.
This issue is quite difficult to fix yourself as a DIY job, so it’s recommended that you call a plumbing engineer to fix the issue of humming pipes.
How to Fix Rushing Sounds in Pipes
Rushing sounds in your pipes are usually caused by bubbles or air within the system.
The best way to fix this issue is to bleed your radiators. If bleeding the radiators doesn't fix the problem, then it’s best to call out a professional plumbing engineer to check for a deeper issue.
How to Fix Hissing or Banging Sounds
Hissing or banging sounds coming from your heating system can be caused by a faulty boiler or thermostat. Alternatively, it may be due to a build-up of limescale in the system.
It’s best to call out a plumbing or heating expert to check your system. The expert will be able to determine the issue and will possess the knowledge to fix it effectively.
If your central heating system starts making noises, it is best to address the issue as early as possible. Leaving it could lead to further issues down the line.
When Is It a Good Idea to Replace a Radiator?
There are several reasons why you may need to replace your radiators. Below is a list of the main reasons why a radiator may need to be replaced.
- Age of the radiator – It is recommended that you replace your radiators every 15-20 years. If the radiators in your home are getting close to this age, it’s worth taking a look at them and evaluating their performance.
- Rust – Rust can often occur outside of your radiators due to heating and cooling. If the rust isn't treated immediately, it can become an even bigger problem and may eventually cause leaks.
- Corrosion – Corrosion occurs inside the radiator due to sludge, which can build up over time. This can cause the radiator to rust from the inside and can eventually lead to leaks.
- Blockages – Blockages can be caused by a clog due to rust or sludge. This can prevent the radiator from heating up effectively.
- Lack of efficiency – A less efficient radiator leads to heat loss, which can result in it taking a lot longer to heat the room. This can then lead to higher energy bills.
- Upgrade – In some cases, you may simply want to upgrade your current radiators for newer, more modern models.
- Leakages – Leaks can occur for a range of reasons and can sometimes be very difficult to fix.
How Do You Remove and Replace a Faulty Radiator?
It’s always recommended that you seek professional advice or hire a tradesperson to remove and replace a radiator if you’re unsure of how to do so or if you’re not confident in your plumbing skills.
However, if you do feel like you can take on the job as a DIY project, you must take the following steps.
Tools and Materials Required
- New radiator
- New radiator brackets
- Two adjustable spanners
- Washing up bowl
- Steel wool
- Radiator bleed key
- PTFE (thread seal) tape
- Drill
- Cloths or rags
- Pipe/Cable/Stud detector
- Another person to help
Method
The best way to replace your radiator yourself is to choose a replacement that has identical pipe centres. These are the distance between the two water pipes. This will make the job a lot easier to complete.
If you choose a radiator of a different size or shape, you will need to drain the system and make a few alterations to the pipework.
Step 1
The first step you’ll need to take when replacing a radiator is to shut off the valves at either end of the old radiator.
Turn the manual valve clockwise until it doesn't turn anymore.
If your valve is a TRV, turn it all the way until it’s in the off position.
If you have a lock shield valve on one end, pull the plastic shield off and turn the shaft clockwise using a spanner. Make sure to count the number of times you turn the spanner so that you can set your new radiator to the same flow rate.
Step 2
Place an empty washing-up bowl underneath the valve so water can be caught as it begins to drain, preventing damage to the floor.
Loosen one of the cap nuts that connects your valve to the radiator with an adjustable spanner. You may need to use the second spanner to secure the valve body and prevent it from turning and ruining the pipework.
Step 3
Locate the bleed valve at the top of the radiator and open it. Then, loosen the connecting cap nut between the valve and the radiator to drain the water away. Make sure you catch any draining water in the washing-up bowl.
If the current radiator is quite old, the water inside may be quite sludgy or dirty. This is why it’s important to have rags ready so that you can wipe up any spray or drops.
If your washing-up bowl isn't deep enough to collect all of the water, just tighten up the connecting cap nut again, pour the water away, and then restart the process until the radiator is completely drained. When there is no more water coming out of it, disconnect the valve located on the opposite side of the radiator.
Step 4
If your radiator is quite large, you may need someone to help you complete this step.
Lift the old radiator away from the wall mounting brackets and tip it up to drain away any remaining water. Once all the water is out, stuff the outlets with rags or tissue to prevent further water from leaking out.
If the brackets that are on your wall don’t suit the new radiator, you will need to remove them and replace them with appropriate ones.
If you have to drill into the wall to do this, always make sure you check what is behind the wall. You don’t want to accidentally drill into a pipe or wire. A digital detector will help you determine what is behind the wall.
Step 5
Carefully remove the valve connectors from your old radiator with your spanner.
Use wire wool to clean the connectors and then wind some thread seal tape between five and ten times around the threads to make sure a watertight seal is created.
Screw the connectors into your new radiator, and make sure you tighten them completely. Then, hang the new radiator on the wall.
Connect the valves to your new radiator when it’s on the wall and reset them. Don’t forget to check the number of turns you did earlier so it’s on the same settings as the old radiator. Once complete, allow water to enter the radiator.
As this is happening, you’ll need to open the bleed valve slightly to let any air escape. When water begins to spurt out, close the bleed valve.
Check each of the valves for leaks, and then tighten and dry them if needed. Turn your central heating on and keep checking back every now and again for any drips.
How Do You Prevent Problems With Your Heating System?
The best way to maintain your heating system is to get an annual service. Many people take boilers for granted and just expect them to work as they should all of the time.
An annual boiler check and service will help you identify any small problems in the system so that they can be rectified before they become bigger issues. An annual service is also the best way to ensure that your heating system is working as efficiently as possible.
How Do You Prevent Sludge From Building Up In The System?
The best way to prevent sludge from building up is to add more inhibitor to the heating system. This is a chemical treatment that breaks down unwanted particles in the heating system. Be sure to keep an eye on the inhibitor levels and top it up whenever needed.
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