Replacing radiators with ones of different lengths.

Over Clocker · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:30

Hi guys,

We are changing all of our radiators, is some rooms with ones that are longer, and in some rooms, replacing old singles with shorter new efficient doubles with fins etc etc.

Now i've changed rads before so that is ok, but only for same sized ones.

How would I have to sort out the pipework out for fitting longer and shorter rads? We have a concrete floor downstairs and floorboards upstairs.

Thanks,

Mal

Takhisis · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:31

You can tell its a bank holiday - DIY day

*Waits for the answer so she can try to remember in a few months time when she does hers*

atpbx · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:33

You use lenths of copper pipe, joints, and braize (sp) to the length required.

above the floor.

saitrix · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:34

Im sure on the concrete you will have to have the pipework above the floor, couple of 90deg bends is all you need for the job. Just make sure you do the lengths correct. For upstairs you should be able to do that below of the floorboards so its out of sight.

Matt-Page · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:40

You will need to extend the pipework, but just use common sense for that, you just need your flow ans return connected up to the rads.

The only thing to watch is, the water pressure, and indeed the amount of water in it. You may need more or less wather than before. Cover up flooring, etc or you will hagve nasty black stains!

SCM · 17 Apr 2006 at 11:44

I would flush the system clean then drain it as well before installing the new radiators and also after once refilled flush it again to remove any debris left from the new pipes being fitted. Also look into a scale inhibitor to be added to the system when refilling to keep system free of scale.

You can get pipe joints for straight lengths of pipe from diy suppliers, so you can cut the existing pipe under the floorboards and then do the new pipework from there. The pipework above the concrete can be done much the same way and you add straight length in to suit.

Just be careful if braizing the pipework under the floorboards as this can be a bit of a fire risk. There might be other methods of jointing like compression fittings that could be used but not sure if they have reached the diy shop stage yet. As i know some parts of the building industry now use compression fittings with a machine instead of braizing due to health and safety risks due to fire.

SCM

saitrix · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:24

SCM,

I know Wickes stock compression fit joints.

SCM · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:29

saitrix said:
SCM,

I know Wickes stock compression fit joints.

Cheers

not 100% up to date on diy shop stuff as most of my experience has been on the building industry side lately so will remember this for future use.

SCM

BigBoy · 17 Apr 2006 at 12:44

My old man's new house has all plastic plumbing and there is no copper at all not even to the taps !!! plastic compression joints all round.