HOW-TO GUIDES
How to take a radiator off in 6 steps
Updated 08/26
By: Tom Blake
Reviewed: Alex Peters
A step-by-step guide to safely taking a radiator off the wall, covering how to isolate the valves, whether you need to drain the whole system, and the tools you'll need.
How to isolate a radiator safely before removing it
Whether you need to drain the whole system
How to remove valves and thermostats
What tools you'll actually need
The most common mistakes DIYers make
When it's worth calling a plumber instead
Whether you're decorating, replacing an old radiator, or moving one to a new spot, at some point you'll need to take it off the wall.
It's a manageable DIY job for most people, but it involves water, weight, and a few steps that are easy to get wrong. This guide covers the safe way to do it.
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Before you start: is this a DIY job?
Removing a radiator is generally within reach for a confident DIYer. That said, it's worth being honest with yourself about a few things first:
Radiators are heavy, even more so once you factor in awkward angles and tight spaces
A mistake with the valves or pipework can mean a leak, or a partial drain of your heating system
Older radiators and valves can be seized, stiff, or painted over, making them harder to work with than expected
If any of that gives you pause, it's a quick, inexpensive job for a plumber - our radiator removal and replacement cost guide has more detail on what to expect to pay.
11 radiator ideas to level up your home
Radiators are great at keeping us toasty, but they can be a bit of an eyesore. Here are some radiator ideas that will help you turn your ugly radiators into something much more stylish!
Tools you'll need
Adjustable spanner or pipe wrench
Radiator key
Old towels or a shallow tray
A hose (if draining via the radiator's own drain valve)
Screwdriver
Bucket
How to remove a radiator without draining the whole system
Most radiators have two valves: a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) on one side and a lockshield valve on the other.
If both are working, you can usually isolate just that radiator rather than draining your entire heating system.
Turn off the heating and let the radiator cool down completely.
Close the TRV fully (turn to the off setting or 0).
Close the lockshield valve fully too - you may need to remove a plastic cap first, and a spanner to turn the internal valve.
Place towels or a tray under both valve connections.
Loosen the nut connecting the radiator to one valve slightly, to release any pressure. Water may spray briefly - keep towels handy.
Once pressure has released and water stops, fully undo both connecting nuts.
Lift the radiator carefully off its wall brackets. It will still hold some water even when isolated, so expect it to be heavier than it looks - get a second pair of hands if you're not confident lifting alone.
If the radiator has no working lockshield valve or drain valve, don't try to improvise. This usually means draining the whole heating system is the safer route - a plumber can also fit new valves while the radiator's off, saving you the same hassle next time.
If you're removing the radiator because it's leaking rather than for decorating or replacement, it's worth reading our guide on why a radiator leaks first, in case it's a simple fix.
How to drain the whole system (if you need to)
If your radiator doesn't have two working valves, or you're doing more extensive work, you'll need to drain the full system:
Turn off the boiler and let everything cool down.
Attach a hose to the system's drain valve (usually near the boiler or at the lowest point of the pipework) and run it to an outside drain or a large container.
Open the drain valve and, working from upstairs down, open the bleed valve on each radiator to let air in and speed up draining.
Once drained, remove the target radiator by disconnecting it from its valves as above.
When you refill the system afterwards, add a corrosion inhibitor to protect the radiators and boiler, and bleed each radiator in turn to clear trapped air.
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Taking off a towel radiator
The process for a heated towel rail is the same as for a standard radiator - isolate the valves, release the pressure, then disconnect and lift it clear.
The main difference is usually weight and bracket type, so check how yours is mounted before you start.
How to remove a radiator valve
Turn off the heating and let everything cool down fully.
Fully close the valve and drain any residual water from the radiator via the valve connection.
Loosen the nut securing the valve to the radiator - this may be hidden under a decorative cover.
Carefully remove the valve. If it's stuck, a penetrating oil and a little patience usually frees it up.
How to remove a radiator thermostat (TRV head)
Turn the heating off and let the radiator cool. Locate the TRV head on the valve body.
Most modern TRV heads simply unscrew or unclip by hand, without needing to touch the valve body itself or drain any water.
Older or seized heads may need gentle pressure with a spanner on the valve body underneath - avoid forcing the plastic head itself.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not isolating the heating first. Working on a hot radiator risks scalding.
Assuming both valves are working. Always check before you start loosening fittings - a "closed" valve that's actually seized open will catch you out.
Skipping the towels or tray. Even an isolated radiator holds residual water; expect some spillage.
Rushing the lift. Radiators are heavier than they look, especially with water still inside. Get help for larger ones.
Forgetting the inhibitor on refill. If you've drained the system, skipping the corrosion inhibitor shortens the life of your radiators and boiler.
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Checklist: removing a radiator safely
Radiator removal checklist
Radiator removal FAQs
In most cases, yes, provided you isolate the heating system properly and take care with the valves and pipework. If either valve is seized or missing, it's safer to call a plumber.
Not necessarily. If the radiator has a working TRV and lockshield valve, you can usually isolate just that radiator without draining the whole system.
It depends on size and material, but even a small isolated radiator will still hold some water, so expect it to be noticeably heavier than an empty one.
Not always - many homeowners do this themselves. However, if you're not confident with the valves, or anything seems stuck or unusual, a plumber can do it quickly and safely.
This usually means one of the valves isn't fully closed, or there's residual system pressure. Stop, re-check both valves, and if it persists, it's worth getting a plumber to take a look.
Yes - inhibitor protects your radiators and boiler from internal corrosion, and it's good practice any time you've drained and refilled the system.
Yes - many people loosen the valve nuts, lift the radiator off its brackets, and swing it forward to rest on the floor without disconnecting it fully, avoiding the need to drain it at all.
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