Are you thinking of changing your heating system? Do you already have a network of radiators but want to replace any of the devices? Regardless of what your case is, we are going to tell you how to install a radiator step by step.
How to install a radiator step by step
Professionals usually do the installation of radiators since certain points of it can be really complicated. It is necessary to have previous experience in the handling of certain tools. In any case, if you have decided to undertake this project on your own, there are several aspects that you should know before getting down to work:
Type of installation:
First of all, you may have to choose between a one-pipe installation (in which the water enters and leaves at the same point) and a two-pipe installation (in which the water enters and leaves at different points). The twin-pipe installation is usually the most recommended when starting an installation from scratch since the water is distributed more quickly. However, the monotube installation can be more economical and has its advantages for the future, if we plan to expand or replace the radiator network. Keep reading 4 Radiator Safety Tips Everyone Should Know.
Type of wall:
There are surfaces that, due to their composition, have a greater solidity, such as load-bearing walls. These walls support a lot of weight and there should be no problem if we want to hang a radiator. However, plasterboard walls are also very common and, in this case, the most convenient thing is to locate the studs (the most solid part) to put the radiators.
Position of the pipes:
If you are only going to replace one radiator with another of the same dimensions, you may not have to touch them. On the other hand, if you are going to make other more substantial changes, you may have to modify the position of the tubes, and this is the most complicated part of the process.
Depending on your specific case, you may need one type of tool or another. Be that as it may, in the following table, we have gathered some of the most common.
Materials and tools
Flathead screwdriver – Wrench and Allen keys – Tape measure – Pencil – Level – Drill and drill bits – Hammer – Screwdriver – Pipe cutter – Valve – Holders – Corks reduced threading – Bleeder – Fittings multi – Stands – Nuts – Clamps – Tube – radiator.
In this regard, it should be noted that the accessories may differ depending on the brand of the radiator (Ferroli, Baxi, etc.). In addition, a thermostatic valve can be included to adjust the temperature of each room. And it is also advisable to install a device to control consumption, such as a thermostat.
If you have already decided to carry out this installation on your own, here are the instructions to follow.
1. Remove the old radiator
The most common is to take advantage of a previous installation to place a new radiator. In this case, first of all, you will have to turn off the old device, empty it and remove the existing supports, if they are not suitable for hanging the new radiator.
2. Assemble the parts of the new radiator
Next, we will have to prepare the new device for installation:
Reducing plugs for the lockshield and valve are placed in the holes at the bottom, and the bleeder must also be placed at the top.
In one of the lower holes, the inlet valve must be placed and, when the radiator is connected, this valve will be connected to the water intake.
As with the valve, the lockshield must be fitted. This is the other connection from the radiator to the wall; In the event that it is not prepared with the connection fittings, you will have to condition it.
3. Fix the radiator to the wall
To do this, you have to measure the distance between the axes of the pipes and add the distance between the ground and the water intake. The next step will be to mark the fixing points and mount the hangers:
Make holes with the drill at the indicated points.
Drive in the dowels using a hammer.
Present the pieces in the proper position and fix them on the wall.
Hang the radiator and check that it is level.
To finish, you will have to connect the valve and the lockshield with the water inlets on the wall.
4. Install the tubes
If necessary, you will also have to install the pipes to the corresponding water intake:
First, you have to mark the route that the tubes will follow using the level. A metal detector can also be passed to make sure there are no pipes or wires behind the wall that can be punctured.
Leaving a certain margin distance from the radiator, mark on the wall where the pipe clamps are to be placed.
Next, you have to cut the tubes. Ideally, use a specific tool for this purpose, but you can use a hand saw. Afterward, the joint areas must be reviewed using sandpaper, a scourer or steel wool, to promote better welding.
The next step is to use a torch to heat the surface. It will be necessary to use some type of fireproof material that serves as a heat shield so as not to damage the wall.
Then we will have to add the tin: this metal penetrates the joint due to the effect of capillarity and, when it cools, it allows to obtain a solid and hermetic assembly.
The same procedure will have to be followed to install all the pipes, fixing the pipes thanks to the clamps.
This is one of the most complicated steps and for which the decision is usually made to hire a professional to install the radiator.
5. Fill the circuit and check that it works
Once the installation has been completed, it is advisable to bleed the radiator to extract any air that may have seeped into the pipes. It is important to leave the installation in the best conditions to be able to check that it works correctly.
Frequent doubts about the installation of radiators
The process of installing a radiator is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. In this sense, you may have some doubts. That is why we are going to discuss the most common below:
How to choose the best radiator?
We must take into account the power we need. This power will depend on the area in which the house is located, the size of the space we need to heat, and the level of insulation of the property.
Regarding the size of the radiator, on the lower floors and on the higher floors, the devices should have larger dimensions to try to mitigate the heat losses that occur through the floor or ceiling.
What is the best place to install the radiator?
It is often recommended to put the radiators under the windows, as it is a way of trying to neutralize the cold outside air that may enter through there. In any case, they can also be placed on the interior walls of the house (locating which is the coldest wall).
Do radiators need a lot of maintenance?
The usual thing is to bleed the radiators at least once a year so that air does not accumulate inside the pipes, which could affect their operation. They can be installed with an automatic drain. If what we are concerned about is cosmetic maintenance, some specific enamels and varnishes can be used.
Is it possible to cover the radiators?
Although there are indeed radiator covers whose objective is to improve the aesthetics of the room, the truth is that they are not normally recommended, since they can influence the distribution of heat.
