How to Remove a Radiator When Decorating

GladPro Plumbing Services
2 days ago
3 min read

A Step-by-Step Guide by GladPro Plumbing Services

Person kneeling, removing a radiator from a wall over a towel; water drains into a yellow bucket. Low-light room with dark floor tiles.

If you’re planning to redecorate a room and want a smooth, professional-looking finish, you might be considering removing your radiator to paint or wallpaper behind it. It’s a smart move – but one that requires care.

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we often get calls from homeowners in Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London who start this task and realise they need a little help.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to remove a radiator safely, and when it’s time to give GladPro Plumbing Services a call.

✅ Why Remove a Radiator When Decorating?

Removing a radiator makes decorating much easier and ensures a cleaner finish. You’ll avoid messy edges around the radiator brackets, and you can apply paint or wallpaper right to the wall behind it. It’s a great way to modernise your space – especially if you’re freshening up your home or preparing it for sale.

🛠️ What You'll Need

Adjustable spanner
Radiator bleed key
Towels and a container to catch water
Water pump pliers
A second pair of hands for safety

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Radiator for Decorating

1. Turn Off the Heating

Before starting, make sure your heating is completely off and the system is cool. This prevents burns and avoids circulating water through the pipes while you're working.

2. Shut Off the Valves

Locate the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) on one side and the lockshield valve on the other. Turn both valves clockwise to close them. You may need to remove a plastic cap on the lockshield and use a spanner or grips.

3. Bleed the Radiator

Using a radiator key, open the bleed valve at the top to release any air pressure and water left inside. Place a towel or container underneath to catch any drips.

4. Loosen the Nuts and Drain

Use an adjustable spanner to loosen the nuts connecting the radiator to the valves. Be ready with your container and towels – water will drain out. Tip the radiator gently to help all water run out.

5. Lift the Radiator Off the Brackets

Once fully drained, carefully lift the radiator off its wall brackets. Radiators can be heavy, so it’s often a two-person job.

6. Protect the Pipework and Area

Once the radiator is removed, cover exposed valves or pipe ends with decorators' tape or cloth to protect them while you work.

⚠️ When to Call GladPro Plumbing Services

While removing a radiator might seem straightforward, things can go wrong. Here’s when you should call the experts at GladPro Plumbing Services:

You're unsure how to isolate the radiator properly.
There’s leaking water or corrosion on the valves or pipework.
You’re replacing or relocating the radiator.
You’re upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system.
You need support repressurising or balancing your heating system afterwards.
You simply want the peace of mind that the job is done safely and professionally.

Our experienced plumbers operate throughout Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London, offering fast, friendly, and reliable service.

👨‍🔧 Need Help? Call GladPro Plumbing Services Today

Whether it’s a simple radiator removal or a new radiator installation, GladPro Plumbing Services is here to help. We pride ourselves on delivering top-quality plumbing services across Gravesend, Kent, Essex, and South East London.