How to remove a radiator
February 26, 2026
Tired of that radiator you never use? Maybe you want to paint the room without having to work around it. Good news - with the right steps, removing a radiator is totally doable for a confident DIYer. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get it off the wall without stress or drama.
Step 1: Turn off the heating
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised. You can either:
- Turn the
thermostat
- Switch the heating off at the
timer
- Switch off the
boiler
Make sure you give the system time to cool down. The radiator should be lukewarm at most; 30 minutes is usually enough.
Step 2: Close the valves
Your radiator has two valves: The
thermostatic valve (TRV)
To close the TRV, turn it fully clockwise by hand. Some TRVs have an off setting; others stop at 0.
The lockshield valve will usually have a plastic cap. Pull it upwards by hand to remove it, then use an adjustable spanner to turn the valve clockwise until it stops; don't overdo it.
Step 3: Open the bleed valve
Use the bleed key to slowly open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator, check out our article on bleeding a radiator for more details. This will release the pressure from the radiator and allow air in, which will aid drainage once you open the valves. Make sure you close it before you reinstall the radiator.
Step 4: Loosen the valve nuts and drain the water
Place your bowl under the valve you’ll start with. Hold the valve body steady with one spanner and gradually loosen the nut on the union joint with the other. Water will start trickling out. If possible, tilt the radiator slightly toward the valve to help it drain more fully. Keep an eye on the tray. When it gets close to the top, close the valve and empty it before continuing.
Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Lift the radiator off the brackets
Once both unions are fully disconnected, carefully lift the radiator upward off its wall brackets. Even when empty the radiators will be heavier than it looks, so make sure you have a clear path to wherever you’re putting it.
Step 6: Plug or cap the pipes
It's good practice to cap the valves, even if you're planning on reinstalling the radiator shortly. This will ensure no drips get out and nothing unwanted gets into the central heating system. If you’re removing the radiator permanently, it's advisable to remove the valves and cap off the pipes, ideally under the floor, or in the cavity wall. This will require draining down the central heating system, and is most likely a job for a qualified central heating engineer.
With the right preparation removing a radiator is a perfectly manageable job. Whether you’re redecorating or rearranging a room, doing it yourself can save you the cost of hiring a plumber. As long as you isolate the valves and drain it properly, it’s a straightforward job.