Replacing radiator with towel rail - help needed

[DIYnovice1]

Morning all. Wondering if you can help.

I'm re-doing my bathroom and thought I'd replace the radiator with a towel rail. The plastic pipes seem to be speedfit (or similar). I can't see a brand on them and they say 15mm (but they're clearly 10mm).

The current pipes won't stretch to the new towel radiator. Can anyone suggest what I can do? I could get some extra pipe and connect it to the current one, although it'll look messy. Or even do that inside the wall and cover the pipes with chrome.

I'm an amateur so an easy solution would be great, and I'd rather not have to drill any new holes.

Many thanks!

 

[Deleted member 120897]

You have a Myson TRV and a lockshield valve, both of which are 15mm nuts and the elbows are 15mm x 10mm reducing type. I think to get those to reach you’re going to have to add extra pipe.

 

[DIYnovice1]

You have a Myson TRV and a lockshield valve, both of which are 15mm nuts and the elbows are 15mm x 10mm reducing type. I think to get those to reach you’re going to have to add extra pipe.

Thank you! The TRV and valve fit the towel rail fine, it's just the pipes that din't reach. Would you recommend gettign some additional pipe and connecting it to the current pipe?

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Thank you! The TRV and valve fit the towel rail fine, it's just the pipes that din't reach. Would you recommend gettign some additional pipe and connecting it to the current pipe?

Yes I would, I’m not sure you’ll be able to expose the pipes that far back. Use a speedfit coupling with inserts, and use either speedfit pipe or copper if you’re feeling adventurous.

 

[DIYnovice1]

Yes I would, I’m not sure you’ll be able to expose the pipes that far back. Use a speedfit coupling with inserts, and use either speedfit pipe or copper if you’re feeling adventurous.

Thanks! I've ordered some extra pipe and some coupling. Not sure I'm brave enough to handle copper pipes though.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Thanks! I've ordered some extra pipe and some coupling. Not sure I'm brave enough to handle copper pipes though.

And inserts?

 

[DIYnovice1]

And inserts?

Inserts too 🙂

It looks like I'm going to have to drain the whole system though to connect it all. Unless you've got any better advice?

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Depending on the type of system you have installed, sometimes can just drain a small quantity. System, eg a Combi boiler, tank/cylinder etc.

 

[DIYnovice1]

Depending on the type of system you have installed, sometimes can just drain a small quantity. System, eg a Combi boiler, tank/cylinder etc.

Thanks! I've got a combi boiler

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Thanks! I've got a combi boiler

Good stuff. So what you can often do is close the valves (as you have done, and drain the water through both valves, one at a time and that’s usually sufficient. Once wafter has ceased from both sides, you can normally work on the system, only refilling when you have finished, and just check any other radiators for any air, sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t.

 

[DIYnovice1]

Good stuff. So what you can often do is close the valves (as you have done, and drain the water through both valves, one at a time and that’s usually sufficient. Once wafter has ceased from both sides, you can normally work on the system, only refilling when you have finished, and just check any other radiators for any air, sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t.

Brilliant, thanks! I shall give it a go. Thanks so much for your help, it's really appreciated

 

[Ben-gee]

Very important if you try this method- only ever have one open end in the system.

Drain through one valve only, when it stops - lengthen that pipe and reattach the valve and make sure that the valve is shut.
Then, and only then, open the other valve and do the same thing.

If you have two openings the whole system may dump out on you as you will have no vacuum to hold it.

Really need to go around and check for automatic air vents and close these off before you start.

This method works well most of the time - but would you know what to do if it fails on you?

 

[DIYnovice1]

This method works well most of the time - but would you know what to do if it fails on you?

Have buckets and a hose ready?

 

[gmartine]

Morning all. Wondering if you can help.

I'm re-doing my bathroom and thought I'd replace the radiator with a towel rail. The plastic pipes seem to be speedfit (or similar). I can't see a brand on them and they say 15mm (but they're clearly 10mm).

The current pipes won't stretch to the new towel radiator. Can anyone suggest what I can do? I could get some extra pipe and connect it to the current one, although it'll look messy. Or even do that inside the wall and cover the pipes with chrome.

I'm an amateur so an easy solution would be great, and I'd rather not have to drill any new holes.

Many thanks!

I hope your bathroom isn't too big and that you've matched the output of the radiator with the towel rail you've replaced it with otherwise it's going to be chilly.

 

[Timmy D]

I get new valves and have the valves, new extension of pipe and coupling all joined and ready to go.

Then it’s just a case of drain, chop and push fit the coupling. This reduces the risk of more water does decide to come at you.

And really, you want some nice new chrome valves on your towel rail. Also because towel rail valves typically connect at the bottom with the tail screwed in vertically, new valves will stop the valve heads (trv) sticking out beyond the edge of the towel rail.

Look at towel rail valves and decide which orientation you want the control head. You can get straight, bent or corner valves.

 

[DIYnovice1]

I get new valves and have the valves, new extension of pipe and coupling all joined and ready to go.

Then it’s just a case of drain, chop and push fit the coupling. This reduces the risk of more water does decide to come at you.

And really, you want some nice new chrome valves on your towel rail. Also because towel rail valves typically connect at the bottom with the tail screwed in vertically, new valves will stop the valve heads (trv) sticking out beyond the edge of the towel rail.

Look at towel rail valves and decide which orientation you want the control head. You can get straight, bent or corner valves.

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing. New chrome valves, new pipe and new coupling have been ordered and are on their way. So like you said I should be able to drain and then quickly chop and re-join. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the great advice