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- How to Install a Towel Radiator
How to Install a Towel Radiator
Installing a towel radiator is a great way to warm your bathroom or ensuite while keeping your towels toasty and ready to use. Not only that, but it can also help reduce damp and mildew by allowing towels to dry more quickly, helping to prevent the build-up of black mould.
If you currently have a standard radiator in your bathroom and are looking to replace it with a towel radiator, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll take you through the installation process step by step, covering the tools you'll need and how to get the job done safely and correctly the first time.
Before you get started, it's important to check that the towel radiator you've chosen will provide enough heat output for the room. Towel radiators sometimes produce less heat than a standard panel radiator of a similar size, so be sure to compare the BTU output before making the switch. This guide focuses on replacing an existing radiator with a towel radiator using the current pipework, making it a much simpler DIY job compared to installing a completely new towel radiator from scratch.
Tools You'll Need to Install a Towel Radiator
Step 1: Check the Measurements
Before purchasing your towel radiator, measure the width of your existing radiator and the distance between the pipe centres. Choosing a towel radiator with similar dimensions will make installation much easier and should remove the need to alter any pipework, which is much more complex.
Step 2: Turn Off the Heating
Next, switch off your central heating and allow the system to cool completely before you make a start.
Step 3: Isolate and Remove the Existing Radiator
Close both radiator valves. On the lockshield valve, remove the plastic cap and turn the spindle clockwise using an adjustable spanner. Count the number of turns so you can return it to the same setting later on.
Now you need to remove the radiator. Loosen off the valve connections and drain any remaining water into a bucket. It's a good idea to throw down some towels to catch any spills. Once empty, lift the radiator straight up and off its brackets and pop it to one side.
Step 4: Prepare the Towel Radiator
Fit the bleed valve and blanking plug that should come supplied with the towel radiator.
Wrap PTFE tape around the radiator tails, these are the threaded fittings that connect a radiator to the valves, before screwing them into place. This keeps the connections secure and prevents water leaks. Connect the valves according to the manufacturer's instructions and then tighten securely.
Step 5: Mark and Install the Brackets
Using the manufacturer's measurements, mark the bracket positions on the wall. Check all marks with a spirit level to ensure the towel radiator will hang straight.
Drill the fixing holes, insert wall plugs and then securely fit the brackets. As towel radiators can be heavy when filled with water, be sure that the fixings are suitable for the type of wall.
Step 6: Hang the Towel Radiator
Carefully lift the towel radiator onto the brackets and check that it sits level.
Reconnect the valves to the radiator and tighten all fittings while supporting the body of the valves with grips to prevent the pipework from bending.
Step 7: Reopen the Valves
Open the lockshield valve by the same number of turns that you counted earlier, then fully open the thermostatic or manual valve. Double check all the joints and connections for any signs of water leaks.
Step 8: Bleed the Radiator
With the radiator now in place, you now need to bleed the radiator. Using a radiator key, open the bleed valve slightly to release any trapped air, you should hear a hissing sound to begin with. Once water begins to flow steadily, close the valve.
Step 9: Test the Installation
Finally, turn the heating back on and allow the system to warm up. Inspect all connections for leaks and confirm the towel radiator heats evenly from top to bottom. Tighten any fittings if required.
Your new towel radiator is now ready to use!
