This job is not necessarily difficult, however it should be stated that if you are not confident to do it or even have second thoughts then leave it to a professional plumbing service like Twickenham Plumbers to do it for you. It is possible to remove radiators to carry out work on them without the need to drain the whole central heating system. You will need plenty of old spare rags to hand for mopping up any spillages will definitely happen. This should include a good sized bowl or container. Radiator water can be very dirty so, if possible, make sure that you, where possible, pull back any carpets or floor coverings, particularly where you are working.

Close both the valves on the radiator, turn the nut on the lock shield valve clockwise to close with a key or an adjustable spanner. Make a note of how many turns you used for when you open it again. This is very important. Undo the cap nut that keeps the hand wheel valve or lock shield valve attached to the adaptor in the end of the radiator. Put the container underneath the joint and then start opening the bleed valve slowly to let the water run away into the container. Carry on until no more water can be seen. Undo the cap-nut that keeps the other valve attached to the radiator, lift the radiator from its brackets on the wall, and drain any water that is there. If you’re going to decorate the wall, unscrew the brackets. To replace the radiator, screw the brackets back in place, then re-hang the radiator and tighten the cap-nuts on the two valves. Shut the bleed valve and open up both radiator valves as carried out by a Twickenham Plumber. Bleed the air from the radiator.