Replacing Radiators

[Ric.ror]

I'm having quite a bit of work to my house and need to replace some radiators. Is this a fairly simple job that a handyman could do or is it a job for a more specialised tradesmen like a plumber?

[Old_Geezer]

If you can drain the system and have basic plimbing ability you could do it. But adding inhibitor and balancing the system so all the radiators heat evenly might give you cause to consider. But there again, if the end result isn't to your liking you could get a plumber in at that stage to sort it out.

[Old_Geezer]

PLUMBING
As I typed !

[bhg481]

I think a handyman could cope with changing radiators. As a person completely untrained in plumbing I have designed and installed my own central heating system (except for the boiler) and added radiators to another system.

[Old_Geezer]

Actually on rereading I see you're replacing rather than adding. In which case I'd give it a bash were I you.

[The Builder]

I agree that a good handyman could do it, but he would have to be pretty good if the new rads are of a different size. Pipework would have to be altered.

[Garaman]

Like bhg481 I am untrained and have designed and installed my own central heating systems except for the boilers. I don't recall finding the first time difficult or I wouldn't have been inclined to do it again. If you are a practically minded you could certainly change a few rads and alter a bit of pipework I would think. In the last installation I did, I used plastic tubing and expansion connectors, but there is something quite therapeutic about cutting and soldering copper pipes to fit. Have a go, you can always get someone in if you find it isn't for you.

[Canary42]

I've done it (and with different-sized radiators) and I am a very average DIYer.

[Ric.ror]

I should have added I won't be doing it
I'll be getting a handyman in just won't need a plumber

[bhg481]

I think there's a few of us just making the point that if we untrained people can do it a handyman will suffice and will be cheaper than a plumber and easier to locate .