A new radiator only earns its place if it is the right size and the system can feed it properly. We size every radiator to the room it heats rather than copying whatever hung there before, fit it with decent valves, and balance the system so the rooms furthest from the boiler still get hot. One bedroom or a whole house, the process is the same.
What you can expect
- Radiators sized to each room, not guessed
- One radiator or a full-house replacement
- Thermostatic and lockshield valves fitted
- Old units taken away for disposal
- System balanced so heat reaches every room
Getting the size right
A radiator's output is measured in BTUs and it has to match the room: dimensions, windows, insulation and what is above and below. Too small and the room never reaches temperature no matter how long the boiler runs. Too big and you have paid for output you cannot use, while the boiler short cycles. We work the numbers out before quoting, including column radiators, vertical panels and towel rails where a bathroom needs them.
What happens on fitting day
For a straight swap we drain the relevant part of the system, lift the old radiator off and hang the new one. If the pipe centres differ, we adapt the pipework rather than forcing the new radiator onto old holes. Valves go on new, the system refills, and every radiator gets bled. Then comes balancing: adjusting each lockshield so flow spreads evenly, the step most rushed jobs skip. A straightforward swap is a few hours; adapting pipe runs or moving a radiator takes longer, and we say so when quoting.
When the system needs attention first
Black, dirty water when we drain down means the system is corroding from inside, and a new radiator fitted into sludge will suffer the same fate. That is the moment to talk about a power flush, done before or after the new radiators go in. It is also worth checking the boiler can cope if you are adding radiators to an old system. We flag either issue before you commit, not after.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace just one radiator?
Yes, single swaps are routine; only the relevant part of the system is drained.
Do you take the old radiator away?
Yes, it goes with us for disposal.
Need help with this service?
Tell us what you need and our East London team will talk you through the next step. Call for urgent help or send an enquiry for a free quote.