Towel radiators are a fantastic feature of any bathroom. It not only allows keeping towels warm and dry easily but also reflects an air of sophistication and luxury in the bathroom. And if you happen to be of the mindset to install a towel radiator yourself, you have come to the right place. This DIY guide is here for installing a towel radiator in your bathroom in an easy and efficient way.
Whether you are renovating your old bathroom or starting on a new project, towel radiator installation can improve functionality and aesthetic appeal in your bathroom. Here, we have guided you through everything you need to do from selecting the proper Designer radiators to mounting it safely. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Towel Radiator for Your Bathroom
This would then be followed by completing the selection of the towel radiator on size, style, and heating requirements for your bathroom prior to installation.
There are too many things to consider in a radiator, including heat output, design, size, and even the material used. In small bathrooms, the best option would probably be a compact, vertical towel radiator. For large bathrooms, the best option would be a wide version offering more rungs for holding more towels. Stainless steel and chrome are very popular radiator options because of the durability of materials that do not allow moisture.
Once you have chosen your towel radiator, take the exact measurements of the place where it will be installed, so it fits in precisely. Accurate measurements save you the headache of the installation later.
Tools and Materials Needed
You should gather all the tools and materials needed for the installation before you set out to do it. A checklist keeps things in order:
- Towel radiator
- Wall brackets
- Radiator valves: thermostatic or manual
- Pipe cutter
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill
- Rawl plugs and screws
- Spanner
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- PTFE tape
- Plumbers’ tape
- Radiator bleed key
- Pipe connectors
- Bucket or towel (for water drainage)
All these tools and materials at hand will facilitate the installation process.
Step-by-Step Towel Radiator Installation Guide
Step One: Turn Off the Central Heating System
Before you start, it would be best to ensure your central heating is off. The last thing you’d want, especially when working on the plumbing, is for water running through the pipes. You will save yourself agony going through accidentally letting air into your system, which might then cause you problems if it affects heating efficiency.
Step Two: Drain the System
You will have to drain the part of the system where you will put the towel radiator. How to do this: Identify the radiator nearest to where the new towel radiator will be sited and use a radiator bleed key to allow the water to release the pressure. By the way, it is a good idea to catch the excess in a bucket or towel.
If your towel radiator is installed in a new location, you may need to extend the plumbing system or make some adjustments to the pipework. During installation, it’s good practice to shut off the water supply.
Step Three: Mark the Position for the Brackets
You have drained the system; now mark up the position for towel radiator brackets. Use a tape measure and spirit level to ensure the marks come out straight and level.
Hold the radiator up to the wall. Measure the distance between the mounting points and mark that position with a pencil. Double-check all the levels to make sure you get the installation right.
Step four: Drill holes and install wall brackets
Take the marks that guide you through the wall and proceed to make holes where you will screw your brackets. Ensure you make deep holes to hold your screws. Place raw plugs into the drilled holes for the firm foundation to screw into the wall with the wall brackets.
Ensure that the brackets fit snugly around the radiator and can hold its weight. This is very important when avoiding accidents or damage in case it gets installed.
Step Five: Mount the Towel Radiator to the Brackets
With the wall brackets fitting well and properly installed, it’s time to hang the towel radiator. It’s a bit heavy, so you need to lift it up properly to push it into slotting onto the brackets. Some towel radiators will clip or screw into place. Others have extra fixtures and will need fitting, according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Once you ensure the radiator is straight with your spirit level, then you tighten all the screws.
Step Six: Connect the Towel radiator to the Pipework
Connect the towel radiator to the plumbing system. Attach the valves to the radiator and then fix them in place with a spanner at the bottom. The first thing to do is apply PTFE tape to the radiator valve’s threads in order to create a watertight seal.
Then connect the radiator valves to the existing pipework with the applicable connectors. Tighten all the connections using an adjustable wrench. Check for leaks by wiping the area around the connections; everything should be sealed incorrectly.
Step Seven: Fill the System and Bleed the Radiator
Now, once the radiator is in good and proper connection, it is time to refill the central heating system. Start by opening the valve that will turn on the water supply and let the system refill. Monitor your pressure gauge so that you know when you have filled the system with the right pressure.
Allow the new coolant to settle through the radiator and allow it to drip for a few minutes before blending it with the radiator bleed key, removing all air trapped in the towel radiator. Rotate the key slowly until air is released; water should start flowing thereby implying the release of all air trapped in the system.
Step Eight: Test the System
Now that the radiator is installed and the air is bled, you can now test your newly fitted towel radiator. Switch on the central heating system and set the thermostat at an average set point. Ensure that the radiator is warming even and there are no leakages at any of the joins.
Conclusion
Installing a towel radiator in your bathroom is an excellent self-installation project that does much more for comfort and style. This step-by-step installation guide will walk you through the process so you can complete this installation with minimal hassle. Choose the proper radiator to go with connecting the plumbing to a seamless process ending.