Radiator Piping All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Markyb2511]

Hi (first post),

I am currently renovating my house and have got the main part of all the work done (plastering / doors / windows etc) and have one last job I need to do which is to change the copper piping leading to my kitchen radiator due to it being caked in paint and looking really scruffy.

The piping used is 8mm microbore which I may change to 15mm if i decide to change the radiator and valves as well.

How would I go about doing this? Is it a case of cutting the existing pipe and soldering a new piece of pipe on? Will turning the water off at the stopcock prevent water pouring everywhere or does it need turning off at the hot water pump as well (I have a tank in the attic and the pump is there as well).

Thanks

MB

[Cheesie1]

If ur cutting into the pipework on the central heating, you need to drain the whole system via a drainpoint, u can either turn mains stopcock or isolation valve on the header tank (small one for heating) to prevent filling back up!

[htg engineer]

Keep all pipework the same to prevent balancing problems - if all radiators are fed by 8mm pipe - use 8mm, or change all to 155mm


htg

[jimbob22]

I would fit as short a length of 15mm copper pipe as possible to clear below the floor level or other view and then use a 15mm x 8mm pushfit connector for simplicity, or a 15mm x 15mm straight (or elbow) with a 15mm x 8mm reducer insert.

The 8mm pipe length left and its location will perhaps decide for you

Make life easy and always cut copper pipe with a rotating blade but watch out for ovalising the pipe by not rotating the cutter enough.
Carry wire wool and all will end well.

If the 15mm sections are fairly short there should be no balancing problems.


Happy Piping :D

[jimbob22]

Woops!

Forget all that.

Spend a pound at Screwfix or Toolstation or similar and get a snap-on 15mm radiator pipe cover - any color you want and 6 seconds to fit !