Central heating

Should I get a plumbing and Heating survey when purchasing a property?

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It’s one thing getting a property survey but it’s a totally different kettle of fish having the plumbing and heating thoroughly checked. 

This is one of our favorite jobs at Flush. It involves a few hours of investigation into a plumbing and heating system. We will inspect how each part of the system performs and inform you what work may be required. This gives the potential purchaser a full understanding of the system and if any unexpected problems which may occur so they can be accounted for during the negotiation of the sale. In the past we have uncovered unsafe gas appliances, broken boilers and a huge list of plumbing nightmares. 

It’s advisable to have a plumbing and heating survey carried out if you’re unsure about any part of the installation, or if a surveyor has flagged anything concerning them.  

You should expect the drainage to be checked of all the appliances, toilets, basins, baths, showers, and sinks. The heating system will be checked throughout, checking the radiators heat up, and thermostatic radiator valves are operational. We’ll check showers function correctly and the condition and age of any taps. 

It’s also advisable to have a Gas safe certificate, this is a safety check of all the gas appliances in the property (Boiler, cooker, hob, fires, etc). This will check that the appliances are working efficiently, there’s no gas leaks and they have been correctly installed. A separate certificate will be provided for this and it should be carried out by an engineer who is Gas safe registered. 

We provide a 7 page document listing all the checks which have been carried out. Here’s a small example of what’s included. 

Or you can also see how we at Flush Plumbing and Heating carry out a survey here.

How to remove a household radiator ?

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Welcome to this tutorial on how to remove a household radiator. Whether you’re renovating your home or just need to replace a faulty radiator, removing it can seem like a daunting task. But with a few simple tools and some basic knowledge, you can do it yourself.

First, let’s start with safety. Before you begin, make sure the central heating system is switched off and the radiator is cool to the touch. This will prevent any accidents or injuries.

Next, gather the tools you’ll need. You’ll need a radiator key or spanner, a bucket or container to catch any water, and some rags or towels to clean up any spills.

Step 1: Turn off the valves

The first step is to turn off the valves at either end of the radiator. These are usually located at the bottom of the radiator, and can be turned off using a radiator key or spanner. Turn them clockwise to close them.

Step 2: Drain the radiator

Once the valves are closed, you’ll need to drain the radiator. Place a container or bucket under the valve at the bottom of the radiator and loosen the nut next to the radiator  using an adjustable spanner. This will allow any water in the radiator to drain out. You may need to use a towel or rag to catch any spills.

Step 3: Loosen the nuts

Once the radiator is drained, you can disconnect the nut from the opposite side of he radiator.

Step 4: Remove the radiator

With the nuts disconnected, you should be able to lift the radiator off its brackets and remove it from the wall. Be sure to have someone help you with this step, as radiators can be heavy and awkward to handle.

Step 5: Clean up

Once the radiator is removed, you may have some water or debris left on the floor or wall. Use a towel or rag to clean up any spills, and be sure to dispose of the water properly.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully removed a household radiator. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more home improvement tutorials.

Watch our video here…

Tools required

Adjustable spanner – https://amzn.to/3E8QtAI

Grips – https://amzn.to/3E8QtAI

Highly recommended Wet and dry hoover (aqua vac) https://amzn.to/3E8QtAI

This wet vac is one of the best on the market and does not spit when using it. 

Plumb tub https://amzn.to/3E8QtAI 

Bleed keys https://amzn.to/3xq7OBc

15mm compression caps – https://amzn.to/3XyNAQy