The radiator in our hallway has recently been slowly and quietly oozing an effluent the colour and consistency of treacle. I think it is water seeping through the increasingly rusting valves.
I've been meaning to do something about it for a while, but I was finally spurred to action when I saw a contact on Twitter mention late one evening that their bedroom radiator had burst, causing a fair bit of damage.
So, chest still puffed-up from my recent washing machine fixing exploits, I embarked on some DIY.
The first step I took, this being 2012, was to fire-up the Internet to search the phrase 'how to replace a radiator'. Because, I've never done this before. I figured it couldn't be too hard, and the two video guides I watched seemed to confirm this view. Another search located a replacement radiator of the correct size at Wickes, and for only £20, I was well on the way to another excellent saving.
It was easy to take off the old radiator. Just loosen, bleed, and remove. I did this in 15 minutes. Here I hit my first snag - the old brackets were too high on the wall for the new radiator. "No problem Tom, just go to the cupboard to get your drill...erm, Gemma, where is our drill?" Gemma now reminded my that I had lent it to her sister. Who was at work. Until 7pm. I sent her a message, and two hours later I was able to arrange to get her keys from her and pick up the drill from her flat. Back in business.
Once the radiator was in place, I found that it needed some new valve connectors, you know, to connect the radiator to the valves. The old ones were no good to use, so this necessitated a trip to B&Q. They only sold whole valves, so I had to pay a little more than I wanted, but by now the house had cooled right down and I was keen to get the job finished.
I connected the valves and commenced re-filling. Uh-oh! Both connectors were leaking. I hadn't tightened them nearly enough, and I didn't have the correct tool, a radiator spanner. So, back to B&Q to buy one, plus some sealing tape for good measure.
This time, no drips. Achey success was mine.
Comments