If you want to renovate your home, you may find yourself needing to move the radiator. Some homeowners also decide to relocate the radiator if they feel the need to install more. Regardless of the reason you want to shift this part of your heating system, you probably wonder how much it will cost you to get the job done.
The Average Price for a Radiator Move
It may surprise you to learn that moving a radiator won’t hurt your budget too much. In most instances, this is a straightforward job that any plumber or tradesman can complete in a reasonable amount of time.
The total cost depends on what you want to accomplish. On how much to move the radiator, and time taken, it should take an expert about 2 hours to complete. Expect to pay about £50 for materials and another £100 for labour. If you choose to add another radiator, the price will go up a bit. Most plumbers need about 3-4 hours to finish this project, and you’ll end up spending about £160 on labour costs. You’ll also have to figure a new radiator in your budget, so expect the price for materials to increase to about £120, give or take.
Once the tradesman or plumber finishes moving the radiator, a bleed is always necessary. This task only takes about 30 minutes, and it’s the best way to make sure everything hooks up and working correctly. The cost to bleed a radiator is an additional £50, plus about £5 for materials.
Plumber versus a Tradesman
Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure your radiator move goes as planned. You’ll need to choose between hiring a local tradesperson or a plumber. Both should know how to complete the job without any problems.
Plumbers have undergone extensive training. They are the most helpful if you own an older home where you may need help properly fitting a new radiator. If the project is straightforward, you may feel comfortable choosing a skilled tradesperson. However, remember that you may still need to call out a plumber to look over everything after the move is complete.
Always get a couple of quotes before you make your final selection. Remember that you should choose the person who seems the most capable of doing the job right.
Why DIY Isn’t Recommended
Since most homeowners only want to move the radiator a few feet or so within the same room, many are tempted to do it on their own. Sure, this will reduce the total cost—after all, you won’t have to pay anyone for their time. But, there are many reasons why hiring a professional is a better option.
First and foremost, moving a radiator may affect your current heating system. There are a lot of pipes involved in the project. One wrong move may leave you with a bigger mess on your hands. Additionally, you need to make sure the radiator and boiler are compatible with each other.
The best way to complete a radiator move is to hire a plumber who understands all the nuances involved. A plumber will ensure you have the right type and size radiator for your home. They will also bleed the radiator and perform a heating system test to make sure everything runs properly in the end.
Only attempt to move a radiator by yourself if you have some plumbing knowledge and are not worried about what you may find in the pipes. Otherwise, going with a plumber is a wise choice.