Radiators and central heating
Radiator swaps, moves and removals, thermostatic valves, pumps, controls, and heating that just won’t come on.
What we do
- Radiator replacement — like-for-like or a different size
- Moving a radiator for decorating or a new kitchen layout
- Removing a radiator and capping off
- Adding a radiator to an existing system, where the boiler can take it
- Thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) replacement — the most common cause of one radiator that stays cold or stays hot
- Circulation pump replacement
- Room thermostats, programmers and smart controls
- Balancing the system so the far radiators heat properly
- Leaks on heating pipework
Common problems and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Usually |
|---|---|
| Radiator cold at the top, warm at the bottom | Trapped air — needs bleeding. Free, five minutes. |
| Radiator cold at the bottom, warm at the top | Sludge — see power flushing |
| One radiator cold, rest fine | Stuck TRV pin or a closed lockshield valve |
| Radiators furthest from boiler cold | System needs balancing, or a weak pump |
| All radiators cold, boiler running | Pump, diverter valve or a controls fault |
| Heating comes on at odd times | Programmer settings, or a thermostat with flat batteries |
Smart controls
Nest, Hive, Tado and similar can genuinely cut bills if your heating is currently controlled by an old mechanical timer. They’re less useful if you already have decent zoned controls. We’ll fit whatever you’ve chosen, or tell you if we think it won’t pay for itself in your house.
Common questions
Can you move a radiator for my new kitchen?
Usually yes, as long as the pipework can be reached. We will look and tell you what is involved before quoting.
Why is only one radiator cold?
Nine times out of ten it is a stuck pin in the thermostatic valve, which is a cheap fix. Try turning the valve fully on and off a few times first — it sometimes frees itself.
Can I add a radiator?
Often yes, but the boiler has to be able to cope with the extra load and the pipework has to reach. We will check both.
Do you fit designer or column radiators?
Yes. Heavier radiators may need wall reinforcement, especially on stud walls — worth mentioning when you ring.