How to Remove a Cast Iron Radiator

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Things You'll Need

  • 2 adjustable crescent wrenches

  • Radiator bleed key

  • Towels

  • Bowl

  • Large bucket

Most people don't want big, clunky radiators sitting in their living rooms or kitchens once they've modernized their central-air systems. Others don't mind the look of cast iron radiators, but need to move them in order to paint or remodel the floor. Moving cast iron radiators isn't too difficult, although they're heavy and awkward pieces of equipment.

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Step 1

Close the manual control valve, which controls the radiator's temperature, by turning the valve clockwise until it can't turn anymore.

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Step 2

Remove the cap that covers the lockshield valve and turn it clockwise with an adjustable crescent wrench. Make note of the number of turns it takes so that you can return the radiator to the same setting (if you're putting it back in place).

Step 3

Move all floor coverings away from the radiator. Place towels and a small bucket or bowl underneath the manual control valve to catch the water that will spill out.

Step 4

Use an adjustable crescent wrench to hold the manual control valve firmly in place. Loosen the nut that connects the manual control valve to the radiator with a second crescent wrench. When you loosen the nut, water will come out of the radiator and pour into the bucket or bowl. When the bucket or bowl fills up, tighten the cap until the water stops, empty the bowl, put it back under the radiator and refill it again. Repeat the process until water no longer flows from the radiator.

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Step 5

Loosen the lockshield valve with two adjustable crescent wrenches, the same way you loosened the manual control valve.

Step 6

Lift the radiator off of the manual control valve and lockshield valve pipes and tilt it so the water that is still inside pours into a large bucket. When the radiator is completely empty and detached from the pipes, it can be safely moved.

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