How to extend a radiator pipe?

[Comedyjules]

Hi,

We have recently removed an old radiator to have some replastering work done. We have bought a new radiator, but were unable to find the exact same size. The new radiator is currently about 3-4cm too wide for the existing position of our valves. Would it be possible for us to extend our current pipes, without using a plumber, or is this an option at all?

Your help would be gratefully received, we are new to the DIY/owning a house thing, and need expert advice....

Thanks in anticipation,

Comedy Jules

 

[corgiman]

get some rad valve extenders

availible at plumb centre

 

[kevplumb]

you might find these are handy

B***ER beat me to it

 

[Comedyjules]

Can we actually extend the pipes under the floor boards though?

 

[kevplumb]

yes you will need to drain down or freeze the pipe tho

 

[corgiman]

of course you can, but those are easier if you are happy changing the pipes why did you ask the question???

 

[scatmanjohn]

you might find these are handy

B***ER beat me to it

That won't work, the new rad is already too long.

 

[kevplumb]

 

[corgiman]

egg on our faces

sorry we just normally make sure we buy a rad that is smaller
sorry pipe change is the only way mate (or buy a smaller rad)

 

[scatmanjohn]

Can we actually extend the pipes under the floor boards though?

You should have got the next size down and then you could have used the extension pieces.
You can either get the pipework altered under the floor or take the rad back and swap it for a shorter one.

 

[corgiman]

ski ba ba ba doo snap

lol

 

[jobloggs]

Could probably make dogleg with 2 compression elbows joined by very short piece of pipe to to suit distance required.

Could use chrome elbows above floor level if appearance was not of paramount importance or brass if you can get below floorboard level.

 

[corgiman]

ewww horrible

why not just solder it??

 

[chrishutt]

There may be enough play in one (or both) of the pipes to move it out a bit more. Then you just need to adjust the hole in the floorboards.

 

[jobloggs]

Corgiman said

ewww horrible

why not just solder it??

If the original questioner could not figure out a solution I would not have a lot of faith in their ability to solder pipework. Finding 2 spanners the righ size might be taxing enough.