How to Fit a New Towel Radiator: A Step-by-Step Guide to Bathroom Heating

A towel radiator is more than just a stylish upgrade for your bathroom—it’s a practical solution that combines warmth, comfort, and modern design. From sleek chrome ladder radiators to bold designer models, there are countless options to suit any style. Not only do they dry and warm your towels, but they also contribute to efficient bathroom heating, keeping the space cosy and welcoming.

Fitting a new bathroom radiator may sound daunting, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be a rewarding DIY bathroom improvement project. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the radiator installation process, from preparation to connecting your new radiator to the pipework.

Preparing for Towel Radiator Installation

The easiest way to fit a towel radiator is to replace an existing radiator of the same width. This way, you can use the same pipework without draining your heating system or lifting floors and skirting boards.

1. Turn off your heating and let the system cool completely.

2. Isolate the old radiator by closing the valves on both sides.

3. Remove the radiator from the wall, carefully collecting any water that drains out.

If your new towel radiator is a different width, or if you’d like to upgrade to chrome pipes to match a modern radiator design, you’ll need to drain the system fully and alter the pipework. While this involves more work, modern plumbing fittings make the process manageable without specialist soldering skills.

Mounting a New Towel Radiator

Once the old radiator and brackets are removed, patch up the fixing holes with filler. Check that the wall can support the new radiator’s weight—especially when filled with water—and ensure there is at least 20cm clearance between the bottom rail and the floor.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Adjustable spanners

• Pipe wrench or water pump pliers

• Long spirit level

• Pencil and masking tape

• Pipe and cable detector

• Power drill with masonry or tile bits

• Screwdrivers

• Mini pipe cutter

• PTFE tape

• Filler

• Towel radiator with brackets and fixings

• Pair of radiator valves

• 15mm copper or chrome-plated pipe

• Telescopic extending radiator tails

• Compression elbow joints

How to Connect a Towel Radiator to Existing Pipework

If your new radiator matches the width of the old one, connecting it is straightforward:

1. Fit telescopic extending tails
   Attach the extending tails to the radiator’s inlet and outlet. It’s often easier to do this before mounting the radiator.

2. Install a compression elbow joint
   Connect the telescopic tail to the radiator inlet using a compression elbow joint. Cut a length of pipe to connect the elbow to the radiator valve, wrapping PTFE tape around threads for a watertight seal.

3. Remount the radiator
   Replace the valve head with the new one, then mount the radiator on its brackets. Connect the outlet pipe to the opposite side using compression fittings. Once all pipework is in place, carefully tighten the compression nuts with an adjustable spanner—don’t overtighten, as this may damage the fittings.

How to Run New Pipework to a Towel Radiator

For a new layout or when upgrading to a different radiator size, you’ll need to adjust the pipework. This involves draining the heating system, exposing the pipes, and cutting into the existing hot water supply.

1. Attach the valve to the radiator
   Wrap PTFE tape around the valve threads and fix them to the radiator.

2. Cut into the hot water supply pipe
   Use a mini pipe cutter for a clean cut, then smooth the edges with wire wool.

3. Extend the supply pipe
   Fit a push-fit straight coupler, then measure and cut a new section of pipe to extend the line to your radiator inlet.

4. Add chrome-plated pipework
   Measure and cut sections of chrome-plated pipe to create a neat finish from the radiator inlet down to the extended supply pipe.

5. Connect with compression fittings
   Use compression elbow joints to join the horizontal and vertical pipe sections. Apply PTFE tape on threaded fittings for extra security. Repeat the process for both sides of the radiator.

Once all connections are complete, turn your water and heating back on, checking for leaks before replacing flooring or skirting boards.

Final Thoughts on Towel Radiator Installation

Fitting a new bathroom radiator not only adds style to your space but also enhances comfort by combining warmth and functionality. Whether you’re upgrading an old unit with a sleek chrome ladder radiator or adding a designer feature for a high-end bathroom improvement, the process of radiator installation is achievable for confident DIYers with the right preparation.

From connecting simple pipework to running new chrome fittings, installing a towel radiator can transform your bathroom into a warm, inviting space while improving overall bathroom heating efficiency.