Ordering and fitting a new radiator

[PeterC]

OK, not a big job, but...

I have a 600x1400 type 11 that I'd like to replace with a type 21 (don't want to go to 22 as space is limited). The 11 will go in another room.

The pipes are soldered in and cunningly bent, so getting them to reach the extra distance from the wall (~20mm) can't be done by just bending them. I don't own a torch and have never needed one at home, so am reluctant to buy one (if I do have to, what's a good one that's not too expensive?).

Are Stelrad OK? (SF has an offer on Kudox Premium, but these go to only

1200mm :-( ). I've found this one ISTR that the suppliers site was mentioned in this group.

Now, I've heard of rads. being delivered somewahat the worse for the experience, so is it 'safe' to get one delivered rather than fetching it? I suppose it depends on the supplier, packaging and, of course, the vandroid.

Thanks.

[John Rumm]

Depending on what you can get at, you may be able to cut off the existing tails of pipe and leave enough straight pipe you use pushfit fittings, and bit of plastic pipe and new valves. That way no need for a torch.

If you do want to solder, then for 15mm pipe Are Stelrad OK? (SF has an offer on Kudox Premium, but these go to only

Getting single panel rads delivered un bent can be a challenge - but double panel ones are usually fine. Having said that, there are plenty of SF trade centres now.

[PeterC]

Thanks John. Rather bizarrely, I do have the other necessities.

I've done a lot of soldering of copper pipes, but not for >20 years and not with leadless solder - but there just might be a bit of old stuff lurking in a corner somewhere.

That's not so bad. Yes, there a SF about 12 miles away, but me back wheel might collapse!

[John Rumm]

Lead/tin solder will be fine on central heating pipework anyway... (even if not PC!)

[Andrew Gabriel]

AFAIK, it's still allowed for non-potable water. I can't say I see much difference between leaded and lead-free when using them for plumbing anyway.

[John Rumm]

Yup agreed - apart from feeling too light to be proper solder, the lead free seems to work well enough on pipes. (not sure sure its a good idea on electronics though!)

[PeterC]

So rads. OK then - and I've enough cored and plain 'proper' solder for elctronic/electrical jobs to last 50 years, which at the age of 63...

[geoff]

I've just bought 25 x 500g reels of solder

I'm HOPING that will last 2 years

[PeterC]

Went to PlumbCenter in Northampton, rad. I wanted was £198+VAT+Del! Ordered from PlumbTraders, same item, £90.99 inc. VAR and Del(! again).[1] Had e-mail v. shortly after placing order to confir; had ref. no. but no carrier. Also had day expected (following day) which I missed as PT had stated 2 days. Got home to find a card, properly filled in with name, tel., etc. - it was from PlumbCenter in Northampton! Rang up, del. for 08:00 - 10:30 next morning - great! Not delivered; rang; van broken down. Del. arranged for 15:00 - 16:00. Rad. arrived at ~15:30.

Now, that's the way to do it: delivery when stated (withing controllable circumstances), no carrier involved (PC uses its own vans to avoid dammage to goods) and straightforward answers.

[1] One wonders why PT can manage this price via PC that can't. Also a bit of concern re. PT being '...part of the Traders Group...' as it sounded a bit dodgey, but, if I'd been in at the right time it all would have been excellent. Seems that even a single panel would survive this system.