How to Fit a Bathroom Radiator: A 6-Step Guide for Beginners

5th Feb 2025

There's nothing better than stepping out of a hot bath or shower and into a warm bathroom. That's why having a bathroom radiator can make all the difference, helping you keep your space toasty all year round.

Thankfully, whether you're swapping out an old bathroom radiator that's not working or fitting one for the first time, the process is more straightforward than you might think.

In this guide, we'll walk you through installing a bathroom radiator using easy-to-follow steps so you'll have your space feeling cosy in no time. Plus, we've included some insider tips and tricks from our CEO, Brian Toward.

So, if you're ready to tackle fitting your new radiator, let's get started!

Choosing where to install your radiator

While you may not have given it much thought, deciding where to fit your radiator is just as important as choosing the right style.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Heating pipes – You’ll need to think about where your heating pipes are located, as your radiator will be connected to these later on.
Location – Usually, placing your radiator in the coolest part of the bathroom – often near a window or external wall – helps offset any heat loss and keeps your bathroom feeling snug.
Preventing rust and damage – The radiator should be far enough away (at least a metre) from your bath or shower to avoid rust damage from repeated splashes and chemicals used during deep cleans.
Distance from the floor – Another factor to consider is how high off the floor you mount your radiator. Brian explains: “Dust easily builds up in damp spaces, like your bathroom, reducing your radiator’s airflow and the amount of heat it lets out. Leaving around 10cm of clearance space below the radiator helps reduce dust and also comes in handy if you decide to switch radiators in the future. You’ll have more room to choose a bigger model without moving your furniture.”

Preparing the wall for installation

Before you can fit a wall-mounted bathroom radiator, you’ll need to prepare the wall space properly. This step is especially important if you’re working with tiled or panelled surfaces, as drilling in the wrong place might damage your walls or radiator brackets.

By taking the time to set up your walls correctly, you’ll have a secure foundation for your radiator – and avoid any potential issues down the line.

Here are three key stages to get your wall ready:

1. Measure and mark your wall

Start by deciding where to install the radiator - considering wall type and plumbing access - then carefully measure and make a guide for your screw holes. To do this, take your brackets and hold them up to the wall where you’d like the radiator to sit. Then, place a spirit level on top of the brackets to make sure everything’s straight before taking a pencil and marking the wall where the screws will go.

Brian says: “One of the best ways to avoid making any unwanted holes in your walls or tiles is to measure and mark carefully before drilling. That extra time spent double-checking is especially crucial if you’re working with expensive tiles, as the last thing you want is to crack them.”

2. Drill your holes

Once you’ve marked out your bracket holes, you’re ready to drill. It’s crucial to use the right drill bit and take your time to avoid damaging the wall surface. Wear goggles or eye protection in case any tiles break during the drilling process.

“When drilling through tiles – especially ceramic or porcelain – use a specialist bit designed for harder surfaces. A diamond-tipped bit is ideal, as it reduces the risk of cracks and chips,” says Brian. “For wall panels, check the manufacturer’s guidelines; you may need a different bit or technique to avoid damaging the material.”

He adds: “Go slowly and apply gentle, even pressure. To prevent the drill bit from wandering on tiled surfaces, place a small piece of masking tape on your mark. This gives the bit some grip, so you can drill exactly where you intended.”

3. Fit your wall plugs

After drilling, you’ll need to secure your wall plugs before mounting your radiator. This helps to support the weight of the radiator and prevent any damage or cracks to your wall surfaces.

“The type of wall plugs you need depends on your wall’s material. Tiles have different thicknesses and density levels, so picking the right plugs is vital to avoid any accidents,” Brian explains.

“If your bathroom walls are made of more delicate ceramic or porcelain tiles, you’ll need more heavy-duty fixings that spread out behind the surface and distribute the weight more evenly for a stronger hold. If you’re mounting directly onto the drywall, regular wall plugs should work well.”

“Gently tap the plugs into the holes until they’re flush and make sure they fit snugly – that way, your radiator stays put without any wobbling.”

How to fit a bathroom radiator in six steps

Whether you’re learning how to change a bathroom radiator for the first time or renovating your bathroom from the ground up, these step-by-step instructions will help you install your new radiator without any unnecessary hassle.

What you’ll need

Before you start, gather all the tools and materials you’ll need to fit your bathroom radiator. Having everything on hand will help the job go smoothly and save you from rummaging around mid-task.

To fit your new radiator or heated towel rail, you’ll need:

Pen or pencil
Adjustable wrenches
Drill and drill bits
Wall plugs and screws (usually provided with the radiator)
Spirit level
Pipe cutter
Radiator valves
PTFE tape
Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-step instructions

Now that you’ve got everything you need, follow these six simple steps to fit your bathroom radiator quickly and easily:

1. Attach the wall brackets

Start by fixing the wall brackets that hold your radiator in place. To do this, use the markings and wall plugs you prepared earlier and drill the brackets with the screws provided by the manufacturer.

Brian says: “When attaching your wall brackets, double-check that they’re level by balancing a spirit level over the brackets before fixing them in place with a screw. This ensures your radiator hangs evenly and avoids any leaks caused by uneven fittings. If your brackets aren’t aligned, even the smallest tilt can cause issues later on."

2. Fit your radiator valves

Next, install the radiator valves onto the supply and return pipes. These are used to connect your radiator to the central heating system and allow you to control the flow of water.

“Using PTFE tape is a must-have for preventing leaks,” says Brian. “Wrap it tightly around the valve threads at least five times to make sure you’ve got a solid, leak-free connection. Then move the valve into place and tighten it.”

For a more detailed explanation, learn how to fit a radiator valve with our guide.

3. Mount the radiator

Once your brackets and valves are in place, it’s time to mount the radiator onto the wall. Or, if you’re fitting a floor-standing model, this is when you’ll attach the radiator feet by screwing them into place below your radiator. To mount the radiator, carefully lift it onto the brackets, ensuring it clicks securely into place.

“Take your time when hanging your new radiator on the wall,” Brian advises. “Lift it gently to avoid scratching your walls or damaging the brackets, and don’t let go until it clicks into place properly. If you’re fitting a heavier model, get someone to help – teamwork will make the job much easier and reduce the risk of dropping it on your foot or damaging your flooring.”

4. Connect your radiator

Next, it’s time to connect your radiator. For standard central heating radiators, you can do this yourself by aligning your pipes with the radiator valves and tightening the fittings using an adjustable wrench. Just make sure your heating system is completely turned off before this step.

Brian adds: “If your pipes don’t line up properly, you can use a pipe cutter to bring them to size and ensure a secure connection. To do this, place the pipe cutter over the end of the pipe and rotate clockwise to cut. Ensure you always wear eye protection when cutting pipes, in case there’s any splintering.”

“For electric models, I always recommend calling in a qualified electrician,” he says. “It’s the safest way to ensure everything is wired correctly and up to standard – especially in a bathroom, where water and electricity are close together.”

5. Fill and bleed the radiator

Once your radiator is mounted and connected, it’s time to fill it with water and then bleed it.

To do this, turn on the water supply and open the valves to allow water to flow into the radiator. Then, use a radiator key to remove any trapped air by turning the bleed valve until water starts to flow steadily.

“Bleeding the radiator is a quick and essential step to get rid of trapped air,” Brian explains. “If you skip this step, your radiator won’t heat up evenly, and you might hear those annoying gurgling sounds when the heating’s on.”

6. Test the heating

Finally, test your radiator to check it’s working properly. Turn on your heating system and check your radiator for leaks or cold spots. If everything feels warm and even, your radiator is ready to go!

“Always do a thorough check once your radiator is installed,” says Brian. “Run your hand over the surface to ensure it’s heating evenly, and look around the fittings for any signs of leaks. A quick test will give you peace of mind and ensure your bathroom stays warm and cosy.”

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace my bathroom radiator with a different style?>

Yes, you can replace your radiator with a different style. If your old radiator has stopped working or you’re ready for a change, opting for a more modern replacement – like a space-saving towel radiator or a sleek panel radiator – is a great way to update your space.

Just make sure to check the dimensions and pipe spacing to ensure the new radiator will fit your current setup. Otherwise, you might have to move some of your furniture to accommodate a larger model.

Do I need a specific radiator for my bathroom?

Bathrooms usually have higher humidity levels than other rooms in your home, so it’s a good idea to choose a radiator that’s designed for these conditions. Many specific bathroom radiators are made from rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or have special coatings to protect them from corrosion.

For help finding the right model, see our helpful radiator buying guide.

How can I stop my bathroom radiator from rusting?

To prevent your radiators becoming rusty, keep them dry by wiping away any condensation or splashes regularly. Most radiators have already been treated with a rust-resistant finish, but this can break down over time – especially if you’re using harsh chemicals to clean it. You can combat this using anti-corrosion products for added peace of mind.

“A little regular maintenance goes a long way,” Brian explains. “Wipe down your radiator after steamy showers and avoid letting harsh, abrasive cleaning products sit on the surface for too long, as this can damage the radiator’s coating. Regular upkeep is an easy way to keep rust at bay and help your radiators stay looking and working as they should.”

Why is my bathroom radiator not working?

If your new radiator isn’t heating up, it could be due to trapped air in the system or an issue with the pipe connections.

“If your radiator isn’t warming up after installation, it’s usually a simple fix,” says Brian. “Start by bleeding your radiator first, as the most common cause is air trapped in the system. If that doesn’t work, the next step is to check the valve connections. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of tightening things up.”

Upgrade your bathroom heating with Wholesale Domestic

Whether you’re replacing your old heating system or creating a new bathroom from scratch, a well-installed radiator makes all the difference in keeping your bathroom comfortable year-round.

At Wholesale Domestic, we offer a wide range of radiators and heated towel rails to help you transform your space. You’ll also find all of the necessary heating accessories to complete your setup, including radiator valves, radiator feet, and heating elements.

For more expert tips and bathroom inspiration, check out our blog. Or, for more advice on finding the perfect radiator, contact us today – our friendly team is always happy to help.