"Designer" radiator inlet and outlet issue.

[Hillabaloo]

I've bought 4 new rads to replace existing ones. They are all singles and have inlet marked on lefthand side. The problem is that the existing pipework (microbore, plastered in-wall) has the inflow sometimes on the right and sometimes on the left. As the rads are singles I can't reverse them. It would be a real pain to replumb - floorboards up, replaster etc. What is the consequence of incorrect installation? Is it just an efficiency problem, e.g. it would take longer to warm up?

 

[IND_Nick]

Normally they have a direction of flow due to baffles being in place to direct the water round. If they are not piped correctly the flow could just pass through the bottom without rising through the whole radiator. Could you not just hang them and if they don't heat up simply reverse the pipes under the floor for the affectedradiator?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

They don’t work easier to switch to doubles or leave existing rads in / update to new ones ?

 

[Hillabaloo]

Thanks IND_Nick. I agree that reconfiguring pipework would only be necessary under floorboards.

 

[townfanjon]

Even though they are marked flow / return its worth ringing the manufacturer to ask if its absolutely essential.
I have just done it and the manufacturer said it didn't matter

 

[Hillabaloo]

Even though they are marked flow / return its worth ringing the manufacturer to ask if its absolutely essential.
I have just done it and the manufacturer said it didn't matter

Hi, thats good to hear. I've emailed them. Thanks.