how to ease a radiator off for decorating?

You don't have to turn off the central heating,to do this, but it is advisable.
Once the rad is off the wall, you can switch the heating back on, but keep a close eye on any leakage just in case your valves are faulty and not closed fully!

Big Softy
November 2012

Turn off central heating.
Close valves at both ends of the rad. Unclip any brackets that hold the pipes.
Loosen the bleed nipple at the top side of the rad. Put down plastic sheeting, rags, and a container to collect any water. Make sure you have enough containers, and be aware that the water in the system may be very dirty!
Loosen one nut between the radiator and valves. This will allow the water in the rad to drain into your containers.
Once the rad is completely empty, tighten the bleed nipple and loosen the other nut between valve and rad.
This will allow the rad to be lifted about an inch or so and rotate away from the wall onto the floor.

After decorating, replace the rad on the wall, tighten both nuts securely, then open the rad valves.
You will need to bleed the rad by unscrewing the bleed nipple about 2 turns. You should hear a hiss as the air leaves. When water comes from the nipple close it up.
Then top up your boiler water pressure to the recommended pressure on your unit via the filling loop.

Big Softy
November 2012