Important Delivery & Handling Information for Your Cast Iron Radiators
Every cast iron radiator we supply is built to your exact specifications and pressure tested to ensure it is watertight and free from leaks. However, improper handling can cause damage. To help you keep your radiators in perfect condition, a Customer Care Sheet will be included with your delivery, and key details are outlined below.
Installation Booking
We strongly advise against booking any plumbing or installation work until you have received and thoroughly inspected your radiators. While we aim to dispatch orders within 14 working days, this may vary depending on demand. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any costs incurred due to scheduling installers before delivery or for any delays beyond our control.
Manual Handling on Delivery
Cast iron radiators are extremely heavy, and it is essential to have adequate manpower on hand to unload your delivery. The delivery driver is not permitted to assist with manual handling and will deliver only to the kerbside nearest your property. [Click here] to read more about safe handling procedures.
While supported on the pallet, the radiator remains stable. However, once removed, it must be carried upright at all times. The most common cause of leaks is incorrect handling—such as dragging the radiator or lifting it horizontally without supporting the middle— which places stress on the joints and gaskets.
To lift the radiator safely, insert two short lengths of wood (padded if possible) between the last two sections at either end to act as handles. Always carry the radiator vertically and never attempt to lift one alone. Improper handling can damage the internal seals and lead to leaks.
For your safety and to avoid damage, always follow official HSE manual handling guidelines when moving heavy items.
Painted Radiators
While we take great care to package our radiators securely, minor cosmetic marks or scuffs may occasionally occur during transit. To help minimise this, all radiators are well-protected during shipping. Should any marks appear during delivery or installation, a touch-up paint pot is included to easily cover light scratches or blemishes.
Polished Radiators
Our fully polished radiators showcase the raw beauty of cast iron, with a lustrous finish that enhances the natural surface. However, because the metal is exposed to air and moisture, it is important to maintain the polished areas to prevent rust. We recommend using a soft cloth lightly sprayed with WD40 to wipe down all polished surfaces regularly. Please note that the polished finish is applied to the front, top, and sides of the radiator—the rear is left unpolished, as this area is typically inaccessible once the radiator is installed against the wall. This is unnecessary if your radiator is lacquered.
Important Installation Guidelines
Cast iron radiators are designed for use with closed heating systems only and are not suitable for secondary hot water (HWS) circuits. After installation, the entire heating system must be thoroughly flushed to remove any flux residue and installation debris. If a chemical cleaner is used, it must also be fully flushed from the system before adding a corrosion inhibitor.
To protect your radiators, we recommend using high-quality water treatment products—such as those from Fernox—which have been tested and shown to be compatible with our gasket materials. Be aware that not all chemical treatments are compatible, and overdosing the system can lead to issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying inhibitors and consider the mix of metals in your system.
System flushing and design must comply with British Standards: BS 5449, BS 1990, BS EN 12828:2003, and BS 7593. We also advise against the use of water softeners in heating systems, as they may negatively affect gasket performance.
Please note: failure to follow these installation and treatment guidelines may invalidate your warranty.
Wall Stay Installation Guide
There are two common methods for fitting a wall stay.
Method 1: Fix the wall stay to the wall first, then carefully position the radiator so that the stay passes through the gap between two sections. Once in place, attach the front mounting plate as shown in Figure 1.
Method 2: Alternatively, you can start by fitting the stay through the gap between two radiator sections and securing the mounting plate to the inside rear of the radiator, as shown in Figure 2. After installation, the threaded rod can be trimmed to the desired length.
Valve Installation Instructions
One of the most common causes of leaks is overtightening the valve tails into the bottom end caps of your cast iron radiator. When fitting the valves, first tighten them by hand until secure, then use a spanner to turn them further until you feel moderate resistance. A 4-inch (100mm) spanner is ideal, as it helps prevent overtightening. Avoid using larger tools such as 8-inch or 18-inch spanners or Stilsons, which can crack threads or end caps due to excessive force.
To ensure a watertight seal, a suitable thread sealant must be used. We recommend LSX sealant, which is widely available at plumbers’ merchants, though PTFE tape is also an acceptable alternative.
In most cases, it will not be necessary to remove or adjust the radiator end caps. However, if you do need to remove them, re-tighten gently, applying just enough pressure to create a reliable seal.
Guarantee
Provided that the guidelines for handling, installation, water treatment, and operation have been followed, your cast iron radiators come with a 10-year guarantee—and a 25-year guarantee for our Sovereign Range—starting from the date of delivery.
Please note that the guarantee does not cover damage caused by system debris, scale build-up, or leaks from joins or sections that were not assembled by us at the factory. To maintain your guarantee, your heating system must be treated with a suitable inhibitor to manage pH levels and eliminate dissolved oxygen.
For added protection, we strongly recommend fitting a magnetic system filter—such as one from MagnaClean—to your boiler. This helps capture iron filings and other contaminants, offering long-term protection for both your radiators and boiler.
