How to price replacing a radiator
Radiator, TRVs, inhibitor and the time to drain down and refill: how to quote a like-for-like radiator swap in the UK.
For plumbers in the UK. Prices checked November 2026.
Worked example
“Replace one double panel radiator in the bedroom, same position.”
| Material | Qty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double panel convector radiator 600 x 1000mm | 1 | £75.00 | |
| Thermostatic radiator valve pack 15mm | 1 | £22.00 | |
| Central heating inhibitor 500ml | 1 | £16.00 | |
| PTFE thread seal tape 12m | 1 roll | £1.50 | |
| Labour, 2.1 hours at £55.00/hour | £115.50 | ||
| Transport | £25.00 | ||
| Total | £255.00 |
Typical UK retail prices including VAT, November 2026. Not VAT-registered example; add 20% to the total if you are. Rate is an example: use your own.
What customers expect to pay
Homeowners are told to expect £180–£300 for replacing a radiator, according to the Checkatrade cost guide. The worked example comes to £255.00.
Where the time goes
- Isolate or drain down, then refill and bleed0.8 h
- Remove old and hang new radiators1.3 h
Before you quote
- Check the pipe centres: a radiator with different centres means moving pipework.
- Freezing or isolating saves draining the whole system on a single swap.
- Always top up inhibitor after refilling and put it on the quote.
How the quantities are worked out
Each material is counted in the units merchants sell it in, with normal waste allowed, so you can order straight from the list. Labour is the on-site time for one competent tradesperson, including setting up, testing and clearing up. Change the measurements and the whole quote moves with them; that's what Quotable does for you on every job, with each material priced live at UK merchants.
Quote this job with today's prices
Type the job, check the lines, send a link your customer can accept and pay. Every material is priced live and linked to the product.