Can you install a radiator upside down? (it will make sense if you read on)

yes as long as the air can escape when filling the rad, ie the pipes are running upwards all the way to an upstairs rad or air vent in the system,

 

hi, sorry to hi-jack the thread, but, Tom - do you mean a vent that is not part of the radiator (if there is nothing suitable directly above)?

 

That he does mean. Air in the rad will rise into the pipe above. If there is a radiator above the air will collect in that and vented through it air vent. If there is no rad above then an air vent has to be at the highest point of the system.

You could use chrome pipes from the tall rad into the ceiling above. You could fit in-line chrome valves above the rad. Depending on the type, they may look unsightly. You could have in-line radiator isolators in the floor space accessible by a removable panel or floorboard.

 

Got it. Thanks Walt

 

Air will rise up. If there are rads in the upstairs rooms the air will collect there. Once the air is removed all is fine. You need a chrome nut or something on the bottom of the tall rad to drain it.

 

I might sound a bit thick but will the hot water circulate all the way round or just stay at the top. ??

 

It is pumped so it will circulate around. When switched off the hot water will rise into the bedroom rads above.

 

I think the valves are a good idea for when you need to drain down and redirect the pipework to enter from the bottom or at least redirect the return to run at a lower level for the correct circulation across the rad to achieve the design output. Or if the design of the rad allows a drop tube into the rad on the return side. good luck.....

 

A drop tube can be made, but it needs a decent pipe fitter to do it rather than a DIYer