Pipe Sleeve Kits Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
If I have standard UK central heating with 15mm copper pipes, will these radiator pipe sleeve kits fit perfectly or do I need a special adapter?
These kits are made exactly for your 15mm pipes. The metal sleeve slides right over the copper pipe like a glove. You do not need any special adapters. It is a perfect fit for most UK homes.
My radiator pipes are already installed and connected to the valves, so can I fit these solid brass pipe sleeves without taking the radiator off the wall?
No, you cannot add solid sleeves to connected pipes. Because the sleeve is a solid metal tube, you must disconnect the valve first. This usually means you need to drain the water from the radiator before you slide the sleeve on.
I have very small 8mm or 10mm microbore pipes instead of standard 15mm pipes, so will these sleeve kits still work or will they be too loose?
You can still use them on microbore pipes. The sleeve will just feel a bit looser than it does on 15mm pipes. The floor plate covers the hole at the bottom, so nobody will see that the pipe inside is smaller.
What is the difference between the 130mm length sleeve kits and the longer 300mm sleeve kits, and which one should I buy for my towel rail?
The 130mm kit is for pipes that come out of the floor close to the radiator. The 300mm kit is extra long. You should buy the 300mm version if your radiator is hung very high on the wall or if you have a towel rail with legs that sit high off the floor.
If the metal pipe sleeve is too long for the gap between my floor and the radiator valve, am I able to cut it down to the correct size without ruining the finish?
Yes, you can cut them. Use a hacksaw to gently saw the tube to the right length. We suggest you put the cut end at the bottom inside the floor plate. This hides any rough edges so it looks neat.
My heating pipes come out of the wall instead of the floor, so can I still use these floor plates and sleeves to cover the horizontal pipework?
Yes, you can. The round plate (collar) can sit flat against the wall just as easily as it sits on the floor. It covers the messy hole in the plaster where the pipe comes through.
Do these metal pipe sleeves reduce the heat output of my central heating system by blocking the heat from the copper pipes?
No, they do not stop the heat. Metal is a good conductor. The heat from the water travels through the copper pipe and warms up the sleeve too. Your room will stay just as warm as before.
I am worried about rust and corrosion in my bathroom, so are these pipe sleeve kits made of plastic or solid metal?
The high-quality kits from Budget Radiators are made of solid brass. This is a strong metal that does not rust easily. They are then plated with chrome or paint to keep them looking shiny and new for years.
How do I stop the metal sleeve from rattling or sliding down the pipe if it is not a tight fit on my copper pipework?
Many kits come with small rubber rings or washers. You slide these onto the pipe to grip the sleeve in place. If yours does not have them, the sleeve usually sits firmly between the floor plate and the valve so it cannot move.
Can I use these radiator pipe sleeves on plastic barrier pipe instead of copper piping, or will the heat melt the plastic?
You can use them on plastic pipes safely. The sleeve just covers the plastic pipe to make it look like shiny metal. It does not harm the plastic plumbing at all.
What tools do I need to install a radiator pipe sleeve kit if I am doing a DIY installation at home?
You mainly need a spanner to undo the radiator valve and a hacksaw if you need to cut the sleeve shorter. You might also need a towel to catch any water drips when you disconnect the valve.
I have bought expensive Antique Brass radiator valves, so is it important to buy the exact same colour pipe sleeves?
Yes, it looks much better if they match. If you mix Chrome sleeves with Brass valves, it might look messy. Try to buy the sleeves and valves from the same range to get the perfect colour match.
What is the outer diameter of the actual sleeve tube, and will it look too bulky next to my slim designer radiator?
The outer width is usually about 18mm. This is only slightly wider than your 15mm pipe. It looks very neat and tidy, not bulky. It gives a solid, professional finish to the job.
Do the floor plates in the kit need to be glued to the floor or do they just sit there loose?
They usually just sit loose on the floor. The pipe holds them in place. You do not need to glue or screw them down. This makes it easy to lift them up if you ever need to clean the floor.
If I do not want to drain my system or remove the valves, is there any other way to cover my pipes quickly?
The only other way is to use snap-on covers. These are plastic sheets that wrap around the pipe. They are cheaper and easier to fit, but they do not look as premium or last as long as the solid brass sleeves.
Will the floor plate cover the messy gap where my laminate flooring has been cut around the radiator pipe?
Yes, that is exactly what the plate is for. It has a wide diameter (usually 44mm) which hides the jagged edges of your wood or laminate flooring around the pipe hole.
Can I install these sleeves on a dual fuel towel rail that has an electric element and water pipes?
You can use them on the water pipe side. For the electric cable side, you might need a different cover plate. Be careful not to trap the electric wire inside the metal sleeve.
How do I clean the pipe sleeves without scratching the chrome or painted finish?
Just use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dust. Do not use harsh chemicals or rough scouring pads. If you scrub them too hard, you might scratch the shiny chrome surface.
Are the pipe sleeve kits sold as a single item or do they come as a pair for both sides of the radiator?
They are almost always sold as a pair. One kit contains two tubes and two floor plates. This is enough to do one complete radiator.
What happens if my radiator pipes are slightly bent or not perfectly straight coming out of the floor?
The sleeve is a straight metal tube. If your pipe is very bent, the sleeve might not slide over it. You might need a plumber to straighten the copper pipe slightly before you can fit the sleeve.