Choosing Replacement Towel Rail By The Pipe Centres
Planning to upgrade your old radiator in the bathroom or cloakroom but worried about the hassle of moving tiles or floorboards? You're in the right place. At companyblue, we make radiator replacements simple by helping you choose the correct size towel rail radiator that fits your existing pipe centres.
Why Pipe Centres Matter When Replacing a Radiator
If your bathroom is already tiled or fitted, the last thing you want to do is change your plumbing layout. The key is to select a heated towel rail that closely matches the pipe centres of your current radiator. This avoids any need for extra plumbing work, saving you both time and cost.
Pipe centres refer to the distance between the centre points of your two existing inlet pipes. Knowing this measurement is essential when shopping for a new towel rail.
Measuring Your Existing Pipe Centres
To get an accurate measurement:
- Locate the pipes where they come out of the wall or floor.
- Use a tape measure to measure from the centre of one pipe to the centre of the other. Do not measure from the edges always centre to centre.
This measurement will help you find the best-fit towel rail from our extensive range.
Our Towel Rail Size Range
We stock heated towel rails in Chrome, Black, and White finishes, available directly from our Coventry warehouse for fast UK delivery. Our collection includes:
- Widths starting at just 200mm for compact spaces
- Increments of 50mm from 250mm up to 1000mm
- Increments of 100mm from 1000mm up to 1300mm
Whether you're upgrading a small ensuite or a large family bathroom, we have the perfect fit.
Updated Pipe Centre Calculation for Ladder Towel Rails
On standard ladder-style heated towel rails (HTRs), the pipe centre is now approximately 50mm less than the overall width of the towel rail.
Here are some examples:
- 800mm wide towel rail → 750mm pipe centre
- 700mm wide towel rail → 650mm pipe centre
- 600mm wide towel rail → 550mm pipe centre
- 500mm wide towel rail → 450mm pipe centre
- 400mm wide towel rail → 350mm pipe centre
For instance, our 800mm wide chrome towel rail has a pipe centre of 750mm.
What If My Measurement Isn't Exact?
Don't worry pipes often have a little flexibility. If your measured pipe centre is slightly different (within a few millimetres) from our standard towel rail sizes, you can usually adjust the pipes slightly to fit the new rail.
If you’re dealing with a more significant difference, angled radiator valves or corner radiator valves can help adapt to the towel rail's inlet spacing without needing to move your pipework.
Pipe Centres on Panel Radiators
Keep in mind that traditional panel radiators usually have pipe centres that are wider than the radiator body itself. So, if you're replacing a panel radiator with a towel rail, double-check your pipe spacing, as it may differ significantly.
THE ABOVE PHOTO OF THE TOWEL RADIATOR IS UPSIDE DOWN
Still Unsure Which Size You Need?
We’re happy to help! If you're unsure about your measurements or need guidance choosing the right towel rail:
- 📞 Call us on 02477 220 955
- 💬 Chat with us live on our website
- 📧 Send us a photo of your existing setup—we'll recommend the best fit!
Why Choose companyblue?
- 📦 Fast UK delivery from our Coventry warehouse
- 🔧 Wide range of sizes to fit any bathroom layout
- 🛠 Expert advice to help you avoid plumbing changes
- 💷 Competitive prices on high-quality heated towel rails
Don't let complex pipework stop you from having the bathroom upgrade you deserve. With our help, replacing your old radiator with a sleek, modern towel rail has never been easier.
