Remove Cast Iron Radiator from Bedroom Only.

Brad White

It really depends on your skill set, confidence and handiness plus the tools you may or may not have. With winter coming, if you are shy of this in any way, this is no time to experiment. Worst thing if you fall short of time is that you have an electric heater in the bedroom.

1. Can you isolate that radiator (say, in the basement, not to trust any angle valves at the radiator itself)? If not, you have to drain the entire system. That means shutting it down for safety reasons. If any doubts, call a pro.

2. When you say "will keep", I assume you mean that you will re-install it somewhere else?

3. How handy are you? Honest assessment of your skills and ability to recover from the occasional "oops!"

If you do go ahead and remove it, I suspect a total drain-down of the system.

If you are relocating the radiator, then you will probably want to add valves and drains at the old main connections to allow you a point to connect your new branches to the new locations. (Personally, I like ball valves and drain valves on the bases of all of my risers to all radiators.)

If you are reinstalling the radiator, it is a good time to add a TRV (thermostatic radiator valve) in place of a hand-valve on the radiator. This will allow you a bit more high-limit control so you can "sleep cool" if you like that. I mean, as long as you have it all open and everything.

Tools you will need: Pipe wrenches, one with a "helper" (piece of 1" pipe slipped over the handle as a lever).

Spud wrench to remove fittings.

WD-40. Go on, you know you have it.

Pipe dope, teflon tape, solder, torch, depending on your using copper or iron pipe.

Are you up to this? You may well be, just have to ask.

Christine Fenton

Remove Cast Iron Radiator

How do I remove a cast iron radiator from the bedroom? We never have it turned on and its in an awkward spot for furnishings...will keep, but want it out before winter. Is it something I can do myself? And how difficult a job is it? Thanks