Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

Pressure Testing Radiators

Options
152NP
152NP Member Posts: 49
in THE MAIN WALL
What is the most effective way to pressure test old cast iron hot water radiators? I am installing a new hot water system in my house using salvaged radiators and would like to test each one before installing them. I was thinking of testing them using compressed air and a pressure gauge.

Thanks

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,856
    Options
    Instead of air

    use water. Leaks will show up much more easily. Vent all the air from the rad and run it up to 30 PSI. If it holds this pressure and doesn't leak for 15 minutes or so, it's OK.



    Using water is safer too. If a bad section lets go, the resulting explosion from a rad filled with air can hurt someone. With water there isn't nearly the amount of explosive energy. But you still need to be careful!
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • 152NP
    152NP Member Posts: 49
    Options
    Pressure testing

    How are you pressurizing the water?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    Can you,

    pressurize-it from your incoming water pressure, but stop it at 30 PSI?

    That`s a hydrostatic test.



    You can compress air,, but not water!
  • Devan
    Devan Member Posts: 138
    Options
    just did this

    converting a two pipe steam in a total house renovation job into hot water. Pulled out the guts in the traps, new trv valves on the supply, and new air vents. Pump everything up with air at 25 psi, (2x the working pressure on a hydronic system), left with air over night.

    Seems ok. But I agree, if water is available a water test is just as good, or better.
  • 152NP
    152NP Member Posts: 49
    Options
    Pressure Testing Radiators

    I appreciate everyone's advice.  I understand the safety concerns, but I think I will try air pressure first.  I routinely work with 120psi air without any problems, so 25psi does not worry me at all. I can see water being more useful in determining the location of the leak, but soapy water could work for air.



    Thanks everyone!
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,322
    Options
    The air sometimes does not show any leaks

    The water will show more of the leaks. Also remember when the radiators heat up to 180 degrees and 12 pounds leaks show that did not show at room temperature and 60 pounds of air pressure.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • Devan
    Devan Member Posts: 138
    Options
    We'll see

    I will only know for sure when filled with water, there's still the old supply and return pipes behind the plaster walls. Radiators are the least of my concerns.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,856
    Options
    Which is why

    our company does not convert steam systems to hot-water. 
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
This discussion has been closed.

Categories