How To Disassemble Steam Radiator

Neal_2

We're trying to remove a 2-pipe radiator that someone helpfully installed on a 1-pipe system and we're not sure how to take the sections apart.



I've removed the bolt from between the sections (even though it appears in the photo).



It's a wall unit that has ten 2' sections. We've tried wiggling and levering and nothing seems to work. They're in very good shape. It would be a shame to have to break out the sledge.



Any suggestions would be most gratefully appreciated.



Thanks.



Neal

Joe V_2

You can...

...Find instructions at this link:



http://www.usboiler.burnham.com/products/baseboard-radiators/baseray

Neal_2

Thanks

Thank you, Joe.



That's what we were looking for.



Apparently, the sections are joined with a special "crimping" type tool. We're thinking that if we put a block under the joint and push, the sections will disconnect.



Thanks again for the timely guidance.



Neal

Joe V_2

I think

They are pressed together on push nipples.  There is an illustration of a tool that gives you enough leverage to pull apart.  I have never separated one but the tool looks like something that can be made rather than purchased.

Matthew Grallert

Radiator disassembly.

They are pressed together onto tapered push nipples.  If you place a fulcrum under the/a joint with something under the rad to catch the fall, with a bit of pressure the sections should slip apart.  I am always over cautious when I do this and if all goes well you can reuse the nipples. Good luck.

Peace

Matthew

Neal_2

Very Reassuring

Unlike the joining of the sections, there isn't a place for a lever to get a purchase and un-cam/un-press the pieces. Especially with the fresh broken screwdriver tip stuck between the sections.



I'll be trying the gentle fulcrum technique soon.



Film at eleven. (another great phrase being killed by technology)



Thanks for the support.



Neal

Charlie from wmass

Look above and below where the bolt is.

You can gently put a large straight blade screw drive in each slot and pry it a bit. once it moves a 1/16" it will come apart like nothing. They can be reassembled and push nipples are reusable. Base board can be installed on one pipe but it needs turned into 2 pipe for that baseboard. is it leaking?

Jamie Hall

If they're stubborn...

there's also an automotive tool -- most good auto parts stores -- used to separate or remove front end ball joints.



Are you sure you need to take the sections apart?  Why?

Neal_2

Because

Excellent suggestions.



We're taking it apart because currently there are ten 2' sections linked together (21' long) and since it no longer works the client wants it out of her living room.



We got sidetracked today but will attack the process tomorrow.



Thank you again for sharing your expertise and experience.



Neal

gerry gill

whats she planning

on doing for heat?

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Hey Gerry....

We put in a radiator that just fits the space.  This is the system with the boiler I just replaced.  The baseboard was connected with a 3/4 inch supply and 1/2 inch trap on the same end and the baseboard tilted up towards the air vent.  The two pipes ran out and around the corner and were tee'ed one above the other right back into the top of the one pipe steam supply.  Needless to say, it didn't work very well.  Just spent another day there and got the radiator hooked up, did another boiler cleaning, installed new main and Hofmann 1A rad vents and balanced the system.   The bathroom rads still heat up faster than the rest of the system, even at the lowest setting (they are also right above the boiler) but the rest of the system rads now comes up nice and evenly together.  The 1A at the lowest setting are the slowest vents around, unless someone has some steam era vents still around.  The system is mix of columnar, large tube, small tube and radiant convector so the venting rates really are all over the place, since the air volumes are so different for the heat outputs

gerry gill

wow..sounds like you had your hands full

with that house! They had the smarts to bring in the right man for the job though..sounds like you got 'er licked!

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Thanks Gerry......

it's been rewarding and after this winter the rewards should be even greater.