Radiator refinishing...

Mark_125

Fellow Steamheads,

I've decided that once the heating season comes to an end I would like to get my radiators re-finished to remove any traces of lead paint that might be on them. Now this may sound like a dumb question, but should I be concerned that once all the radiators are disconnected on the second floor that the risers and the main might drop due to the lack of support from the radiators above?

Thanks,

Mark

pipeking

if

your worried about it, what u can do is put split ring hangers on the pipe where it comes thru the floor, that is the cheapest way, they also make riser clamps, they r a little more expensive but would prolly opt for the split ring hangers.

ALIGA

can you stick a block of wood under the neck of the valve

to keep it supported

heatpro02920

I agree

pipekings method is the best bet

Boiler Talk

Block the valve

That's what I would do, if there is no one around to hurt their toes. 

Mark_125

Just a 2x4 ?

Are you just talking about regular 2x lumber?

Patrick_North

Start in the basement.

Sounds like a good time to evaluate how well your mains are suspended in the basement. In my limited experience this is frequently lacking. Recently repaired a leaking flange union in our church's main caused by inadequate main support.

Good support in the basement keeps stress off the pipes, help to maintain proper pitch, etc. etc. With adequate support at the mains I wouldn't worry much about support at the radiators, though the suggestions already mentioned are good belt-and-suspenders measures.

Good luck.

Patrick