replacing steam radiator

rdema19403

my wife friend has an old steam radiator what are the option replacing it with something newer than the one in this image i am posting
Thanks in advance

Jamie Hall

Main thing is to try and find one at least approximately the same size. One can buy new ones, although they are a bit pricey, but depending on where you are there are usually recycling places and junkyards which may have them, and they often turn up on Craigslist.

How on earth did it busted like that?

rdema19403

no idea is does it have to be replaced by the same type of radiator any ideas if their is something newer it can be replaced with

Jamie Hall

No, it doesn't have to be replaced with the same type -- but unless you know that the old one was either too big or too small for the space, it would be wise to pick one with more or less the same capacity.

You will probably have to replace the trap and valve anyway, unless you get really lucky and manage to get the old spuds out without damage and they fit the new radiator.

Steamhead

That looks like freezing damage- is this a steam or hot-water system?

Jamie Hall

Steamhead said:

That looks like freezing damage- is this a steam or hot-water system?

That's what I thought, too -- but the OP says steam, so...

nicholas bonham-carter

It may have been turned off at the valve, and had thus filled with water, and frozen.—NBC

Dave in QCA

I have seen a lot for radiators damaged by freezing. They almost always crack along the rib of the section. I have never seen one crack like this. It looks like hammer damage to me.

Steamhead

Dave in QCA said:

. I have never seen one crack like this.

I have. It's just a matter of where the weak point is.

rdema19403

i was wondering what could it be replaced with that is old technology any ideas what it could be replaced with or what is available? it is a hot water system
Thanks in advance

ratio

If it's replaced with a radiator of ± the same size (we can help check the sizes), the problems should be fairly straightforward. If the type of heat is changed (e.g. to baseboard), there will be significant issues that will need to be considered before-hand: an contractor experienced with hydronic work will need to be consulted.

rdema19403

the dimensions


are 36inches x 28 x 10 inches

Jamie Hall

A common enough size... depending on where you are, many scrap and salvage yards have radiators. Which you have to check for leaks. You can also purchase brand new ones, but they are more expensive, naturally.

rdema19403

could you something like this to replace it?

Jamie Hall

Sure. Just make sure that the EDR ratings are similar.

nicholas bonham-carter

I think the classic cast iron model will be better, as its considerable thermal mass will retain the heat in between firings.
Your illustration shows one more like a convector.—NBC