Cleaning radiators

heatinghelpfor3

I have 17 cast iron steam radiators on a 1 pipe system, they have been in the house at least 60 years (probably longer),is it a good idea to disconnect them and flush/ rinse them out to try and get the scale / rust out ? Thanks.

Gsmith

Basically not needed unless you have a specific problem. Think of it this way, they have been steam cleaned and flushed by distilled water every time the boiler comes on.

heatinghelpfor3

Thanks for your help.

nicholas bonham-carter

If you have a specific problem with them, then describe it here for more advice.
The most common causes of unbalanced heating are:
1. Plugged pigtail allowing the pressuretrol to not keep the pressure down below 1.5 psi.
2. Plugged or inadequate main venting preventing the air from escaping with low resistance.
3. Dirty, or chemical tainted water causing irregular boiling.
4. A botched installation of a new boiler, causing unbalanced steam distribution.
5. Sagging pipes, collecting a pool of water causing water hammer, and interrupting steam flow.—NBC

mikeg2015

Pointless. Cast iron will always have a coating of rust. A little
Rust in the bottom not hurt anything. There’s little less rust and scale than you think in there. I’ve had my 110year old radiators off a few times. Not much in there i could see.