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can these be changed from steam to hydonic?

RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,596
in THE MAIN WALL
A friend sent me pictures of some radiators and asked if they can be converted from steam to hydronic? If so, can they reuse the control valve? Never did one of these before.
Thanks in advance
Ray




Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,971
    Yes. Remove the trap. May be able to keep the valve.

    But...

    WHY????? What's the matter with the steam?
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,596
    @Jamie Hall I know right. The owner wants hydronic Better than a heat pump I guess
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,167
    They'll never get their money back. Besides, if any pipes are run in outside walls, they're likely to freeze. And the increased operating pressure WILL cause leaks if there are any weak spots in the rads or piping.

    We've saved some of our customers a third on their fuel consumption by fixing the steam. There's no reason to convert to water.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Mad Dog_2CLambDan Foley
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,354
    They need to be talked off the ledge, Ray.  As Steamhead always says, two-pipe steam is the Caddy-Lack. .of Steam Systems.  Mad Dog  🐕 
    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,596
    Thanks @Steamhead I agree
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,354
    Will the guy convert boiler? I was once involved with a multistory steam to HHW project. After statically testing at 150% of new HHW pressure safety officials reluctantly said maybe but B & M insurance said no way. Nobody asked me but I wonder how bad can hot water boiler failure be?
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,596
    The steam boiler started leaking a few days and they need a new one
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,432
    Come on everyone! You’re all too smart to talk about steam and hydronic as if they’re not the same thing. Probably one of my biggest pet peeves…BE BETTER! 🤣😉
    JohnNYMad Dog_2
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,354
    Its all Water-based Heating medium...Mad Dog 🐕 
    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,971
    RayWohlfarth said:

    The steam boiler started leaking a few days and they need a new one

    A new steam boiler and a new hot water boiler will cost about the same. To buy. But, unless the steam piping was a real mess, the hot water installation, including tearing out about half if not all of the piping, is going to double the cost.

    A very foolish way to spend money.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Mad Dog_2CLambbburd
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,354
    My recollection is what Jamie says. The steam to HHW project cost more $$$ than projected. The OP's pictures show a high end steam system.
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,596
    Thank you all. I am not sure what the customer is going to do as he was talking with another contractor. I appreciate all the great comments
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons

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