Simplest way to test a rad

Tommi68 · January 15

Before I swap in a used rad from my storage, how do you all pressure test yours? I have no documentation on the replacement rad in question, so I am not certain why it was removed from service. It probably became surplus during a renovation but I would like some certainty. It is a 6 element, two pipe rad with no bleed, so I don't think I can water test it.
What do you do?

Jells · January 15

Never done it, but I'd test it like a gas line, air pressure with a gauge and ball valve to lock it off. Put in 60psi and see if it leaks out.

TomS · January 15

A hydrostatic test with water would be the safest way to do this. Testing an unknown vessel with air could be very dangerous if a section were to break away.

Big Ed_4 · January 16

It would be best to replace with New , cheaper then surplus ....

EBEBRATT-Ed · January 16

There is no reason you can't test with water. I would not go over 30psi.

If you can't vent the air out due to no bleeder turn the rad upside down.

Steamhead · January 16

TomS said:
A hydrostatic test with water would be the safest way to do this. Testing an unknown vessel with air could be very dangerous if a section were to break away.

This.

Jamie Hall · January 16

If it has openings, you can get water into it. And out of it. Use water, as said at not over 30 if it's to be a hot water radiator, 15 psi for steam.

Do NOT use compressed air! Do you have any idea how far the shrapnel would go if it broke at 60 psi?

Jells · January 16

TomS said:
A hydrostatic test with water would be the safest way to do this. Testing an unknown vessel with air could be very dangerous if a section were to break away.

You're right, I wasn't thinking.

Tommi68 · January 16

Thanks for the advice. The rad is small enough to lay on its side to vent trapped air.

I am presuming that I will fill it with water then add a small volume of compressed air to reduce the capacity for a catastrophic failure.

Simplest way to test a rad

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