How to Shorten Steam riser?

RadiatorFan

I am considering options for replacing a taller radiator (38”) with a shorter one (30”), in my two pipe steam system. Is it possible to shorten a supply riser? The current riser comes out of the floor and I would not have access to any pipe connection below the floor (multi unit building, with apartment below), and would love to avoid cutting into the hardwood floor. I also don’t want to avoid meddling with pipes below because they are very old. If I cut the riser above the floor, I would be cutting the threads. I’m taking into account EDR. Any suggestions?

JUGHNE

Pictures would be good. Is the inlet up high on the rad or down low.

EBEBRATT-Ed

No reason you cannot cut the riser and rethread it.

Mad Dog_2

I know what you're trying to do. Everything hinges on the depth of the threading stock. Mad Dog

RadiatorFan

Thanks. I think I understand about the stock length/depth of the threading tool. Pipe is far too close to the wall for it to rotate much, so re-threading may not be an option. Any other suggestions on how to shorten the riser without removing it from the below floor pipe? Both rad inlets are up high.

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EBEBRATT-Ed

Looks pretty tight. If you disconnect it from the rad and move the rad out of the way you may be able to pull the pipe away from the wall and shove a wood block behind it to hold it off the wall enough to get a threader on it. If you can't you can't. The more you have to shorten it the tougher it will be. Maybe replace the rad with a different type a wall mount rad you could mount higher and use the existing thread. You won't know how much the pipe will move unless you try. Some risk with old pipe.

RadiatorFan

Thanks all - appreciate the suggestions.