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Questions On Old Radiator Repair

SteveMaryland
SteveMaryland Member Posts: 4
in THE MAIN WALL

My 1927 home has a retrofit 8-radiator hydronic heat system. Installed in 1938. Very good home heating service for nearly a century. I recently (last year) replaced all the valves. Big job. Hopefully I will get another century of service.


I see many cast iron radiators (like mine) stacked up in the salvage stores. I have NO idea how they were removed from houses, since they are so heavy. I assume that when they were originally installed they were assembled on site, piece by piece. Is that correct?


Here is my main question: is it economically possible today to completely disassemble and then rehab and re-use these old radiators? Is anyone doing that tody - profitably? And if so, would they be re-assembled at the install site, or off-site? The reason I ask, is if any of my radiators were to crack, i want to understand (ahead of time) what my repair options would be.

Comments

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,547
    edited December 2024
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/199489/questions-on-old-radiator-repair

    If a radiator break it usually due to a loss of heat leading to freeze / crack (hot water system)
    Replacement options are:

    1. find a reputable company specializing in vintage fixtures and radiators for a pressure tested unit. Challenge will be finding correct size.
    2. Buy new unit from Nick @ Cast Rads. Sizing will be simpler but perfect size may still be elusive.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 11,307

    you would ideally check for leaks before you buy it and moved the salvaged radiator as one piece using moving equipment. disassembling and reassembling them would require a lot of labor and most likely custom machined new parts.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,518
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1829869#Comment_1829869

    That's pretty much how we do it.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • SteveMaryland
    SteveMaryland Member Posts: 4

    Thank you all for your replies!

  • Long Beach Ed
    Long Beach Ed Member Posts: 1,485

    The old radiators were carried in already assembled by several large men. Plumbing was lead and cast iron. Plumbers were strong men.

    There is at least one company in Canada that disassembles and restores radiators commercially. Probably more around. With the proper equipment, and a massage supply of candidates, it's not difficult.

    Most radiators can be put back in service with a flushing and outside refinishing.

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