Relocating a 1-Pipe Steam Radiator: Cast Iron vs. Brass Fittings?

ranzerox

I'm planning to relocate a 1-pipe steam radiator from in front of a window to along the wall to make space for a bed in the bedroom. The pipe currently extends near the corner of the room, and my plan is to keep the pipe as is and use two elbows to reposition the radiator. Do the fittings need to be cast iron, or can I use brass instead? I noticed there's a street elbow available in brass, but I haven't seen one in cast iron—hence my question. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Jamie Hall

You can mix brass and iron. Not quite sure I'm visualizing how you plan to pipe this so as to use the existing valve and maintain drainage.

ranzerox

Hi @Jamie Hall,

I'm planning to replace the current angle radiator valve with a straight valve. The floor nipple will then be connected using an elbow. I believe I can maintain the proper pitch for the system with this setup. Thanks!

Jamie Hall

You are aware that you can't just replace the angle valve with a straight one? That you will also need to replace the spud in the radiator to match?

EBEBRATT-Ed

You can use brass or cast iron or malleable iron. They don't make street elbows in cast iron…never did. They do make them in malleable iron. I would use anything but brass there is no need to use brass as it is more expensive. As @JamieHall said pitch is important. You may have to raise the radiator up on blocks to maintain the pitch.

ranzerox

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1830180#Comment_1830180

Hi @Jamie Hall,

Good call out about the spud. Probably have to cut it out. Thanks

Neild5

I have been lucky on removing spuds, I cut off the union nut, put a spud wrench in the spud. Lay the radiator on its side and using a 3 foot pipe wrench on the spud. It will collapse the spud down to the wrench and loosen it.