A Makeshift Radiator

Steve_211

Can a makeshift radiator be made out of black pipe nipples and tees, capped off, and a radiator air valve? Will it function and work?

HydronicMike

Yes. If hot water can go thru it it will heat up and give off heat to surrounding cold
WIll it work well? Will it work correctly?
Will it give off enough heat?

Who knows. Got to do the calculations.

bburd

That was a standard thing back in the day. Do a web search for "pipe coil radiator".

It should be pitched so the condensate can drain by gravity.

But you still need to do the calculations if you hope to heat the space successfully.

mattmia2

oh, and the pipe and fittings will cost you way more than a salvaged radiator.

Steve_211

Can’t find one small enough to fit in the closet the original radiator is in, mattmia2.

PC7060

doesn’t have to be complicated. Single pipes are often used for small rooms. While this is a insulated steam riser with vent, you can do the same with a a single (or multiple) pipe

dabrakeman

Have a picture of the old radiator?

TPat

Have you thought about a slenderized radiator? I'm a homeowner. During bathroom renovation a few years ago, demolition revealed a capped riser pipe from our one-pipe steam system. I purchased a small Burnham slenderized radiator from Consumer Supply in Chicago for the bathroom, which had never had heat. The salesperson calculated what size I needed. The rest of the radiators in the house are vintage three-column. The slenderized radiator works great and doesn't require much space.

GrafHeating

Horse stall heater?