Can't find inexpensive radiator valves. Need suggestions.

Luke Lefever

I'm converting an old steam system to hot water, each radiator valve has old bellows/spring packing. None hold any pressure at all. Need to change out each valve. The only things I seem to have access to in a timely manner are cheap Taiwanese crap or really expensive stuff. Need 11- 3/4" angle with union on outlet, 1- 1/2" and 1- 1". I don't need thermostatic fancy stuff. The cheap stuff is $7-$8 per and the expensive stuff is $60+ per. None are available quickly. Any suggestions on who to talk to would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Luke Lefever, Lefever Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Elkhart, Indiana.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Have good old ones

in 3/4" and 1" (valves only--no angle unions) Problem is that the tailpiece is still inside the old bushings. What size taps on your rads?

Bill

Radiator Valves

If first cost is a concern, you might want to consider installing the valve body only from a TRV and not the thermostatic operator. This will be less expensive and can be upgraded to a thermostatic valve at any time, which will probably pay for itself in fuel savings in a short period of time.

Mark J Strawcutter

good idea

You should be able to get 3/4" Danfoss RA2000 valves for about @20

The "temporary" cap you remove when attaching the thermostatic actuator is a bit flimsey but does allow opening and closing of the valve without the actuator.

Mark

pfitter_3

Try

http://www.statesupply.com/category_fs.cfm

p

Luke Lefever

Thanks for the input

The old guy still left after Ferguson bought out our local supply house found that he can still get Hammond Valves outside of the "regular" supply chain. I appreciate the suggestions. If this doesn't pan out- I might do the idea of TRVs less actuators. Thanks, Luke

harvey

try barnetts www.e-barnett.com