Replace CI with flat panel radiators

K. Golden

The project is to renovate an 80 year old hot water system upgraded from gravity >30 years ago. The CI radiators need to be stipped of lead paint, all radiator valves are frozen and several of the supply lines(still sized for gravity) are corroded and leaking. For a 1400 square foot house in a climate that gets temps of -20 is it prefferable or feasable to switch to flat panel with PEX supply lines?

kevin

its possible...

but why? Cast iron rads are very nice, durable, probably sized to the rooms already(note I said probably ,doublecheck),they are original to the house from a historic perspective. You can retro fit them using pex lines too. Yes it will take some elbow grease to clean it up but I would do it. kpc

Steamhead

I have a similar system

and it works great! With an efficient, properly sized boiler and circulator, yours should too. No need to rebuild it- just clean the radiators up and enjoy them. The leaky joints should be relatively easy to fix but you'll have to drain the system to do it. If they're not leaking badly, this might be a good summer project.

I've kept my gravity piping since we don't know what the future will bring, energy-wise. Having a system that can circulate without a pump may be an advantage down the road a ways.

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