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Vertical Convector Mounting?

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Dossey02
Dossey02 Member Posts: 2
in Strictly Steam
Hello everyone,
I'm in the middle of a bathroom renovation and found this board while searching for heating options in our new bathroom.

Before the renovation, the bathroom was heated by a convector on a single pipe steam system. However, the location of the pipe and the length of the convector means that one side of the vanity won't open completely.

I'm looking for some thoughts on mounting the convector vertically and building a cover, instead of reinstalling it in the traditional horizontal configuration and covering it with the standard cover.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or tales of woe?

Thanks in advance!

Eric

I've included a picture of the convector, minus the cover:

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  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,284
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    It should work. How well it will work, and how silently, I wouldn't care to say. Steam is amazingly forgiving, but... I wouldn't be surprised if it gurgled. Further, you may find that the vent closes much sooner than it should, limiting the heat output.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    Dossey02
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,523
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    It should work fine
    Dossey02
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
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    Better replace that vent with a Hoffman 40, which will put it in vertical orientation. It may work better than it did when horizontal, and if it does, then don't try to close the valve to reduce the heat, as the condensate will be trapped.--NBC
    Dossey02
  • Dossey02
    Dossey02 Member Posts: 2
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    You all are awesome! Thanks for the advice.

    @Jamie Hall : I don't know much about steam, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were trade-offs for the vertical orientation as you suggested. It's a small room, though, so I think even with reduced output, it may be worth the risk. Of course, if it's terrible, then we can always go back to horizontal.
    @EBEBRATT-Ed Thanks!
    @nicholas bonham-carter Good point. I thought I'd need to change the direction of the valve, so thanks for the recommendation for the Hoffman 40. I'll pick one up.

    I hope to have the bathroom back together next week, so I'll post some pictures of the final setup and give an update on performance. Thanks everyone.

    Eric
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    They still make convectors in different shapes and sizes. If this doesn't work, a new one in the proper shape is a good option.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting

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