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A Makeshift Radiator

Steve_211
Steve_211 Member Posts: 52

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?

Comments

  • HydronicMike
    HydronicMike Member Posts: 145

    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
    bburd Member Posts: 1,188

    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.


    Bburd
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,240

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

  • Steve_211
    Steve_211 Member Posts: 52
    edited October 4

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

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,735

    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

    image.jpeg
  • dabrakeman
    dabrakeman Member Posts: 781

    Have a picture of the old radiator?