Help! New cast iron radiators leak... (cross-posted to Plumbing)

13 years ago

Hello!

We've installed new cast iron baseboards and radiators throughout the house. The baseboards are, mostly, Ok, but all radiators located on the ground and the 1st floors of the house have started to leak (see picture).

The plumber, who admitted to have last installed cast iron fixtures 8 years ago, swears, he did everything "by the book". The manufacturer (OCS Industries) came over the house to take a look, but could not figure out, what's wrong. They are offering to replace everything, but the costs of reinstallations and repaintings will be ours Â and these costs exceed the costs of the fixtures themselves significantly.

As can be seen on the picture, the leaks are around one of the places, where the vent could go. Our plumber installed the vent into the different (higher) spot on each radiator. Why would they leak? What can be done except the full replacement (and hoping, that that'll fix the problem)?

Is there, perhaps, some "miracle" chemical, that could be used to seal this once and for all? Thanks for any advice.... Yours,
doofus

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Comments (6)

baymee
13 years ago
Is it still leaking or has it oxidized enough to stop the leak? If so, paint over it and forget about it.

If it's a pipe threaded plug that's leaking, redo it.

I don't see any reason to avoid the easy fix first.
doofus
Original Author
13 years ago
Is it still leaking or has it oxidized enough to stop the leak? If so, paint over it and forget about it.

Waiting for oxidation is what the manufacturer suggested. I don't like it, because there is no ETA. Meanwhile, our new wooden floor is about to start rotting under it. If it's a pipe threaded plug that's leaking, redo it.

The manufacturer is giving us the plugs, but the plumber wants several thousands of dollars for that job. Supposedly, the old ones need to be "drilled" out... Perhaps, we can get someone else to do it for (much) less, but it is still incredibly frustrating.
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baymee
13 years ago
This makes me want to go into business for myself. Thousands of dollars? to drill and tap a hole ? Takes 15 minutes a piece. Hard part is draining the system and refilling it again.

Here's what I would do. Hire someone who can follow these instructions. Forget the drill and tap. Get a new plug ready with 3 wraps of teflon tape and coat the tape with teflon pipe dope. Reduce the pressure in the cold radiator to zero. Remove the one plug and quickly put in the new one. 5 minute job. Cost: About a dollar.
kframe19
13 years ago
Actually, that location is where an air vent would go for a steam radiator. Since you have hot water, the bleeder valve is installed at the top of the unit.

Why they would come pre-drilled and plugged from the manufacturer is beyond me.

One other possible solution?

JB Weld epoxy.
paulbm
13 years ago
Like baymee said have you try ed unscrewing them. If you do just re dope them and put them back in. air test system
and if it holds recharge with water. They probably for got
to use pipe dope at the factory. Did you put a can of boiler
sealer in the system. They do that even in new systems.
later paulbm
baymee
13 years ago
Any update on this issue?

Help! New cast iron radiators leak... (cross-posted to Plumbing)

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Help! New cast iron radiators leak... (cross-posted to Plumbing)

Comments (6)

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doofus
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