Replace Cast Iron Radiator

14 years ago

I live in a pre-war building in New Jersey (condo) and am thinking about replacing my old cast iron radiator. Has anyone tried to do this? The companies that sell updated radiators seem to be in the UK. I was wondering about compatibility. Thanx.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

kframe19
14 years ago
Well, the only compatability issues would be thread pitch on the connector rings and heat output.

I believe that the connector rings (proper terms escape me right now) are pretty much standard across the English speaking world.

Why do you want to replace the radiator?

Also, Burnham makes radiators in the US. Plus you might try getting one from a salvage yard.
coolvt
14 years ago
When I've needed used radiators I've talked with heating contractors or workers from the local gas company. They always seem to know where there is a cellar full of them from a system that they have just converted to baseboard heaters. And, the price is $50-$75 each rather than $500-$800 for a new one. If a used replacement doesn't leak it will probably be good for another 100 years.
Related Discussions
Hole In Cast Iron Radiator
Q
Comments (7)
I'm not even going to ask why or how you drilled a hole in a cast iron radiator... I've used JB Weld to successfully and permanently fix cracks in radiators, both hot water and steam, but nothing quite so dramatic as a 3/8" diameter hole. Your best bet, I would think, would be a mechanical plug. Go to a heating supply store that handles goodies for radiator systems and see if they have tapered plugs used to cap holes in radiators that have been either moved or renovated or converted from steam to hot water or vice versa. My guess is that you're going to find something that will work. You'll have to ream a tapered hole to match the plug and then tap threads into it. All in all a pain in the butt, but a LOT easier than trying to braze it.
...See More
Reverting to Cast Iron Radiators
Q
Comments (12)
YouÂre not crazy and I can understand the desire for aesthetics and comfort. But be sure to understand that you cannot just install these in place of the fin tube if it was piped in a series loop. You see the first radiator will be hot and everyone after that colder and colder. The distribution system will need to be changed some like monoflo systems but the best way to do it and do it right is two-pipe reverse return. That way the first radiator on the supply is the last on return making the first on return the last one on the supply. This equals even flow at each radiator and allowing you to manually or thermostatically control each individual radiator with out affecting flow to others. In addition proper boiler piping such as primary/secondary may be required to eliminate condensing or shock depending on boiler model and design. Unless of course you invest in a good modulating condensing boiler which, loves cool water and saves money while offering even more comfort due to varying water temps based on outdoor temps.
...See More
Cast Iron Radiator alternatives
Q
Comments (3)
I have central heat and would not recommend it over radiant heat using radiators. I would look at a company like Myson and I am sure there are others that sell more contemporary and smaller scale radiators to replace your bulky ones. Best of luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Myson radiators
...See More
Wall panel alternative to cast iron hot water radiators?
Q
Comments (3)
Runtal USA is pretty local to me so they get used quite a bit around here as an alternative to ordinary baseboard - in my previous house the plumber (plumbers mostly do the hot-water-based heating here, HVAC people are for forced hot air and AC) tried to talk me into a Runtal radiator/towel warmer for the bathroom. They just didn't have a style I liked. Buderus and Myson are also well known in the industry for good quality products; I've never heard of Veha and after getting into deep doodie with using a relatively unknown, bargain priced brand (Hudson-Reed) for the radiator/towel warmer in previous house's bathroom I'd personally stick with the big names. The bloody thing leaked nonstop and I canceled out the savings over a similar Myson by having the plumber back to tinker with it half a dozen times!
...See More
roguepetunia
14 years ago
Burnham makes cast iron radiators that are made in the US. They have new plain jane radiators (see the "slenderized" line), and also more ornate radiators (see the "classic" line).
http://www.burnham.com/radiant_products.htm

You'll want to figure out your current radiator's output capacity. Once you know that, you can then judge if you want to get a replacement radiator that has less, equivalent, or more capacity depending on how well or how poorly the current radiator heats the room. Of course if the current radiator is heating the room poorly, there could be plenty of reasons as to why other than assuming it is undersized.

Bearing that in mind, here is a site to help calculate the capacity of an existing radiator:
http://www.colonialsupply.com/resources/radiator.htm

The Burnham site has specs (link says "literature (pdf)" and that will help you find the physical size radiator you need to match the current capacity.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Enameled Cast Iron for Attractive Durability

By Rachel Grace

Strong, shiny and sustainable, an enameled cast iron sink can bring character to your kitchen

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Original Home Details: What to Keep, What to Cast Off

By Laura Gaskill

Renovate an older home without regrets with this insight on the details worth preserving

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Radiator Covers Like You’ve Never Seen

By Laura Gaskill

From custom to DIY, these 10 ideas will help the radiator blend in, become a storage standout or both

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES How to Make Peace With Your Radiator

By Vanessa Brunner

Turn a bulky, unattractive old heater into an appealing part of a room

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 10 Outdoor Room Ideas That Radiate Style

By Laura Gaskill

Accent color, accessories and plenty of comfy cushions enhance these open-air retreats

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Renovated 1912 Farmhouse Radiates Warmth and Charm

By Kimberley Bryan

A Russian fireplace anchors a Washington family home filled with inherited, salvaged and flea market pieces

Full Story

EXTERIOR COLOR When to Paint Your Home Yellow

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Be a cheer leader with this color that captures the sun and radiates a warm welcome

Full Story

TASTEMAKERS Pro Chefs Dish on Kitchens: Michael Symon Shares His Tastes

By KitchenLab Interiors

What does an Iron Chef go for in kitchen layout, appliances and lighting? Find out here

Full Story

101

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Period Details Shine in a Queen Anne Victorian

By Rikki Snyder

Chandeliers, fireplaces and prettily patterned wallpaper radiate elegance in a 19th-century Massachusetts home

Full Story

By Laura Gaskill

Redecorate without spending a cent by casting a creative eye on the showroom called home

Full Story

129

Replace Cast Iron Radiator

Comments (3)

kframe19

coolvt

Related Discussions

roguepetunia

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US