Replies

1. 
   BobChapman | May 31, 2008 01:18am | #1

   What I have done in similar circumstqances is to put two 45-degree elbows in the line between the steam supply valve and the radiator.  You can twist the elbows to make any small amount of vertical adjustment.  However, the radiator will sit either closer to the wall (if you have the room for that) or further out from the wall.  This will not affect the performance of the radiator at all.

    

   Bob Chapman
2. 
   JAlden | May 31, 2008 01:30am | #2

   It sounds like your radiator is too high now?

   What kind of connection is there to the rad? Pipe thread to a union? I wouldn't grind the legs just yet but it is possible.

   Adding a quarter inch to the pipe is harder than adding more than that.

3. 
   joeh | May 31, 2008 01:47am | #3

   When you say "We just put in a new tile floor" do you mean you, or you paid to have it done? If you did it yourselves, this is a tool opportunity. You are in need of a small grinder. Your first idea is the right idea, the legs are too long. Something like these  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=makita+grinder&x=13&y=20 will do the trick, there are many brands but Makita is pretty decent. Joe H

4. 
   EricPaulson | May 31, 2008 03:39am | #4

   Your tile guy moved and set one or both of the pipes when he did the install.

    

   The pipes should not be in contact with either the underlayment or the tile and especially not the grout.

    

   You can probably chop around one or both of the pipes to remove the grout or chip out enough tile to schootch the pipe over.

    

   Eric

   [email protected]

    

    

    

    

5. 
   Ted W. | May 31, 2008 03:54am | #5

   I assume you tried pulling the pipe up? Sometimes they have just enough flex to reach. Other times they don't budge.

   I would tend to take out the pipe coming out of the floor, take it to any store that cuts pipe and have a piece cut 1/4" longer. Of course, the easier way is to cut 1/4" off the bottoms of the legs, but that's not the 'right' way.

   If you cut them, a fine tooth blade in a reciprocating saw will do it. You may go through 2 or 3 blades doing it. An angle grinder, like the previous poster mentions in giant bold letters, will also work. However, the disk that comes with the grinder is 1/4" thick. Get a thinner disk or a dry-diamond blade. Wear eye protection and make sure the sparks flying aren't directed toward a pile of kindling, unless you're planning a barbeque.

   --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
   See some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com

6. 
   roger g | May 31, 2008 03:58am | #6

   If it is a threaded pipe and the rad is now 1/4 too high, spin off the short pipe and put back a pipe 1/4 inch longer. Usually the fitting isn't too far down so even if you can't get to it from underneath you should be able to dope up the threads to the new pipe and spin it into the fitting. Not that there might not be problems but if everything stays put, it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes.

   roger

7. 
   IMERC | May 31, 2008 04:41am | #7

   RA grinder and a cut off wheel....

   don't grind.. .the cast may not like the resonation...

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

8. 
   RedfordHenry | May 31, 2008 05:37am | #8

   I agree with those recommending that you make every effort to correct the plumbing with a longer pipe.  Grinding a 1/4" off the four legs of a cast iron radiator is much easier said than done. 

1. 
   Ted W. | May 31, 2008 08:34am | #9

   Actually, it's quite easy. But cutting, not grinding. I've done it lots of times in rental units where the owner just wanted a quick fix. They don't want to pay me to remove the pipe and go to the local hardware (one that cuts pipe) and back, when it takes just 15 or 20 minutes to cut the legs a little shorter.

   My tool of choice for this is a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a dry diamond blade. It takes about 3 minutes for each leg, depending on how thick it is. After each cut I also round over the sharp edge for a nice finished look.

   Note: Don't pick up the little pieces just after you cut them off. They get pretty hot!

   Another note: Only 2 reasons I can think of to not cut the legs shorter is A) if the feet have a nice profile, and B) because it's not the professional way to do it. A real professional will switch out the pipe.

   --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com

   Edited 5/31/2008 1:37 am by Ted W.

   Edited 5/31/2008 1:37 am by Ted W.

1. 
   IMERC | May 31, 2008 10:14am | #10

   ya forgot to tell the little pieces would burn what ever they land on....

   be careful out there.... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!