I had to replace a steam radiator because it had a crack in it. I found a near-identical replacement. However, the pipe coming out of the floor is about an inch too long to connect to the new radiator. Standard floor-to-center of pipe going into the radiator, I’m told, is 2-1/2″. My old radiator was 3-1/2″.
To the plumbers out there: Can I easily back the pipe out of the floor, cut it shorter, and re-thread it? How risky is this? I assume the pipe is threaded into an elbow under the floor.
Edited 1/18/2006 10:35 am ET by Toolfanatic
Replies
You could put spacers under the radiator to raise it up to the same level as the pipe. I've seen such spacers in old homes, they're made from cast iron/steel. Removing the pipe and re-installing it can be a pain, I had a plumber "I'll do it for $50" replace a pipe, it broke off at the elbow on the ceiling below and 2 hours later he was done. He wasn't thrilled either. He said "next time, put in spacers...."
Renaissance Restorations LLC
Victorian Home Restoration Services
http://www.renaissancerestorations.com
The "metal" spacers sound interesting. Do you know of a source?I'm leaning toward wooden spacers, but they'd probably move and wear down due to the expansion and contraction of the cast-iron radiator (my shims are always popping out because of this).Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
This is what I got. I don't have a router or planer so I had my local lumberyard gin up 2 sets of risers for 2 radiators. Cost me $40 for 4 pieces. The milling was quick and dirty but I'm happy. Oak seems to handle the weight just fine. i'd expect something soft like pine to dent significantly.If I did it over I would have the piece wider to span a couple of the floor boards.splat
The metal radiator spacers I found at a local Archictectural Salvage firm a few years ago.
Renaissance Restorations LLCVictorian Home Restoration Serviceshttp://www.renaissancerestorations.com
Absolutly agree with poster#2..raise the rad. you'd be really glad you did I bet.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I had the same problem a few years ago. I was not able to remove the existing pipe, so I cut and re-threaded it in place.
My first thought was, I'd raise the radiator an inch before I'd fool with a steam line. They're notorious for rusting internally and not willing to easily come apart.
If you have good access to both ends of that section of pipe, maybe think about shortening it.
Otherwise some nice, inch thick oak pillows under each leg sound perfect. Buic