Putting in old cast iron radiators...
Discussion
What I would need to do to swap out horrible modern radiators for old cast iron reclaimed ones?
I'm assuming the old ones would need some sort of testing?
And I'm also assuming I might need to adjust the central heating system to work with them?
Is it all plumber stuff, or can I do most of it using common sense and a massive hammer?
Are they just reclaimed or actually refurbished? The modular/sectional cast iron jobbies don't like being disturbed after decades slumbering in one place and often make their displeasure known by springing a leak. Might have to shift where the pipes come through the floor as the inlets and outlets are further away from the wall; using pipes in existing positions might look a bit half-done.
You can buy brand new period radiators - less likely to spring a leak and probably cheaper in the long run. http://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/designe...
B17NNS said:
This. I installed a couple for a client a few years back. Very nice things they were too but expensive. Proper cast reproductions, a good solid two man lift.
We bought six from these people - http://www.coventry-demolition.co.uk/Take a long time to heat up but do look the business, reasonably priced as well.
A couple of the period style valves have leaked but we may have been unlucky.
Russ_H said:
B17NNS said:
This. I installed a couple for a client a few years back. Very nice things they were too but expensive. Proper cast reproductions, a good solid two man lift.
We bought six from these people - http://www.coventry-demolition.co.uk/Take a long time to heat up but do look the business, reasonably priced as well.
A couple of the period style valves have leaked but we may have been unlucky.
Russ_H said:
A couple of the period style valves have leaked but we may have been unlucky.
The period style valves are crap in my experience. I've wasted a lot of money on replacing these over the last few years as we've gone through each room and removed/painted the radiators. They all seem to start leaking eventually, the thermostatic ones I've turned right down but the radiators are still hot and I can't balance the system as the damn valves start leaking as soon as I touch them! The Coventry Demolition rads are nice things - we've got two.
However, we couldn't find the exact one I wanted for the dining room, so we used these guys: http://www.reclaimedradiators.co.uk/ Who found us a beautiful Princess style rad in exactly the right size, re-conned it, and painted it the colour of our choice for a really good price. Really helpful people, I'd highly recommend them.
There's something lovely about having an original one. Took 4 of us to get it in the house, mind.
However, we couldn't find the exact one I wanted for the dining room, so we used these guys: http://www.reclaimedradiators.co.uk/ Who found us a beautiful Princess style rad in exactly the right size, re-conned it, and painted it the colour of our choice for a really good price. Really helpful people, I'd highly recommend them.
There's something lovely about having an original one. Took 4 of us to get it in the house, mind.
Handbag said:
Russ_H said:
A couple of the period style valves have leaked but we may have been unlucky.
The period style valves are crap in my experience. I've wasted a lot of money on replacing these over the last few years as we've gone through each room and removed/painted the radiators. They all seem to start leaking eventually, the thermostatic ones I've turned right down but the radiators are still hot and I can't balance the system as the damn valves start leaking as soon as I touch them! maybe its a particular brand
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