Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - cast iron radiators

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03-03-01, 08:15 AM
I have a condo built in 1908 and it has the old stand up cast iron radiators. Some of them have started to rust along the bottom and drip water. I've had one unhooked and now the one in my bedroom is leaking. Can these be repaired, replaced, re-cast? What type of person fixes/replaces these old radiators. Thanks.

fjrachel
03-03-01, 09:04 AM
That is a specialty field. I've found sites on the web, but they are mostly european. They are antiques you know. Check with your local plumbing outfit. They should be able to help out.
03-03-01, 01:00 PM
sounds like it might be time for a new radiator.

arkayassoc
03-03-01, 04:20 PM
Spinster,

You have a couple of choices. Call a couple of welding shops and see if any of them want to attempt repair. Since they are cast iron, they need to be brazed, not welded. If it is a localized spot, brazing should work. If the entire bottom is corroded away, it won't.

Replacement is a little tougher. They don't make them anymore, but they do make radiant panels. You can often find used ones at scrap metal dealers, and it might not hurt to call a few.

Also, used ones are for sale on eBay occasionally, but you will have to find some that are relatively local, because shipping is expensive.