How to Install a Steam Radiator
Many older homes were built with steam heat. Unfortunately, many of these same homes had several unheated rooms due to a lack of a steam radiator in the room. Installing a steam radiator requires employing several skills, including carpentry and plumbing. You will also need at least one helper as steam radiators are very heavy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Radiator
- 2-inch hole saw
- Shut off valve
- Pipe and fittings to connect from existing steam pipe to radiator
- Pipe cutters
- Pipe threading dies
- 24-inch pipe wrench
Instructions
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1
Check for beams and other obstructions under the floor where the new radiator will be installed. If a beam or floor joist is in the way of the proposed location of the new pipe, it may be necessary to shift the location of the radiator slightly. Don't cut any floor joists, as this will weaken the floor area.
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2
Use a hole saw to cut a 2-inch hole through the floor for the steam pipe to pass through. Run the steam pipe from the closest steam pipe to the location of the new radiator. Use a pipe cutter to cut into the steam .
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3
Measure the fitting that will be installed and remove a short section of the steam pipe to accommodate the extra length. Thread the ends of the pipe to accept the fitting. If possible connect to the steam pipe where there already is a fitting to minimize cutting and rethreading. Put the pipe up through the hole in the floor to a height of approximately 3.5 inches.
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4
Separate the radiator shut off coupler and valve by unscrewing the coupler nut. Being new, the two pieces should easily unscrew by hand.
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5
Wrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape and install the radiator shut off valve. Tighten to the pipe using a 24-inch pipe wrench. Make sure the threaded side of the valve will align with the radiator coupler.
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6
Wrap the male threads with Teflon tape and install the coupler from the shut off valve in the radiator. A reducer may be required to adapt to the threads of the radiator. Tighten securely using the pipe wrench.
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7
Align the radiator with the shut off valve and screw the coupler nut to the shut off valve. Tighten with the 24-inch pipe wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
Wherever pipes and fitting are screwed together wrap the male thread with Teflon tapes to prevent leaks.
References
- Photo Credit Photos by KKLowell
