Leaking Radiator in joint
Hi. I have a steam system. This weekend I noticed on one of my big radiators in the parlor floor a slow leak at the bottom of the radiator at one of the joints between two of the “ribs”. Sorry, not sure what to call this. Anyway, it wasn’t there before. I noticed it because…
Hi. I have a steam system.
This weekend I noticed on one of my big radiators in the parlor floor a slow leak at the bottom of the radiator at one of the joints between two of the “ribs”. Sorry, not sure what to call this.
Anyway, it wasn’t there before. I noticed it because there was a “shhhh” sound as if there was an escape of air which I thought may be from one of the air valves, but on closer inspection was at the bottom.
Any thoughts? Is this repairable or have I just lost one of my beautiful steam radiators?
Could you apply the epoxy somehow from the inside? The leak is right between two of the segments, literally right there between them. I was just thinking the best place to plug would be on the interior, but admittedly feels like that would be hell to get to (although luckily the leak is in between the first two segments so closer to the end.
epoxy works best if applied directly to bare metal, so if you can chip away around where it is leaking it might be good.
Thanks for the point on at least trying to epoxy. I wonder if it will at least tide me over for a bit.
Only question is actually how I apply this in my case. I had the radiators sand blasted and powder coated. I think the leak is right at the bottom but would I apply something internal to the radiator, or chip away the paint on the bottom and apply there?
Ugh.
sunspot, i have used epoxy on a 6″ steam main and after 3 years it is still holding tight. in fact i have used epoxy on many occasions, pipes, radiators, valves, etc. the key is to make sure you clean the surface well & that it is dry prior to the application of epoxy. who knows, maybe for some reason it will not work, but for a few dollars and a chance to save a radiator you love, i would not think twice about it.
So devastating to hear. I just had had this one radiator in particular sand blasted and powder coated, and it is just beautiful. Lots of $$ to spend on now a radiator that sounds like it is going to the metal heap.
Completely frustrated. I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and get one of those runtal type steam radiator replacements that are mounted to the wall. They seem rather elegant and frankly take up less space…
Thanks, CHP. Not feeling challenged at all. In fact, I’ve used JB Weld and this stuff:
http://www.herchem.com/specs/propoxy20.pdf in a pinch, but it was never more than a very temporary solution.
I’d never challenge Master Plymber, but I did have a similar problem with several old radiators that were rusted along the ribs and dripped. I wanted to try and fix myself before replacing. I used J-B Weld epoxy. (about $6 bones)
I detached the radiators, let the radiator try out, used a wire brush to remove the rust and applied the 2 part Epoxy. I used this on 3 radiators and haven’t had a drip in two winters. This probably wouldn’t work if you have a large hole. (and you need a plumbers wrench – about $15 for a short one)
You’ve lost a radiator. Some people will tell you to have it welded or epoxied but those tricks can be expensive and unreliable. There are plenty of used and pretty Victorian radiators around for sale.
thats a lot of work to fix with no guarantee it will work. Why not post a picture of the radiator. Lots of people have some spare ones sitting in their basements they may sell you.