Clanging & Fancy Radiator Installation
I am looking to install a fancy schmancy steamradiators.com radiator in my parlor floor. We have a single steam pipe system, and we would need a 4-ft long radiator. My plumber is concerned that there would be lots of clanging due to the 4 foot length of the radiator. He also says that he has…
I am looking to install a fancy schmancy steamradiators.com radiator in my parlor floor. We have a single steam pipe system, and we would need a 4-ft long radiator. My plumber is concerned that there would be lots of clanging due to the 4 foot length of the radiator. He also says that he has no direct experience and that it could also be just fine because the radiator is thin. Steamradiators.com says they have never heard of such a
thing … but they are also pushing product.
Does anyone else similarly situated have any experience (or even Master Plumber!) that is on point?
Your insight is much appreciated!
I am not a pro, but these things will be exposed and very hot. Adults probably would manage to avoid burns after several incidents. Kids will keep running in and run away screaming.
also remember that this 4 foot thing is going to be mounted on your wall…crooked…like a painting out of level that is a constant source of irritation
i remember when these first hit the nyc market..there were endless problems due to inappropriate or poorly designed installations on 1 pipe systems…if not properly anchored to the wall, these flimsy steel radiators will literally twist off the wall…not to mention that a one inch take off is really, really stingy for a one pipe system…stick to cast iron wall mounted units w/an 1 1/4 takeoff if that is the look that you are going for..i know that heating depot/ pronto gas heating supply on chrystie in nyc carries them, but your local supply house should be able to order them as well
The thin construction of the Steamview/Runtal radiators really does work against them in a 1-pipe steam system.
Once steam enters the radiator and condenses back into water, there is a counterflow of incoming steam and outgoing water through the same path and valve. Steam takes up lots of space and hates to share it with water.
This counterflow can create noise and inefficient heating if not planned for.
Slopefarm is right that sizing, venting, pressure…and piping…are critical and unforgiving in a 1-pipe system.
These things do tend to be more cooperative when used with a 2-pipe system because the water has its own outlet.
Don’t let that dissuade you from using whatever you want. Just make sure it’s handled by the initiated.
Best,
Master Plvmber
4′ sounds like a lot, although perhaps these radiators are different. You’ll be tying up a lot of wall length. You can decrease length by increasing height and/or width. What matters is the overall square footage of heated metal.
You might get a lot of useful info and advice on heatinghelp.com, for radiator sizing charts as well as perhaps specific experience with this type of radiator with an old fashioned single pipe system. Single pipe is a great system when properly balanced with the right pressure, radiator size and vent size, but very fickle. You want to make sure you are using radiators that go with the system.
I would not hire someone, who in nyc, says he has no direct experience with steam radiators.