hi,

i have some radiators that I need to remove for remodeling, and Im looking for some help on how to get these things out.

here are some images of the connection pipes on both sides -- if anyone could guide me through the process i would appreciate it!

http://www.apolloaudioanddata.com/Images/radiotorleft.jpg

(i can rotate the big bolt in the middle, but i cant spin the bolts on the outtake pipe)

http://www.apolloaudioanddata.com/Images/radiotorright.jpg

(i can spin the big bolt in the middle, and the mushroom cap spins to turn off the intake)

im guessing somehow that the intake / outtake pipes coming up from the floor should be able to rotate somehow, so that i can pull the radiator out (towards me, if i am facing the radiator as in the photos) but im not sure which bolts i am to be needing to loosen.

thanks!

loosen those union nuts all the way and move them back out of the way.

then if you can't get the radiator out then turn the whole valve counterclockwise a little bit till you can.

i'll tell you right now you're going to need a big pipe wrench and possibly a pipe over the end of it.

Hi larry -

thanks for the reply. so your saying if i loosen that big bolt i should be able to muscle the unit out? i shouldnt have to loosen any other of the bolts?

i was able to loosen them, the water leaked out as expected -- i just dont want to go breaking anything when trying to pull it out.

you should be able to get it out depending on how much give the pipes have in the direction away from the radiator.
if not then you would have to turn the valve to give you more clearence.
just a little.
i don't think you'll need to though.

The system is hot water so you better make sure you drain down the system completely before loosening the union Ell or valve and there will be really dirty water in the radiator so place some rags under the fittings

Because it is a water system rather then steam the unions should open relatively easy.

When removing the valve / ell do not forget to hold back

how did you know it was hot water.i thought it was 2 pipe steam.

Carefully look at the configuration of the valve. Then look at "normal" radiator steam valves angle pattern.

Normally steam valves are globe pattern thus the body is wider to allow for the large disc so it can be throttled.

The H/W valve has a metal cylinder type inside so it would be impossible to shut the supply off completely to prevent freeze ups as there would always be some type of circulation

I was a Stationary engineer and replaced literately thousands of steam and hydronic valves.


I wish more posters of questions would give more information to make life easier.

just by looking at the valve and comparing it to mine which are steam.

thanks once again for another great tip.

larry

Larry, do not take it for granted as many installers figure one valve fits all and even reading Google steam radiator valves some state good for hot water positive shut off

This is a crazy statement as the unknowing think shutting off the valve then disconnect the rad forgetting /not knowing water seeks its own level and the system still has water on the side of the union ell.