Cast iron Steam Radiator is leaking
#1
03-23-07, 07:42 AM
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Cast iron Steam Radiator is leaking
Hello,
I have an old steam radiator system in my home. It is leaking at one radiator only, and for lack of a better description, it is leaking between the "elements" that make it up (i.e. not at a valve, not at a joint, but rather in between the parts that make the radiator as wide as it is).
I am not sure where to tighten this (there are nuts at the end of the radiator, but no one around here seems to be strong enough to tighten it). It is only leaking at this one radiator.
Any suggestions as to what I can do to stop this leak? I am sorry if I haven't described it well, but I lack the vocabulary. :S
I have an old steam radiator system in my home. It is leaking at one radiator only, and for lack of a better description, it is leaking between the "elements" that make it up (i.e. not at a valve, not at a joint, but rather in between the parts that make the radiator as wide as it is).
I am not sure where to tighten this (there are nuts at the end of the radiator, but no one around here seems to be strong enough to tighten it). It is only leaking at this one radiator.
Any suggestions as to what I can do to stop this leak? I am sorry if I haven't described it well, but I lack the vocabulary. :S
#2
03-25-07, 06:24 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Easton, PA
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I'm afraid that your radiator is finished. The nuts on the end do not make the seal between the sections. There are special fittings in between the sections that seal when assembled and if ever taken apart, will not seal again. Even though your radiator works with no pressure at all inside, there must be enough space between the sections for the water to run right through. I can't imagine why it would just happen one day unless the radiator was disturbed or moved. You could experiment with a good quality epoxy. If you clean the area down to the cast iron and dry it completely, some epoxies will bond very well to metals and expand and contract without cracking. Try JB weld or PC-7 if you decide to attempt this repair. Also, seal the entire circumference of the joint.
Good Luck
Ken
Good Luck
Ken
