robin Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 I know this isnt a DIY or plumbing forum but the members on here seem to know how to do just about everything I have a bad radiator in that the tread is damaged and its leaking and I would like to replace it. It is a double radiator and measuring from end to end its 970mm which is a bit of an odd size and makes me think I might be measuring from the wrong place. Does anyone know where I can get a 970x600mm radiator? I can only find 900 or 1000mm; nothing in between. This radiator is at least 23 years old, possibly more so it might be 38" or something else imperial. Anyone have any ideas as I don’t really want to be using 7cm of extension pipes or having to cut and lengthen the existing ones pipes to fit a 1000mm one in unless of course that is the size and im measuring it wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 you will find it is an imperial sized radiator the only thing you can really do it fit a metric sized one which would be a 1000mm x 600mm radiator not to hard of a job really with all the push fit fittings you can get hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trig Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 You wont find a 970mm rad im afraid. your best bet is getting two 30mm rad extentions and putting one on each end, you should be able to persuade the other 10mm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 I have a bad radiator in that the tread is damaged and its leaking and I would like to replace it Exactly what do you mean, is it the bit that screws into the radiator as I've shown in the pic? I'll be very surprised if the radiator needs replacing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 It just depends Mercx because the thread on there is tapered, sometimes if it has been tightened to much it can split the female thread on the radiator, nut if the leak is from there it is definately worth taking the tail out and replacing with a new one ensuring you use a nice amount on PTFE to seal it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 It is leaking arround the bleed valve. I have tried to take the whole valve out but the metal ended up deforming before it would turn as it is so rusted up. It might be possible to drill and retap it but that seemed like more work. I have found a Myson Premier HE 530 x 946mm Double Convector Radiator which is very close to the right length. Where exactly should I be measuring from, is it valve to valve or just the actual radiator body? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 actual radiator at the top from end to end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 The myson I have found is only 10mm out so should fit but its 140 quid and a 900mm radiator can be had for less then half the price and I can live with a couple of extention tubes. My next question would then be do I need new valves? I hope not as I dont want to have to drain the whole system. Thanks for the help so far guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 u just need new tails that (parts from the valve to the radiator) you should beable to get them from any decent plumbing supplier just make sure you get the right sized extensiona nd the right size nut on it (looks like a half inch nut from the pic) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 The exposed thread is an inch in diamater, the size of the hole is about 1/2 of an inch. Could I rescue the tails from the old radiator? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;jsessionid=LNJF45K12CWZ0CSTHZPCFFA?_dyncharset=UTF-8&fh_search=17552 Are those any good or is it best to get fixed length ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesy W Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 For the sake of an extra tenner yo should just change the valves as well. You are going to all the hastle of changing a rad, doing the valves will take 5 mins. You also don't need to drain the whole system (if you are quick with your hands) Being, what looks like a 15mm fitting it should be fairly easy to loosen up, thumb and retighten the new valve in place, without flooding the place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 yeah thats the type of thing you need and it will be a half inch nut that will fit If you can get the old tails out of the old radiator you will beable to use them again, just remove all PTFE tape and any sealant and put some new PTFE tape on and that will seal it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprag5 Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 but if you are changing the valve i is always best to change the nut and olive that is on the existing pipe as you dont no if who has fitted it before. and if its a brass olive and its been overtightened before hand a good seal wont be possible as it will have distorted the shape of the pipeFor the sake of an extra tenner yo should just change the valves as well. You are going to all the hastle of changing a rad, doing the valves will take 5 mins. You also don't need to drain the whole system (if you are quick with your hands) Being, what looks like a 15mm fitting it should be fairly easy to loosen up, thumb and retighten the new valve in place, without flooding the place Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 Thanks guys. I'll order some bits and then have a go when they all turn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesy W Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 True, but I'd give it a go nonetheless. Be a bit of a waste to have a nice shiny new rad, and two fecked looking old valves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin Posted August 9, 2009 Author Share Posted August 9, 2009 I intend to leave the valves for now as they both work fine and I dont see any value in having posh thermostatic valves in only one room. They also look pretty clean and the thread looks good too. The radiator on the other hand has rusted seams and generally looks pretty rough. Odd really as all the other radiators in the place look fine and the water that came out was pretty clean too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted August 9, 2009 Share Posted August 9, 2009 The prices for the radiators at Toolstation are the cheapest where I live, we've bought a few. If you login you can see if they've got any stock at your local branch. Free next day delivery too if you would rather have it delivered, only a minimum spend of £10 for the free next day delivery which is very good indeed. http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Heating/d230 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.