Posted by jtown on October 01, 2001 at 13:12:07:
In Reply to: Remodeling and need to work where the radiator is located posted by Aaron on October 01, 2001 at 12:11:18:
If one-pipe steam, it is just a matter of closing the valve and getting the union on the valve apart. Soak it with oil and tap for a while, heat the outer part, side-to-side, put a wet rag against the inner part to shrink it and use wrenches carefully so you don't egg-shape it (they're soft brass) or cause a leak anywhere. Once it is moving put a little oil on the thread and work it back and forth more and more to get the oil in. If the valve won't shut off well, you can probably clamp a piece of wood over the opening with a C-clamp. Two pipe steam or water, you'll have to make sure water won't come out of the return connection. Drain the water down past the rad and remove it and cap or plug where you can. Or just preheat the house and put it back when done. 2-pipe HW Radiators aren't usually in series, but if the water goes through one and then another, those others won't have flow. You might be able to lift a one-pipe radiator in the middle to slide vinyl tile under the legs and paint everything with a brush on a stick, or slip a painted panel behind it, the size of what you can't reach.