Different Ways to Install a Cast Iron Radiator

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PEX Universe (aka PEX-U) is a leading industrial equipment supplier offering high quality heating and plumbing solutions for real life professionals, homeowners + DIYers. The mission of the brand is to equip and empower consumers by providing the best products for heating and plumbing, delivering the most authentic customer service, and offering the most competitive prices available online. PEX Universe was established in 2004, and is based in Brooklyn, NY.
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Follow PEX Universe on PINTEREST: / pexuniverse The purpose of this video is to provide radiator installers with a variety of install options in regards to bushing adapter types, fittings for the adapters, piping to and from fittings, air vent options for steam or hot water radiators, and PEX and Copper connection options. This video is by no means a demonstration on how to completely install a radiator.
LINKS TO SUPPLIES USED
Cast Iron Radiators
www.pexuniverse.com/cast-iron...
Radiator Valves
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Oxygen Barrier PEX
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Black Iron Plugs
www.pexuniverse.com/black-plugs
Black Iron Bushings
www.pexuniverse.com/black-bus...
Steam Air Vents
www.pexuniverse.com/varivalve...
Coin Key Air Valve
www.pexuniverse.com/coin-key-...
Brass Pipe Nipple
www.pexuniverse.com/brass-pip...
Black 90° Street Elbow
www.pexuniverse.com/matco-nor....
Male Threaded Elbow
www.pexuniverse.com/1-2-pex-x...
1/2" PEX x 3/4" Male Threaded Adapter
www.pexuniverse.com/1-2-pex-x...
1/2" PEX x 3/4" Female Threaded Adapter
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Steam radiator elbow
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Y-Strainers
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[@Shahrdad]

Air vent has to be on the top for a water system. You need to let all the air out, unless you want radiators that are half warm and act like compression tanks.

[@gamatoutsikos]

Correct. can be lower for 1-pipe steam system

[@brandonyoder6646]

Very helpful I’m moving one of mine to another room and set it back up this answered everything I had questions about my biggest issue will be unhooking it to set it back up in another room.

[@OldManZeke1969]

Finally ...I found the video I need-Thank you good man.

[@janicemayo-march9051]

Great information the best video I've seen yet how to connect hot water radiators looks so easy I might attempt my own hook up Thanks Again

[@raksnishi]

I really wish I had found these videos sooner! Just spent big money on a job I don't love, but at least I'm getting the info I need now. Explanations are clear and concise, well done.

[@stormbytes]

Outstanding presentation! Thank you! Extremely informative and helpful.

[@FrustratedBaboon]

A tip, Radiators are usually installed near or under a window. With that said, the sunlight cannot hit the PEX per whitepaper. PEX should always be covered in those situations as you suggested with the brass fitting.

[@ighomesrepair]

Exactly what I needed!!!

[@hafunland894]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!! Hang in there sound is bad at first part it is well worth having patience. This guy covers EVERYTHING you need to know whether hot H2O or steam!!!

[@mrtrek64]

Bro...I'm sure we all appreciate the effort in making the video. Not to get into a long-winded reply, I'll just point out that if used for steam a 1 by 1/8 bushing must be used where you placed your 1" inch plug and the air vent installed there. If used as a Hot water radiator same thing except your bleeder gets installed instead of the air vent. You're not using the correct tappings. Installing an HW bleeder in the middle port will only allow half the radiator to fill with water and therefore reducing its BTU output.

[@mattcramer3648]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you for the video!!

[@jaefrmbk2k]

great video. I learned so much

[@smidi0924]

Great video!!! I would like to see how to connect and run pipes from an existing cast iron steam radiator on the bottom to the upper floor or an attic for a new steam cast iron heater. I'm looking for to install a new one on mynattic by myself. I need a clear idea how i can do it perfectly with your help. Thank you in advance.

[@naelimartens6439]

Thank you so much!! I have been searching Hard for a video like this!

[@kalemercer7053]

Great video, If your using Pex (Witch I would recommend) take the few extra time and money and secure the Rad or supply & discharge lines. Had a little kid tip A rad over on to his leg, It wasn't pretty.

[@chephoenix2551]

Loved the video! Very informative! I’ll be watching lots more!

[@GotSig1510]

Great video, thank you

[@PEXUniverse]

No problem man, that is what we are here for. Let us know if there are any other topics you want us to cover.

[@brianhunter5047]

What would be an alternative hot water heat application where previously the radiator was installed with a Honeywell Unique Valve where supply and return are from the same side?

[@oldhandyluke]

You can't install hot water blenders halfway up the radiator it has to be on the top port for it to work properly

[@james777551]

Very talented very helpful 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@noellarcena6428]

how about radiator trap for the return condensate

[@tomk6735]

Is that any sort of baseboard or anything I can use for a radiator I have one that has a crack (all ready tryed high temp jb weld). Tyed calling salvage yards in my area no has any.? Steam heat.

[@garethsmith7666]

What is the recommended pipe size for feeding cast iron radiators?

[@jrro6111]

Can I use this from a wood stove if I have a hot water storage tank?

[@Tom-S1981]

Quick question - will the threads be showing when done properly? (only kidding. Helpful vid thanks).

[@joseromero-sl6yb]

En que parte del radiador va la balbula del cierre de agua en el retorno o la principal

[@djthx8757]

Hello, there are one pipe steam systems and two pipe steam systems, which include a return connection. And the steam radiator valves do not release steam, but rather air pressure, that builds up in the empty pipes and is pushed by the generating steam.

[@jrscott5827]

superb content 🧐🧐👍🏾

[@PEXUniverse]

Thank you Scott!

[@jethronh]

HI, I have an old cast iron radiator that was used for hot water. I want to use it for my steam system, to replace a cracked/leaking radiator. They are almost the same size, but I need to swap the fittings from top to bottom for steam, and put a vent valve in. Any advice on how to get the bushings off that have been on there forever? they are painted on pretty well to. Do i used flame, or heat gun? Do i need to score/cut the paint first? just brute strength to get them to turn? Lefty loosey still? Thanks.

[@jenniferbyrne8334]

A steam vent is a steam air vent, air vents for steam are not supposed to release steam. Steam vents work by slowing down the rate that air is released from the system on each cycle. As soon as steam hits the vent a bellows or bi-metal element closes the valve so if you see steam coming from the vent on a steam radiator the valve needs to be replaced.

[@10314347]

AMEN!

[@chephoenix2551]

Good to know!

[@laura-ye7fc]

I have a hot water radiator set up for steam that I need to convert back to hot water. Currently, one pipe goes into the bottom hole on one side, and on the other side, a pipe comes from the top hole. Can I keep it set up this way or should I have the supply and return at the bottom holes or on the top and bottom holes of the same side?

[@bhadz100]

What kind of pex B was used?

[@muslivormilch6769]

Dont you use some kind of a thermostatic head in the US?

[@hvac01453]

when and where do you connect to the top connectors? Hot water to the top connectors and return on the bottom? Vents up high because the air rises to the top of the radiator?

[@JosephTammaro]

I just renovated a house. I took all the old cast iron radiators and repiped them with PEX. I have some issues and need to talk or visit a website that may give me a better understanding of how to come at the problem. Any suggestions? any ideas would be more than helpful. Thank you.

[@pavellopez2376]

Thanks for the Video. I have 3 questions. 1) what's the difference between installing the relief valve on the top or in the middle on a hot water radiator? 2) What difference does it make if the valve is installed on the supply side instead? 3) what is the proper tool to remove the bit that comes with a new radiator, I had a hard time removing it from mine?

[@JakeDeGrootNY]

I removed my 1/8" bit with a 3/16" allen wrench

[@ironwill04]

When using those pipe nipples for hot water do you use Teflon or pipe dope? If so, how do you get a clean look?

[@3r1cratpool22]

I have air in a big wood dryer radiators so i needed air vents. The guy sold me maid-o-mist #675. Its for hydronic. Is this ok for steam radiator. I didnt install yet.

[@yioryios1]

How to level? Adjustable legs?

[@mikeluciano7305]

Thanks for the video. I wanted to install 2 separate hot water radiators in one room on either end of the room. How do I plumb them together so I don't have to run separate lines to the boiler? thanks for the help!

[@ericfleury8369]

Use the return line off the first radiator to the supply on your second radiator. Then run the return off the second radiator back to the boiler.

[@mikeluciano7305]

Eric Fleury thank you

[@smidi0924]

Eric Fleury hi Fleury, im looking for to add another steam cast iron radiator on my attic. Therefore, i need to run a new pipe from the existing cast iron radiator valve on 2nd floor to the attic. Please help? Thank you.

[@WBIGTVBuffalo]

Typically each radiator circuit is branched off the mains using a smaller diameter pipe. That way each radiator gets fully heated water.

[@10314347]

For steam systems, these are AIR vents, NOT steam vents. Also, for 2 pipe steam systems, you need a steam TRAP on the return side of every radiator if there are not main steam traps in the basement at the near boiler piping.

[@frankalbert1189]

Agreed Fully. 😉

[@WinterSo1dier]

Can you use these radiators for either steam or hot water? I have a boiler with baseboard heaters.i was considering putting one of these cast radiators in my carport I enclosed and insulated. You seem knowledgeable on these. If you could give some advice I’d greatly appreciate it.

[@pipers255]

@@WinterSo1dieryes you can when he showed the pex and then the black elbows would be the wa you install it Im in New York and we install these all the time hope that answers your question

[@robbacon9969]

Can you have the feed and return on the same side?

[@PEXUniverse]

It all depends on the radiator that you currently have. Older models might permit this from happening but newer models don't.

[@heatherbrennan755]

Hi, Where did you find that radiator, that is the exact size I need. Thanks

[@walterbrunswick]

Probably PEX Universe? 🤔

[@rickringler5021]

Is that one of the Gov-Free radiators, sure looks like one?

[@mikev.1034]

👍👍

[@kaitang6212]

Temperature changer? LOL. The vent is not for releasing steam, otherwise you'll have a very efficient humidifier and heater. The air vent is to release cold air that is inside the radiator so the steam has a place to go. Different size vents will regulate how fast the radiator heats up which influences how warm the room gets in relation to the rest of the system. And my 1929 Tudor does have 1-1/4" supply lines - no bushing required. I didn't watch the whole video so I don't know what other mis-information is on here, but needless to say accurate and correct information is important!!!

[@hijodelaisla275]

I like the clunky valve. It's honest. "Installation"

[@baritone777]

So, the only thing I lose by getting rid of the valve is the ability to completely shut off the radiator, correct? I'm trying to save some space... Excellent and informative, thank you!

[@WBIGTVBuffalo]

Also the ability to adjust how warm it gets in relation to the other radiators so your heat is balanced the way you want it to be.

[@ighomesrepair]

Can I use pex for steam?

[@PEXUniverse]

Hey, the maximum rated operating temperature for PEX tubing is 200F. It would be a bad idea to use PEX for steam applications since you may melt your tubing.

[@markincomevideo9111]

In the hot water setup, isn't the return side suppose to be at the top so the radiator can be filled with water. And the bleeder valve on the opposite from the return

[@denisrhodes54]

supply and return at bottom vent at top, same side as return after running the system, bleed the air. let the system run for a white and bleed again. the rad with the most air repeatedly - install automatic air vent

[@BlisterHiker]

Supply can be at the top and return at the bottom, but not the opposite way. Return line at the top is not recommended. It may seem weird at first, but it actually helps to maintain proper water circulation in radiators. As hot water cools, it becomes heavier and sinks down toward return. Vent must be at the top, of course. Typically, as Denis explained, both supply and return lines are connected at the bottom and radiators are built in such a way that it helps to use energy better.

[@spectralprism3225]

I’ve heard this as well. The reasoning is that you have the hot water in the radiator for longer and it is a more efficient setup. I am finding that if the hot water in and out are at the bottom the hottest water never reaches the top of the radiator.

[@daniellindey]

Don't you need the orange PEX-C tubing, because it has the oxygen barrier and the max working temp and pressure are higher than the standard red PEX tubing?

[@daniellindey]

Ah, I spoke too soon! He mentions that towards the end of the video. Great video... just what I was looking for!

[@lovelyek8187]

The radiator valve in my bathroom crumpled!! And the other side is missing the steam thing, some radiators wont get hot especially the on in the attic!! Do you guys come out??? i need help!! Brought a old house and i know nothing!! I have lots of radiators!!

[@iwanttosurvive3992]

How's it goin at your house now? Were you able to find help yet? Just wondering. (I'm on YT here cuz I'm trying to research if radiators can still be installed in new homes not just old homes. Haven't found the answer yet.)

[@lovelyek8187]

@@iwanttosurvive3992 it's going well we took the valve from the attic heater and put it in the bathroom, the attic heater won't get hot and nobody is up there anyway.

[@iwanttosurvive3992]

@@lovelyek8187 ok good! Glad it worked out.

[@69486]

How do you remove the air valve bit?

[@pavellopez2376]

I have the same problem, I've tried all Allen keys possible and none seems to fit

[@69486]

I was able to find an allen key. I think it's 1/8". Try to clean and measure inside from one side to other

[@pavellopez2376]

I guess that mine came with a damaged bit. I've try every Allen key and none can fit properly

[@JakeDeGrootNY]

Got my OCS radiator bit out with a 3/16" Allen Wrench

[@marccole8345]

If incorporating old functioning cast iron radiators into a forced hot water system should the supply water enter from the bottom and return water exit from the other side top?

[@WBIGTVBuffalo]

Heat rises so it is better to use both lower connections.

[@1sornram]

So radiators uses oil and baseboards uses gas heating system?

[@TheCrushinator71]

You need oxygenated pex tubing Usually orange in color For radiator installs.

[@ivantorr]

So just using the crimping rings good enough for the oxygenated pex tubing? What types of connections are available for connecting the oxygenated pex tubing? Thx

[@TheCrushinator71]

@@ivantorr I used the crimp rings or you can use shark bites even if you wanted too. I did my one install years ago with the rings and haven’t had a problem

[@ivantorr]

@@TheCrushinator71 thx JD

[@TheCrushinator71]

@@ivantorr no problne

[@TheFiremaker007]

Copper for steam hummmm

[@TheFiremaker007]

Not a relief valve air vent

[@mrbig4532]

It’s not a relief valve it’s a air bleeder.

[@mugen-mundo]

Either his a giant person or this is the smallest radiator ever made.

[@MemoGrafix]

There are radiators smaller/shorter than that. Some of them hasve 2-3 fins.

[@bugattivi7110]

All the new age models are sized smaller and slimmer but as long as they have the right sections they will work and give off the same heat to the room as the older over sized beast from the old ages lol

[@plungulator]

This Kid doesn't know what the heck he's talking about !!!!

[@GlenS123]

Never seen a video with this many mistakes ever.

[@zansmej3472]

slabo

[@kinokind293]

Wow, is this a terrible video! There are so many errors that it's evident the presenter doesn't really understand how some of this works. He's in a nice shirt, and the warehouse is clean, but that's about it. In a hot water system you can make the pipe connections at any pair of taps, but the air vent has to be at the very top, since air will start accumulating from the top down, and if you don't vent it from the top then most of the radiator will be full of air, not hot water. With one-pipe steam, although there are two 1/8" taps for venting, only the top can be used for hot water and only the lower one for steam. Why, because if you put the steam vent at the top steam, which is lighter than air, will rise to the top of the radiator, travel to the far side, and shut the air vent leaving the radiator partially filled with air, not steam. Also, he is incorrect saying you need a bushing at the bottom in all cases. Untrue. one-pipe steam often has a 1-1/4" valve connection. Only the smallest radiators will have 1".One-pipe steam never, ever, uses anything smaller than 1". And the brass return elbow would never be used with one-pipe and almost never with two-pipe. Only hot water. And he never even mentions 2-pipe steam, which comprises probably a third of all steam. I am impressed that most of what he says is either partially or totally wrong. Do your research elsewhere!