 |
This is the biggest radiator in our house. It came from a church. It is a high capacity sock drier. |
 |
This one was found in a field |
 |
This one was bought from Solopark. |
 |
This one was donated by a shop. |
 |
This one was left un-painted. it has a nice rusty look. |
 |
The power source. |
I get a lot of mail regarding radiators so I have complied a list of FAQ.
Where can I buy old radiators from?
I got a couple of these radiators from a building reclame shop in Cambridge. The place is called Solopark and the address is Pampisford, Cambridge, CB2 4HB, UK, Tel 01223 834663. They sell reconditioned and unreconditioned radiators of all types. They are well worth a visit for other stuff too.
How do you connect these radiators up to modern heating systems?
I plumbed in my central heating system my self and it was largely common sense that guided me. But I discovered a few things that I can share with you.... The radiators seem to be fairly indestructible and as long as water can pass through them and they are not full of dead rats, I think they will last for ever. The connections that you get on them are fortunately the same as on boilers, so you can get a coupling 1" or 3/4" BSP to copper pipe. Unfortunately the original taps never seem to come with the radiators and I normally use a stop cock. I think that the big pipes (22mm) rather than the standard 15mm pipes look better but this means that the normal radiator valves cannot be used.
Don't they go rusty from the inside?
Well if you use the normal anti corrosion fluid like Fernox, the radiators will last for ever. Normal horrid modern radiators are made from mild steel and boilers are usually cast Iron so no different really.
How do you test an old radiator for leaks?
What I did was to block of one end of the radiator with a wet rag and then suck the air out of the radiator and wait for a few minutes to make sure that the vacuum remains. None of mine leaked. I did have to remove plants and earth out of one radiator though. I dont know how to repair leaks in them.
What should I paint the radiators with?
I recommend using really good paint. After 3 years in my house some of the paint is coming off.
Why do you like old radiators so much?
The old radiators just look so good.
Do you sell radiators?
No.
