[Jork]

I'm installing a new floor which needs to be leveled. The radiator is at the low point (about an inch). It's a hot water system w/feed and return (1" piping). Can this be easilly done. Are the pipes going into the concrete floor short nipples usually? If so can they be removed and replaced with longer nipples? The home, in Pittsburgh, was built around 1914. I appreciate any help. Thanks, Jork

 

[Plumber101]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Jork]

Pics coming soon. Thanks, Jork

 

[AllanJ]

Theoretically you could unscrew the vertical pipe segments going down into the concrete and substitute longer segments but I would not be comfortable dealing with a system that old. Something might break unexpectedly in an unexpected place forcing you to dig out the concrete.

I would build the floor up around the radiator leaving an unfinished unraised depression the radiator sits in in its original position.

Over the years many ornate radiators were removed and taken to the city dump, the pipes cut off flush with the floor, and new copper baseboard zone circuits installed horizontally from room to room through the walls because old iron pipes leaked or broke down below.

 

[Ultrarunner2017]

Theoretically you could unscrew the vertical pipe segments going down into the concrete and substitute longer segments but I would not be comfortable dealing with a system that old. Something might break unexpectedly in an unexpected place forcing you to dig out the concrete.

I would build the floor up around the radiator leaving an unfinished unraised depression the radiator sits in in its original position.

Over the years many ornate radiators were removed and taken to the city dump, the pipes cut off flush with the floor, and new copper baseboard zone circuits installed horizontally from room to room through the walls because old iron pipes leaked or broke down below.

I have to agree with Allan;
I just finished repairing a large section of cold water plumbing in my 80yr old home. Some of the joints were corroded, breaking off without provocation during the repair.

Especially if the pipe goes into concrete, I would be extremely careful.
I also have a hot water system, and wouldn't try to work on that plumbing unless I was prepared to replace a lot more than I bargained for.

FW

 

[Jork]

Here's a pic of the radiator I would like to raise about 1". Thanks, Jork

 

[Plumber101]

IMHO. I would disconnect the radiator remove the 90 install a coupling and a 90 ell and a nipple back into the radiator this will get you close to 1" +/-

There should be enough pipe through the floor to get a pipe wrench on.

 

[kenmac]

Better get some good size pipe wrenches... I'll bet those old fittings will be hard to break loose

 

[Plumber101]

Ken..I have one 4 1/2' long..

I forgot if it is really hard to come off you might add heat with a torch to the 90 it will help it come off alot.

 

[kenmac]

Ken..I have one 4 1/2' long..

I forgot if it is really hard to come off you might add heat with a torch to the 90 it will help it come off alot.

Yep. I have 2 -48'' Ridgid aluminum pipe wrenches....Don't have to break them out often, But when I do they seem to get the job done... glad I don't have those old steel ones anymore

 

[4just1don]

Best way to get those 90's off is to beat on the base of them with two hammers in unison so hammer strikes both sides at once. OR a sledge hammer held firmly on one side and a 3#er on the other side. never saw a pipe that could stand up to that and NOT come loose. You get that part right,,,those 48's will be hardly needed,cept for starters. (but handy none the less)

 

[Plumber101]

Yep. I have 2 -48'' Ridgid aluminum pipe wrenches....Don't have to break them out often, But when I do they seem to get the job done... glad I don't have those old steel ones anymore

Mine is steel..my dads before he died