[Marqed97]

Well, we've been in our old house for 2 years just about, and the time is coming for the big bathroom remodel. One thing that slipped my mind is the lack of a radiator (hot water heat) in the bathroom (2nd floor, tiny typical bathroom, about 6'x8', 8.5' ceiling). It's only source of heat is a bathroom fan with a 3rd switch for a small heating unit built into it. It works, but not well. And it's wired incorrectly (the list goes on).

So: there apparently USED to be a radiator, at some point the lines were capped. Probably to free up space in this tiny room. I'm wondering what my options are here, in terms of replacement, connecting to these pipes for the replacement, etc.

The wall the pipes disappear into is a dummy wall built out to meet the tub (about 12"). They go right to the outside wall, thru the floor, down thru the living room, to the basement where they join the main trunk lines. The pipes are about 1" in diameter, maybe a touch more.

So....any ideas? I've looked at some replacement rads, pricey, and I don't know how compatible or effective a short length of baseboard style radiator would be...

Thanks for any input!

Andy

 

[mterry]

Ask around, craigslist, local classifieds, salvage/scrap places, etc. My buddy had to replace a bunch of old radiators in this house he bought, he found a guy who worked for the town sanitation or maintenance dept or something like that, anyway this guy would store stuff like this he got from condemned houses before they were razed, he had a warehouse full! He got the rads for like $10-15/each

 

[Marqed97]

Ask around, craigslist, local classifieds, salvage/scrap places, etc. My buddy had to replace a bunch of old radiators in this house he bought, he found a guy who worked for the town sanitation or maintenance dept or something like that, anyway this guy would store stuff like this he got from condemned houses before they were razed, he had a warehouse full! He got the rads for like $10-15/each

$15?! Sheesh. We must have a very active restoration field around here. The old designs seem to go for more than new locally. My folks house has some very ornate/unique radiators, they've been offered good money for them.

I guess I'm also wondering, should I go with a flat panel type radiator or baseboard, what would the proper tie in to the existing pipes be? I will probably farm the work out to a plumber since I don't want to compromise my heating system's function, but would like to know general info so I don't sound like a moron.

 

[bbo]

when we lived in an older house and had HW heat, I looked into it and there was a place in MN that radiators for sale refurbed(?)

 

[bbo]

$15?! Sheesh. We must have a very active restoration field around here. The old designs seem to go for more than new locally. My folks house has some very ornate/unique radiators, they've been offered good money for them.

I guess I'm also wondering, should I go with a flat panel type radiator or baseboard, what would the proper tie in to the existing pipes be? I will probably farm the work out to a plumber since I don't want to compromise my heating system's function, but would like to know general info so I don't sound like a moron.

I think your plumber should be able to size the rad for the size of the room. I found an online sizing guide, ymmv

http://www.colonialsupply.com/resources/radiator.htm

 

[Marqed97]

Good site...I'll read through it tonight. The wall type units look interesting, and would keep floor space open. Thanks for comments...

 

[REP]

The size of the radiator is also connected to how hot your water is.On most cast iron rads you should be in the 140 degree range.On newer baseboard style you would be looking for 180 degree water.

 

[beenthere]

If room/space is a concern a flat panel would be your best bet. Or a wall radiator, instead of a standing rad.

The radiator should be sized to the room in the same manor as the other rads are sized. meaning if the other rooms have rads twice as big as needed, you should do the same to that bathroom. Or you'll end up not getting enough heat.

 

[Marqed97]

If room/space is a concern a flat panel would be your best bet. Or a wall radiator, instead of a standing rad.

The radiator should be sized to the room in the same manor as the other rads are sized. meaning if the other rooms have rads twice as big as needed, you should do the same to that bathroom. Or you'll end up not getting enough heat.

I've been looking at a few of those flat panel style radiators - also the style with gaps for hanging towels (the wife would love that!). They look like they'd be perfect.

The water temp question was a concern too... That rules out the baseboards I think. The flat panels are a little pricey but not bad. Might be the way to go. I appreciate the input!

I was wondering about the sizing...that seems to be the general idea - figure out the btu/hr for the volume of the room, and multiply by 2 for this particular case.

Andy

 

[beenthere]

Why would you multiply the BTU needed by 2?

 

[Marqed97]

It seems to be the theme with all the sizing calculators I can find online. For a dining room, multiply by 3, kitchen, by 3, hallway or bathroom, by 2, and so on. I'm definitely not going to swear by them for my final design, but was looking for a general guideline. Apparently that's not necessarily correct, eh?

The flat panel radiators I was looking at are made by Runtal (finally pried the iPad out of my daughters' hands - ha). Very nice looking.

I know a guy that works for a local pipe fitter company and had done numerous boiler system installs, I'll see if he can come take a look and enlighten me a bit.

Thanks again!

Andy