Connecting sections of heating radiators to each other with a key: how to do it

The question of how to connect two heating radiators to each other is faced in cases where it is necessary to expand the battery. It is possible to increase its length by any number of sections. This is justified if the house has poor heating, old walls, large heat losses, etc. You can make the connection yourself; to do this, it is recommended that you read the detailed instructions described in this article.

Tools and improvised means

Regardless of how exactly to connect batteries in series, you will need to prepare the following tools and consumables:

• set of wrenches;
• paronite gaskets;
• sandpaper;
• special radiator key;
• several plugs;
• gaskets for installation between adjacent sections;
• nipples (they are sold complete with the section).

It is quite clear that the connection of heating radiators to each other is carried out with the battery completely closed. This is convenient to do if there are upper and lower taps. If they are absent, you will need to shut off the entire riser, for which you first obtain permission from the management company. Since some water will inevitably leak out of the pipes and the radiator itself, you should take care of rags and basins in advance.

Step-by-step instruction

Connecting heating radiators in series is quite simple.First you need to calculate exactly how much you need to increase the battery. If there are only a few sections, they are increased, and if, for example, 16, then it is easier to install 2 batteries, because the maximum number of sections on one radiator is exactly 16. If you wish, you can also figure out how to connect two heating batteries to each other .

But most often at home it is only necessary to expand the radiator into several sections. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Turn off the taps, remove the battery and drain the water, place it on the floor on previously spread clean rags.
2. If the battery has not been cleaned for a long time, it is taken to the bathroom, at the bottom of which rags are also placed (so as not to scratch the enamel). Connecting heating radiators in series will only be effective if the walls inside them are clean.
3. Pour cleaning liquid into the battery, for example, “Medesk” or “Metalin T” and let it stand for several minutes (according to the instructions).
4. Then rinse with a moderately strong stream of water, after removing the shower head. Thanks to this, connecting heating radiators to each other will actually increase the temperature in the room.
5. Check the integrity of the original threads at the ends and clean the edges with sandpaper. If the connection is clean, simply wipe it with a cloth to remove dust, because it can also break the seal.
6. Now you can prepare to start connecting the heating batteries in series. The radiator is placed on a cloth on the floor, and one or more additional sections are placed nearby in exactly the same position.
7. The method of connecting 2 radiators to each other, or increasing sections, is the same.To do this, you need to move the sections, having previously placed between them the nipples included in the kit, as well as paronite gaskets.
8. To make the connection of aluminum radiators reliable, the nipples are screwed “on the core”, i.e. They just plant it, but not completely. In this case, it is better to work together - the second person will evenly pull the sections together. This must be done using a radiator wrench to connect the radiator sections.
9. It is necessary to carefully inspect the structure and make sure there are no distortions. If everything is in order, make the same number of turns on both sides so that the battery connection is completely sealed.

Battery testing

Now it’s clear how to connect heating radiators. All that remains is to figure out how to check the correctness of the work. The main requirement is the tightness of the system. For testing, a strong stream of compressed air is injected, i.e. They essentially do crimping at home. For this you will need:

• small pipe (diameter 15 mm);
• pump for inflating car tires (equipped with a pressure gauge);
• nipple from a car tire.

The connection of sections of aluminum radiators or bimetallic products can be considered sealed after successfully passing the following test:

1. A pump is connected to the nipple.
2. A plug is placed on one of the radiator holes.
3. Turn on the pump and pump air into the battery, making sure that the pressure on the pressure gauge reaches 1 atmosphere (corresponding to 1 bar).
4. Listen carefully to the battery. If there is a whistle, then the seal is definitely broken. To accurately determine the location, you can apply a concentrated solution of soap to the surface - when air is pumped, it will begin to foam.
5. If a poor-quality serial connection of radiators is detected, the nipples should be tightened as tightly as possible. It happens that this does not help - then you will have to replace the gaskets.

Thus, you can build up a radiator yourself; this does not require special skills or equipment. But it is very important to check the tightness of the system, for example, using a car pump. If it is not there, you need to invite a specialist. You can use the heating system only after it becomes clear that the battery is absolutely sealed.