Installation of cast iron heating radiators: how to hang and connect to each other

Installation of cast iron heating radiators is carried out independently if you have the appropriate experience. Moreover, owners of apartments in an apartment building will first need to obtain permission from the management company. The article describes in detail step-by-step installation instructions, types of fastening, as well as the pros and cons of cast iron batteries.

Is it worth installing cast iron radiators: pros and cons

Cast iron radiators are classic batteries that were widespread 30-40 years ago. Despite the fact that recently they have been massively replaced by metal ones, such batteries are still found in houses and apartments. Moreover, the installation of new-style cast iron radiators is also enjoying some popularity today.

The reasons for this are quite simple:

• affordable price;
• long-term heat retention even in the event of an accident;
• a large area makes it possible to dry clothes;
• high strength and durability;
• the large cross-sectional area eliminates severe blockages - cleaning is required quite rarely;
• corrosion resistance.

However, the installation of cast iron heating radiators also has a number of disadvantages:

• very heavy weight - difficult transportation and lifting to the floor;
• the appearance is not so stylish, old-fashioned;
• After installation, mandatory painting is required.

Radiator assembly

Installation of cast iron batteries is carried out in several stages, and assembly is not a mandatory step. But if the battery is purchased in parts, the sections must first be assembled. The main elements are shown in the diagram.

Replacing cast iron batteries with pre-assembly involves the use of the following tools and devices:

• set of paronite gaskets;
• sealant resistant to heat and antifreeze (if used as a coolant);
• radiator key;
• nipple set;
• Workbench.

It is possible to assemble cast iron heating radiators with your own hands; to do this, proceed as follows:

1. First, a sealant composition is applied to the surface of the thread of the nipple nut.
2. For convenience, the first section is placed on a flat surface, for example, on a table.
3. A nipple nut is screwed in on each side, and only 1-2 turns. To figure out how to install a cast iron battery, you must remember the direction of the thread on each side - right or left.
4. A paronite gasket is fixed to the nipple, and if there is none, you can simply wrap flax around the thread. Moreover, if it is of the left type, they move counterclockwise or vice versa.
5. In order for the installation of a cast iron heating radiator to be successful, it is necessary to attach section 2 to the installed nipples so that it fits tightly.
6. A special key for the radiator is inserted into one of the nipples. With its help, only one full revolution is performed.
7. Similarly, the key is inserted into the second nipple and one circle is made. It is best if two workers do this at the same time. Moreover, you need to perform exactly one circle, and not 2-3, because otherwise the section may become warped and collapse.
8. Before connecting cast iron radiators begins, the remaining sections are assembled in the same way. The nipples should be screwed in one by one until they stop and tightened, after inserting the lever into the key ring.

Marking and measurements

The design of a cast iron heating radiator and the rules for its placement do not differ from the requirements for conventional batteries. Before installation, it is necessary to take measurements and make markings, guided by the following standards:

• the battery is placed exactly in the center of the window with a permissible deviation in one direction of no more than 2 cm (to do this, draw a vertical line strictly in the middle of the window opening);
• height from the floor may vary, but not less than 8 cm and not more than 14 cm;
• it is important to take into account the interval from the radiator to the window sill - the value is in the range of 10-12 cm;
• If the cast iron batteries are connected and installed correctly, the distance from the radiator to the wall should be from 3 to 5 cm.

Taking into account these requirements, place marks under the window sill. It is also necessary to determine the location of the brackets. First, to do this, draw lines that go along the levels of the supports. The top line goes 5-7 cm lower than the marks under the window sill. The bottom line similarly goes 5-7 cm higher than the marks made. The quantity is determined as follows: one bracket at the top and bottom for each mount.

You can use it as:

• bracket - a metal part with a bar fixed to it (across);
• hooks (their end is threaded and screwed into a dowel mounted into the wall);
• floor clamp - installed in a special hole, secured with screws and bolts with nuts, thanks to which each support can be adjusted in height.

Installation process

The cast iron batteries are connected to each other manually, and after assembly they proceed directly to installation.It is first important to understand what the wall is made of. If it is concrete, stone or brick, it can easily withstand even heavy cast iron. Therefore, you can use the classic version of fasteners, which is carried out in 3 stages:

1. First, markings are made and holes are drilled with a hammer drill.
2. Dowels are installed in the resulting holes.
3. Hooks or screws are screwed into them.

If the wall material is different, for example, SIP panels, you need to figure out how to properly install a cast iron battery. The procedure is as follows:

1. Using pre-made markings, several through holes are formed in the vertical direction.
2. Take a bar with a length parameter equal to the height of the bracket. Place it on the other side of the wall and secure it with bolts.
3. The brackets should be applied to the wall surface and the holes should be aligned. Thanks to the coincidence, bolts can be inserted into them. Nuts are put on top.
4. Now you need to figure out how to hang a cast iron battery. It is mounted on brackets and secured with bolts.
5. Since through holes were previously made, on the other side of the wall it is necessary to completely seal them with a cement mixture, and then partially replace the finishing material, for example, siding.

Regardless of the wall material, further installation of cast iron radiators proceeds as follows:

1. Place the battery on the mounts.
2. A fitting from a set of shut-off valves is screwed into each hole. To ensure a tight connection, sealant is applied to the surface of the thread.
3. A Mayevsky tap is installed to the upper hole on the right or left.
4. A plug is installed in the last fourth hole.
5. The shut-off valves are attached to the pipes, and tow is placed on the surface of the thread.
6. Next, you need to attach the tap to the fitting and tighten it with a wrench until it stops.

When the cast iron battery is connected, you need to check its functionality and tightness. To do this, open the taps and carefully inspect the radiator. You need to make sure that there are no leaks or even small drops. You should also understand how well the sections heat up (uniformly or not, all or not).

If necessary, the position of the battery can be adjusted - this is possible by attaching cast iron radiators to the wall. All these actions can be performed independently, but only if you have experience. But if problems arise, for example, with tightness, it is better to invite an experienced specialist to avoid emergency situations in the future.