Replacing a heating radiator in an apartment - process guidance

Radiators are a critical and emergency-hazardous element of the heating system. Signals for immediate replacement of heating batteries:

• leaks at the junctions of sections or anywhere in the housing;
• the appearance of cracks on the paint layer, indicating the beginning of the destruction of the radiator;
• uneven heating of the convector surface, which deflation did not help eliminate.

Batteries are often changed when purchasing a new home or carrying out major renovations.

In each case, the operating algorithm may vary. This is influenced by: the type and material of the supply pipes; season; presence or absence of shut-off valves; wiring diagram.

How long is the service life according to GOST?

The scope of production and operation of batteries is regulated by GOST 31311-2005 and SP 60.13330.2012. They indicate the service life of heating devices, depending on the materials from which they are made:

• cast iron lasts 25-35 years;
• bimetallic – 25-30 years;
• aluminum – 20-25 years;
• steel - 15-20 years.

By finding out which radiators heat your apartment and when they were installed, you can understand whether it is time to replace them.

If the batteries cope with heating the room, maintaining the temperature in the apartment from +18 ° C, do not leak and do not have other defects, the management company may refuse to replace them even if their service life has expired.

Representatives of the management company can assess the condition of the heating batteries. As a result of the inspection, the commission will draw up an act in which the necessary recommendations will be given. If it is recommended to replace radiators that are common property, you can write an application for these manipulations to be carried out by the management company itself.

Coolant supply direction

The connection of a bimetallic heating radiator can be made from below - in this case, a lower vertical collector is used. When using such a scheme, the main thing is to know exactly which of the inputs the water is connected to. These data can be clarified in the technical data sheet.

Lateral and diagonal eyeliner is also possible. In the last two options for connecting bimetallic heating radiators, the coolant supply is introduced from above, while a return pipe is installed from below.

Accident during and outside the heating season

The housing company is entirely responsible for internal communications unless the residents have made the repairs themselves. Therefore, if a pipe bursts during the heating season, then all responsibility falls on their shoulders.

Outside the heating season, an accident can also occur, despite the fact that the coolant does not circulate at this time. At the end of the heating season, heat supply companies begin to conduct hydraulic tests.

This is necessary to identify problem areas and eliminate them before the start of the next heating season.

To exclude such actions:

• residents are temporarily disconnected from supply lines;
• The service installs valves in each apartment.

Do not rush to immediately look for those responsible for what happened - we recommend recording the breakthrough so that you can later use photos or videos when analyzing the case in court.

Bottom connection through a special node

There is another diagram for connecting a heating radiator. When it is implemented, the supply of heat energy and the return supply come from one side, through a special unit, which is connected either separately to the radiator or with a bottom connection.

This option entails large heat losses, which reach about 20%. However, the advantage of this connection is that the pipes are hidden from view and are not in plain sight. With this connection, the pipes can be completely hidden in the wall so that the corner connection point for the heating radiator will be completely invisible. Most often, this connection diagram is used for radial wiring of a heating system.

Self-installation of heating equipment

In apartment buildings, such events are carried out by specialized employees who begin to act after writing the appropriate application. Replacing batteries in a private home is not difficult. The main thing in this matter is to follow the entire sequence of actions.

Replacing a heating radiator with your own hands includes several points:

Draining waste fluid. To do this, you need to open the valve on the central fuel system. Next, connect the hose to drain the liquid from the pipes.

Dismantling the old heating system. If the old radiators are fixed with special nuts, then they are carefully unscrewed and the batteries are removed.

Marking the wall for future fastenings. In the future, this will allow the heating installation to be evenly distributed on the wall surface. To do this, use a building level, which will help adjust the correct angle of inclination.

Installation of special brackets. They help secure the product tightly in the desired position. Fixing the radiator installation.

Connecting the system. For this purpose, several ways of fixing the heating device have been developed. The most effective are considered to be: side, bottom saddle, diagonal. A photo of replacing a heating radiator makes the task much easier.

The lateral method is used for heating apartment buildings with vertical fuel distribution. To do this, you will need radiators with ten compartments.

The lower saddle is suitable for horizontal wiring of the heating system. The radiator size can reach 1.5 m. The number of sections ranges from 15 to 20.

The diagonal connection helps to evenly distribute the heat supply throughout the entire perimeter of the living space.

Options for piping heating radiators

Installation of heating radiators involves connecting them to pipelines. There are three main connection methods:

• saddle;
• one-sided;
• diagonal.

Connection options
If you install radiators with a bottom connection, you have no choice. Each manufacturer strictly binds the supply and return, and its recommendations must be strictly followed, since otherwise you simply will not get heat. There are more options with a side connection (more about them is written here).

Strapping with one-sided connection

One-way connection is most often used in apartments. It can be double-pipe or single-pipe (the most common option). Metal pipes are still used in apartments, so we’ll consider the option of tying the radiator with steel pipes on pipes. In addition to pipes of a suitable diameter, you need two ball valves, two tees and two bends - parts with external threads at both ends.

Lateral connection with bypass (one-pipe system)

All this is connected as shown in the photo. With a one-pipe system, a bypass is required - it allows you to turn off the radiator without stopping or draining the system. You cannot put the tap on the bypass - you will block the flow of coolant through the riser, which is unlikely to make your neighbors happy and, most likely, you will be fined.

All threaded connections are sealed with fum tape or linen winding, over which packaging paste is applied. When screwing the valve into the radiator manifold, much winding is not required. Too much of it can lead to the appearance of microcracks and subsequent destruction. This is true for almost all types of heating devices, except cast iron. When installing all the others, please do not be fanatical.

Welding option

If you have the skills/opportunity to use welding, you can weld the bypass. This is what the piping of radiators in apartments usually looks like.

With a two-pipe system, a bypass is not needed. The supply is connected to the upper entrance, the return is connected to the lower entrance, taps, of course, are needed.

One-way piping with a two-pipe system

With bottom wiring (pipes laid on the floor), this type of connection is made very rarely - it turns out inconvenient and ugly; in this case, it is much better to use a diagonal connection.

Strapping with diagonal connection

Installing heating radiators with diagonal connections is the best option in terms of heat transfer. In this case it is the highest. With bottom wiring, this type of connection is easy to implement (example in the photo) - the supply on this side is at the top, the return on the other is at the bottom.

A single-pipe system with vertical risers (in apartments) does not look as good, but people put up with it because of the higher efficiency.

Coolant supply from above

Please note that with a one-pipe system, a bypass is again required.

Coolant supply from below

Strapping with saddle connection

With bottom wiring or hidden pipes, installing heating radiators in this way is the most convenient and least noticeable.

With a saddle connection and lower single-pipe wiring, there are two options - with and without bypass. Without a bypass, the taps are still installed; if necessary, you can remove the radiator and install a temporary jumper between the taps - a squeegee (a piece of pipe of the required length with threads at the ends).

Saddle connection for one-pipe system

With vertical wiring (risers in high-rise buildings), this type of connection can be seen rarely - the heat losses are too large (12-15%).

Laying heating pipes

Once the old heating system is removed, it's time to think about a new one. One of the questions in the instructions on how to change the battery in an apartment is the method of laying new pipes. First of all, one of two options is selected:

• Open
• Hidden

From an aesthetic point of view, hidden gasket is much better. Communications will be hidden from human eyes. However, this method has a number of disadvantages:

• Further maintenance of the system is difficult
• The cost of the work being carried out increases, and additional costs for building materials will appear in the estimate.
• A certain percentage of the heat will go to heating the decorative structure

The advantages of open heating systems, due to which they are preferred, are obvious to everyone:

• Lower cost of installation work, since materials are consumed in minimal quantities
• The pipes are in direct contact with the environment, thereby eliminating heat loss
• Simple further maintenance of communications
• Small time costs for laying pipes

Hidden pipe laying

As noted, hidden pipe laying is labor-intensive and time-consuming work. First, prepare:

• For natural circulation of the coolant, the pipe is placed directly into the suspended ceiling, and the outlet risers are run along a protective decorative box
• For forced circulation, a good solution would be to lay pipes in the walls or floor
• Markings are applied to the working surfaces and grooves are made with a hammer drill or grinder

The pipe is secured directly in the grooves with clips. In this case, near future radiators, the line should end with removable threaded adapters.

It is necessary to start decorating the surfaces only after all the batteries are in place and crimping has been carried out.

Open pipe laying

Laying pipes using the open method is more popular. At the first stage, you need to install radiators, an expansion tank, a boiler and other heating equipment.

In order for the pipes to look aesthetically pleasing, their exact location should be calculated. Diagrams sketched on paper taking into account the location of the furniture will not be superfluous.

Open laying can be organized in one of the following ways:

• The upper discharge pipe of large internal cross-section is laid between the radiator plugs under the window sill, while the pipe running along the bottom is led along the floor
• Both pipes are routed along the floor, but this method is only suitable for forced circulation
• For natural coolant circulation, the lower pipe is placed directly near the floor, and the upper pipe is placed as high as possible

Having decided on the method of laying the pipe line, you need to mark the walls and install retaining clips. The frequency of their location is 1-2 m. It is necessary to take into account that it is recommended to make the areas between the radiators solid. In non-standard areas, two clips are placed at the junction points - on one side and on the other.

Particular attention is paid to branches and turns. Before trimming, you will have to take careful measurements, have a design and engineering vision

We also advise you to find out more about individual heating in the apartment

Installation of new batteries

Before installing heating radiators in the apartment, you need to calculate everything again and accurately measure their location. In this case, you should not violate the rules prescribed in specialized documents (SNiP):

1. Approximate distance between the floor and the bottom edge is 15 cm
2. The approximate distance between the window sill and the top edge is 15 cm
3. The gap between the radiator and the wall is at least 2 cm

First you need to secure the brackets on which the new radiators will be hung. Then nuts are put on them. All connections must be well sealed to prevent water leakage. It is also recommended to apply tow. There will be taps at each entrance.

The final working stage will be to check the entire heating system for operability. To do this, one end should be plugged, and on the other side, create a pressure with a pump or compressor that exceeds the working one by 1-2 atmospheres. If after some time the readings of the measuring pressure gauge do not change, you can screw in all connections and connect to the central system.

Additional video

Let's sum it up

There is definitely something difficult and impossible to do in how to change the battery in an apartment. However, you can’t count on easy work either. After completing the work, it is recommended to call a technician and let him verify that the system is assembled correctly.

How to properly install a battery under a window

The greatest heat loss occurs through windows. Therefore, correct installation of the battery under the window is especially important.

• The radiator must be located exactly in the middle of the window - this way it will cut off cold air. The main task of the radiator located under the window is to create a thermal curtain. It will not allow cooled air from the window to enter the room. and will not allow it to spread throughout the apartment.
• The installation height of the radiator from the floor should be 5-10 cm. If the gap is larger, a layer of cold air will form. If less, it will be difficult to clean under the battery.
• The distance from the wall should be at least 5 cm so as not to impede air convection. Otherwise, the battery will heat the wall of the building and not the room.

Important

If the radiator is equipped with air cutoffs (see photo), the distance from it to the window sill should be more than 5 cm. If the window sill is wide and protrudes beyond the radiator, for every 1 cm of this difference you need to add 2 cm to the gap between it and the battery.

Such a radiator will remove warm air so that the window sill does not interfere with its circulation

For radiators without an air cutter, the minimum distance to the window sill is 10 cm plus 3 cm for every 1 cm of protrusion. Installing heating radiators under the window close to the window sill will interfere with air convection. And this will lead to a decrease in heat transfer.

If the distance between the window and the floor is too small and it is not possible to comply with the standards described above, it is better to install a low radiator with a large number of sections. This way you can avoid excessive heat loss and heat the room more efficiently.

You can read more about the issue of arranging a niche in the article “How to properly recess batteries into the wall without heat loss”

Replacing heating radiators

A radiator is a heating device with channels through which coolant passes. There are many reasons for replacing a radiator: they have rotted from old age and are leaking water in small streams. Such problems can arise from mechanical impact (impact). They do not provide the expected warmth and cannot withstand pressure - the fault is due to mineral deposits on the inner walls of the radiators themselves. This can lead to reduced clearance in the radiator.

Heating radiators in apartments are replaced more often than in private homes. In private homes, the owner can independently regulate the supply. This cannot be done in apartments, so you have to put up with what you have or install a convector. There are also thermostats for sale that can be installed in apartments and regulate the heat yourself.

When unscheduled replacement of radiators occurs, the cost of dismantling and installation increases. The best time to replace radiators is the off-season. The system, as a rule, is in a passive state, and permission to replace it will be much easier to obtain.

Types of radiators:

1. Panel. Such radiators heat up faster than other types of batteries. Bottom or side connection. The battery is made of rolled steel.
2. Columnar. Batteries of two collectors connected to each other by tubular columns. The materials for the manufacture of such radiators are aluminum and steel.
3. Sectional batteries. Consist of two or more hollow sections. You can make an unlimited number of sections on a radiator; their number depends on the area of ​​the room. You also need to take into account the weight of the entire structure so that the fastenings can withstand the entire load. Batteries can be made of cast iron, steel, aluminum and bimetal.

It doesn’t matter whether you replace heating radiators yourself or hire workers, you should always choose the best equipment

What is important to pay attention to?

The equipment passport indicates the test and operating pressure

You should pay attention to the operating data; in cases of force majeure, there will be a reserve of test pressure

Why is pressure so important? When heat is supplied to the 9th floor, the pressure is 6 atmospheres, and when supplied to the 23rd floor - 15 atmospheres. Not all types of radiators can withstand such pressure; those made of aluminum are eliminated immediately

In the private sector, it would be wise to install aluminum batteries, since high pressure is not required to supply coolant. In nine-story buildings, cast iron batteries are mainly used. They can easily withstand a working pressure of 9 atmospheres. If the pressure supply is higher, then in this case you need to install radiators made of high quality steel or bimetal

Not all types of radiators can withstand such pressure; those made of aluminum are eliminated immediately. In the private sector, it would be wise to install aluminum batteries, since high pressure is not required to supply coolant. In nine-story buildings, cast iron batteries are mainly used. They can easily withstand a working pressure of 9 atmospheres. If the pressure supply is higher, then in this case you need to install radiators made of high quality steel or bimetal.

Corrosion resistance is a very important factor when choosing equipment. Batteries that are almost resistant to corrosion include cast iron. Aluminum batteries are considered the weakest according to this criterion. If the choice is made of aluminum radiators, then be prepared for the fact that you need to fill in anti-corrosion agents.

The most common reason for replacement is low heat transfer. Therefore, when choosing a radiator, this indicator plays an important role. The documents upon purchase indicate the power of one section. To calculate how many sections you need for a room, remember that 1 m2 requires a power of 80–120 watts.

Basic rules for choosing radiators

Today, construction stores offer a large selection of products, each of which has its own characteristic features. Special designs have been developed for each type of heating.

If there is forced circulation in the house, then you can choose any model. The main thing is that they correspond to the characteristic features of the pipes and heating boiler.

For natural circulation, designs with low hydraulic resistance are provided:

Cast iron radiators. Modern models have a beautiful appearance and minimal weight. They hold heat well and are highly durable.

Aluminum cast structures. They are wide reservoirs. Such installations heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time.

Steel tubular heating installations. Such radiators have a stylish appearance and a fairly high price.

Before making a choice, it is necessary to take into account the size compliance:

• the distance from the floor to the heater should not exceed 13 cm;
• from the windowsill it is 10-11 cm;
• There should be a distance of 4 to 5 cm between the radiator and the wall.

Violation of one of the points will be the main reason for the reduction in heat output of the heating installation. When choosing models, it is important to consider the size of the structure.

The larger the installation, the higher the heat dissipation of the battery becomes. These parameters are only valid if the basic rules for replacing the radiator have been followed.

Battery in the apartment: whose property?

Batteries intended for heating become unusable over time and require replacement. Many owners of apartments in multi-apartment buildings are concerned about the question of at whose expense the replacement is carried out.

As a rule, premises owners independently purchase new batteries to replace them. However, in accordance with current legislation, the responsibility is assigned to the management company.

According to Government Decree No. 491, adopted on August 13, 2006, the composition of the common property of owners and management companies is determined.

Important! Based on this regulatory legal act, we can safely say that the common property of the heating system includes:

• elements intended for heating the room, risers;
• shut-off valves, as well as those intended for regulation;
• meters designed to view information about supplied heat;
• other elements intended for the heating system.

If it is necessary to replace batteries in an apartment, management companies do not want to carry out the work at their own expense. They argue that the responsibility rests with the owner. The owner of the apartment, in turn, is sure of the opposite.

Due to numerous disputes and legal proceedings, the Minister of Regional Development sent an explanatory letter on April 4, 2007, in which he indicated that the batteries located in the apartment belong to common property.

However, management of management companies does not notify apartment owners about this fact. It's not in their best interest. That is why, most often, residents independently replace heating devices in their home.

Attention!

Heating system type

Single pipe systems can be routed vertically or horizontally. The latter option is most suitable for low-rise dwellings: usually we are talking about one- or two-story houses. Three-story buildings are rarely equipped with horizontal wiring. Vertical wiring is usually used in high-rise buildings. This scheme consists of a pipe coming out of the flow, going to the radiator, and then to the floor. This picture can be observed in all (or almost all) rooms. Sometimes there are cases where two radiators are powered from one riser at once. However, it is not at all necessary that they be in the same room.

The strengths of this scheme are the low installation costs and stability of operation (it is quite difficult to unbalance it). However, if significant changes in the parameters of batteries and pipes occur, this can significantly affect the hydraulic resistance. As a result, only the first two sections turn out to be warm, and the rest of the device remains cold.

Single-pipe wiring is characterized by a gradual decrease in the temperature of the coolant as it moves away from the boiler. The efficiency of heating the battery of the neighbor above (with top supply) is inversely proportional to the heating of the radiator on the floor below. To avoid such situations, a law on common ownership of the heating system was adopted. Now, in order to replace a pipe or heating device, you need to obtain the appropriate permits. High-rise buildings are not so often equipped with two-pipe wiring. This is explained by the large consumption of pipes for its organization. In addition, the large dimensions complicate the balancing of the circuit.

A two-pipe system in a multi-story building has the following diagram:

• Two pipes are brought into the room.
• The hotter part serves to supply coolant to the battery.
• The second removes the coolant that has cooled down after the radiator further.

Thanks to this scheme, the temperature of the coolant supplied to all heating devices is identical. It is important to remember that if there is a change in hydraulic resistance in just one radiator, the entire system can be completely unbalanced. A very small resistance will provoke the passage of almost the entire volume of coolant through this section. Therefore, in the presence of such wiring, installation of control valves is mandatory. Most often these are manual control valves or thermostats.

Have a question for a lawyer

Good afternoon. Replacing batteries is a major repair that the owner must do:

Article 65. Rights and obligations of the landlord of residential premises under a social tenancy agreement

2. The lessor of residential premises under a social tenancy agreement is obliged to:

3) carry out major repairs of residential premises;

Therefore, since you are the employer, you should not replace the batteries

02 August 2013, 09:06

Kotelenets Irina Viktorovna

Replacing radiators (batteries) in a municipal apartment should be carried out at the expense of the municipality, i.e. the owner who owns this apartment. This is established by the following standards:

— part 4 of article 155 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation;

- paragraphs 6, 28, 30-a), 38, 41 “Rules for the maintenance of common property in an apartment building” (approved by the Permanent Government of the Russian Federation dated August 13, 2006 N 491; as amended by the Permanent Government of the Russian Federation dated May 6 2011 N 354); — clause 11 of Appendix 7 “List of works related to current repairs” of the “Rules and Standards for the Technical Operation of the Housing Stock (approved by the Post of the State Construction Committee of Russia dated September 27, 2003 N 170).

02 August 2013, 09:08

The batteries are an inseparable part of the central heating system of a residential building, that is, common property. Therefore, they must be repaired or replaced, in your case, at the expense of the renter.

According to Art. 65 Housing Code of the Russian Federation:

1. The lessor of residential premises under a social tenancy agreement has the right to demand timely payment of payment for residential premises and utilities.

2. The lessor of residential premises under a social tenancy agreement is obliged to:

1) transfer to the tenant residential premises free from the rights of other persons;

2) take part in the proper maintenance and repair of common property in the apartment building in which the rented residential premises are located;

3) carry out major repairs of residential premises;

4) ensure that the tenant is provided with the necessary utilities of adequate quality.

3. The landlord of a residential premises under a social tenancy agreement, in addition to the responsibilities specified in Part 2 of this article, bears other obligations provided for by housing legislation and the social tenancy agreement.

02 August 2013, 09:11

. .radiators are an inseparable part of the central heating system of a residential building, that is, COMMON PROPERTY OF THE HOUSE.

This means they must be repaired at the expense of housing cooperatives, homeowners associations, and the management company.

Write a statement, draw up an act, if anything happens, then complain to the STATE HOUSING INSPECTION, they won’t talk for long, they’ll quickly issue a fine. Decrees of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 491 6. The common property includes an intra-house heating system, consisting of risers, HEATING ELEMENTS, control and shut-off valves, collective (common house) heat energy metering devices, as well as other equipment located on these networks.

The ENTIRE heating system, down to the last screw, is the common property of the house.

If anyone demands even a penny of additional payment OVER the monthly payments for current repairs and maintenance, THIS IS EXTORTION.

If none of the above-mentioned responsible persons helped, write a statement to the court and attach an act of damage incurred.

Structural design of bimetallic radiators

Aluminum radiators first appeared on the Russian market in the 90s; they were manufactured in Italy by several of the world's leading manufacturers of heating equipment. The high thermal conductivity and durability of the batteries, which according to manufacturers reached up to 50 bar, would seem to be able to provide aluminum heat exchangers with a long, trouble-free life on the domestic market. But why did you need to redo something that already works so well?

As mentioned above, aluminum is too demanding in terms of pH value, which should not go beyond the range of 7 - 8 units. As a result, during operation, for some consumers, aluminum batteries functioned for up to 10 years, for others they began to leak after 2-3 seasons due to the destruction of the protective oxide layer.

Tools

Be sure to acquire the following materials:

1. Torque wrenches;
2. Bypass;
3. Bulgarian:
4. Adjustable wrench;
5. Gas key;
6. Roulette;
7. Drill;
8. Pencil;
9. Soldering iron;
10. Level;
11. Lever pipe wrench.

In addition, it would not hurt to have a Mayevsky tap, without which no plumbing work can be done. It is imperative to have plugs that are suitable in size for the junction of batteries and radiators, as well as for installing additional taps. In addition to the plugs, it is recommended to immediately stock up on gaskets.

If, in addition to dismantling, you plan to replace batteries and pipes, then you need to stock up on new sections of pipes; it won’t hurt to buy Rifar bimetallic heating batteries, or some other analogues. In this case, you will need American cranes or simpler options. A polypropylene tap is very useful; with its help it will be easy to ensure that the heating is working when the radiator is removed. The PPR limit switch will be necessary for carrying out work in the neighbors’ area. If communication with them is unsuccessful, you will also need a clerk.

Among other things, the cost of cast iron batteries is much lower than their analogues, while the heat dissipation can be envied by these same analogues. Cast iron batteries also have low hydraulic pressure. Such batteries are very reliable and do not require any specific skills to operate.

The only drawback of these units is their extremely unpresentable appearance. However, manufacturers today know a lot about the style of radiators and try to give their cast-iron counterparts the most attractive appearance, especially since modern technologies make it possible to do this.

Replacing a cast iron battery cannot be done without a lever pipe wrench, which is used to remove locknuts and flanges. If this work is not possible, you have to use a pipe cutter. In this case, cutting must be done in front of the same nut. The following dismantling steps include:

• Disconnecting the heater from the system;
• Removing the heater from the fasteners;
• Heater disassembly and cleaning.

Very often, removal is carried out not only for replacement, but also for cleaning the radiator. Thus, cast iron radiators are very difficult to disassemble, but it is simply necessary to clean them of rust so that they work as if they were newly purchased. Before you start disassembling the battery, you need to prepare the tools:

• Blowtorch;
• Tow;
• Pipe wrench;

• Brush;
• Gaskets;
• Chisel;
• Bulgarian;
• Nipples;
• Hammer;
• Battery key.

You need to start disassembling the battery by heating the plugs with a blowtorch, after which they can be easily removed. After this, the nipple is cut between the sections using a grinder, so it becomes possible to disconnect the sections. Next, these nipples are removed with a hammer, and the battery is cleaned.

The reverse process is much more difficult - it’s no longer the same as unscrewing the heating battery with a wrench. First, you need to assemble the sections and group them, then the sections are connected using a set of gaskets, silicone and nipples, the latter being selected relative to the direction of the thread - this must be taken into account. Don’t forget about flushing the newly assembled radiator.

When the assembly process is completed, it is necessary to secure the removed radiator. This procedure involves either fastening to previously installed brackets or to new ones, especially when they were previously poorly installed. In this case, the first holes must be covered and puttied. New holes are drilled according to the measurements taken. Again, the holes are filled with nipples and brackets.

The best sealing can be achieved by securing all joints with tow. Moreover, cast iron batteries are connected to the pipes by means of bends. Be sure to ensure that the plugs are turned out. This is the algorithm for dismantling a cast iron battery. For convenience, it is recommended to purchase 300 mm heating radiators.

What to do with a stuck ball valve

If the ball valve is stuck, you can try to repair it yourself. For this:

1. Unscrew the fixing nut and remove the handle. Below it is the upper part of the rod.
2. If there is a hexagon clamping sleeve, you can loosen it a little.
3. Using an adjustable wrench, turn the rod from side to side. Attention! You need to act slowly and smoothly. If you apply too much force or turn the key too quickly, you can deform the ball or the entire mechanism.
4. Check the system. If the mechanism works normally and there are no leaks, you can install the adjusting knob. To do this, rotate it to the protrusions of the permitted degree of opening to determine whether it is possible to clamp the clamping sleeve all the way.

Important! If it is not known what material the device is made of, it is not recommended to repair it. After all, the use of additional mechanical tools can lead to its complete deformation.

To avoid damage to the ball valve, it is necessary to use only high-quality products. It is not recommended to purchase silumin devices with pipe wall thicknesses less than 2.8 mm. It is better to give preference to taps from European or Turkish manufacturers.

To prevent breakdowns, it is necessary to periodically change the position of the mechanism in order to develop the crane. It is recommended to do this at least once a month.

Types of heating batteries

Currently, you can find on sale both the already familiar cast-iron batteries and more modern ones - aluminum, bimetallic or steel radiators. Let's take a closer look at each type.

Cast iron

It is worth noting that modern cast iron batteries are completely different from those produced several decades ago. First of all, they are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and variety - you can choose options for both a modern interior and a retro style. The main advantage for which products from this group are valued is their resistance to aggressive external and internal environments. Moreover, products from foreign manufacturers are produced with smooth internal walls. This greatly facilitates the circulation of the coolant and prevents the formation of limescale.

Bimetallic

This type of battery is made from two different metal alloys. The internal part of the structure is made of steel, so it can experience loads of up to 40 bar and is not afraid of water hammer. The external contour of the radiator is made of aluminum coated with enamel, which ensures high-quality heat transfer from the device.

In addition, due to uniform heating of the surface, the heat-transfer area reaches significant sizes. Another advantage of this type of battery is that it has a laconic and modern appearance, so it won’t be difficult to fit them into the interior.

Steel

There are several types of steel radiators:

• tubular;
• sectional;
• panel.

This type of heating devices is distinguished by a wide variety of model designs, as well as high efficiency in closed systems with high-quality coolants. If you decide to choose it to replace central heating batteries in your apartment, it is worth considering that such devices are quite sensitive to aggressive environments and sudden temperature changes. Their weakest points are the welds. However, they can still be used provided that a reducer is installed on each radiator. This device will allow you to equalize the pressure level and avoid excessive load on the metal case, thereby extending the life of the radiator.

Selection of heating devices by type and power

If you have not yet purchased batteries, then before installation you need to select heating radiators from 4 varieties available for sale:

1. Sectional aluminum. They are made from a light alloy - silumin (aluminum + silicon) in the form of ribbed sections, painted with a heat-resistant polymer composition.
2. Bimetallic heaters are made in two types - sectional and monolithic, although outwardly the finished batteries look the same. Construction: a frame made of steel pipes is embedded inside each silumin section.
3. Cast iron heating devices - designer and Soviet-style - are only available in sections.
4. Steel radiators are welded from stamped metal (panel) or made by casting (tubular).

Note. In addition to the heaters shown in the photo, there are copper and baseboard convectors. They are rarely used in water systems.

Select the type of heating devices according to two criteria: price and appearance that matches the interior of the rooms. One caveat: for the autonomous heating system of a private house, any batteries are suitable, and for an apartment with centralized heating - radiators that can withstand a pressure of 12 bar. How to choose heaters is described in detail in a separate instruction.

The heat dissipation of batteries and registers is specified in the manufacturer's technical documentation. According to current standards, the power of radiator sections is indicated when the temperature difference between the coolant and room air is 70 °C.

For example, the room temperature is 20 degrees, the water in the pipes is 90 °C, then the section will give off approximately 180 W of heat. Since the coolant rarely heats up to 80-90 °C, the actual heat transfer will be much lower. Hence the conclusion: take radiators with a margin of 80-100%. Simplified methods for calculating power are described in our material and in the video:

Almost all types of batteries are offered in 2 versions - with side or bottom connection. Here the choice depends on the method of laying the pipes and the arrangement of the connections. This means that before installation you need to consider the question...

Responsibilities for replacing risers in a privatized apartment

A new apartment owner sometimes doesn’t even suspect how many problems he will now have to solve. And one of them, who now has the responsibility for replacing risers in a privatized apartment? After all, along with the living space, communications, including communal ones, also become property.

But confirmation of the fact that all pipes, including water, heating, gas and sewer pipes are the property of the residents of the house, does not answer the question of who should change the risers in a privatized apartment? The same document talks about such a concept as repairs (current and major).

Air vents

The standard installation kit includes a manual air vent (Maevsky valve). The place where it is installed is the free upper manifold. The presence of an air bleeder is mandatory when connecting a bimetallic radiator. The fact is that the contact of the coolant with the materials of the collector provokes chemical reactions, as a result of which gases are formed.

Thanks to this small device, it is possible to remove air and gases accumulated inside the radiator. If this is neglected, excess pressure will appear in the system, causing circulation problems and uneven heating of the batteries. To release gases, you need to open and close the valve with a key.

If you don’t want to remove gases manually, there is an option to install an automatic air vent. It is mounted in the same place as the Mayevsky crane. The device has a cylindrical shape and a height of 6-8 cm: when installing, it is necessary to maintain strict verticality. To hide the automatic air vent from view, a decorative screen is usually used for the radiator.

Work order

To properly replace heating radiators in an apartment, you must:

1. Coordinate the modification with the operation service.
2. Purchase the necessary materials.
3. Perform preliminary assembly of components.
4. Prepare tools.
5. Agree with the team (if you do not plan to do the work yourself).
6. Register the alteration with the Housing Office and decide on the date for the work.
7. Remove old radiators.
8. Install brackets.
9. Hang new batteries.
10. Make connections to heating pipes.
11. Check the system operation.

During the preliminary assembly of the units, all the necessary elements are installed: plugs, gaskets, Mayevsky taps, etc. In addition, you can mark in advance the places where the pipes will be cut. In this case, you should use a plumb line and level to ensure that the new radiator is level.

If the supply pipes also require replacement, it is necessary to prepare these elements: cut pieces of suitable length, attach tees, etc. All this is done in order to quickly complete the installation after draining the water from the heating system. This measure will be more than relevant if the need to replace old batteries arises during the heating season.

Welding is used to replace metal pipes. The edges of the structures will need to be threaded to securely connect them to the radiator

The procedure for removing old batteries depends on whether the pipes also need to be replaced. If the supply lines need to be preserved, you will have to carefully unscrew the old battery

At the same time, it is important to maintain the squeegee - a sufficiently long thread on the edge of the pipe. The radiator is fixed with a nut and coupling, which will have to be unscrewed

The procedure can be quite complicated. If the parts do not budge, you can try to loosen the connection using anti-corrosion compounds. In the most extreme case, the radiator is simply cut off with a grinder. There should be at least 10mm of thread left. Burrs should be removed from it.

If you decide to leave the old steel pipes, then dismantling the radiator must be carried out carefully so that the threads on the pipes remain intact

If it was not possible to maintain the flow, you will have to extend the pipes and also cut new threads. The removed locknuts can later be reused when installing a new radiator. It is much easier to dismantle the radiator if the pipes are also replaced. In this case, they are simply cut off in a suitable place. This is usually where the system turns toward its neighbors above and below.

Now you need to install the brackets and then hang the new radiator on them. At this stage, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the length of the supply pipe. All that remains is to restore the threaded connection

It is very important to perform the compaction correctly. For this, flax or plumbing thread is usually used.

Some craftsmen do not recommend using FUM tape on such connections. The seal is wound clockwise so that it forms a cone growing from the edge of the thread. Then screw on the connecting nut. If some of the seal remains outside, this is normal. But its layer should not be too thick.

Such work generates a lot of waste. They are best done during major renovations, after the windows are installed.

To achieve maximum tightness, sometimes the seal is impregnated with paint, after which the lock nut is screwed on. Then the protruding insulation is also impregnated with paint. A water-based composition is not suitable for these purposes. Once the paint has dried, it is very difficult to unscrew the connection.

Once the connection is complete, remove the protective film from the radiator. It is also necessary to check the position of the air vent. Its hole should be directed upwards. To check the quality of work, you need to ask plumbers to pump water into the heating circuit under pressure.

It is better to remove the film in which the new radiator is packaged after it is installed, so as not to accidentally damage the coating

This will allow leaks to be identified and repaired immediately. During operation, it does not hurt to observe the radiator for the first time, and also check the condition of the connections to make sure that they are not leaking.

What do you need to think about in advance?

If the decision to carry out this type of repair is made, you should find answers to a number of questions:

1. When exactly and by whom will the work be carried out?
2. What type of radiators should I use?
3. Is it necessary to replace the pipes leading from the battery to the riser?
4. How many sections will be needed for each room?

It is best to carry out such alterations in the summer, because before starting work you must obtain permission from the local housing office. In winter, officials are extremely reluctant to give such permissions, because they will have to shut off the common riser and leave other apartments without heating for some time.

But even outside the heating season, obtaining permission can be difficult. Those who have already solved similar problems talk about the need to wait several days, try to get an appointment with the right employees, etc. Some faced pressure: they were recommended to hire plumbers from the housing office to carry out all the work.

There are no restrictions in this matter. The main thing is that the replacement of heating batteries is carried out by an experienced plumber with appropriate qualifications. It is possible to identify all the flaws caused by inept installation only during operation.

Old radiators become dirty over time, inside and out; cleaning does not always help solve the problem of insufficient heating; replacement is a more effective option.

It is best to go to the housing office in the summer, and not in the fall, when queues peak. At this point, all the necessary materials need to be purchased, pre-assembled radiators, prepared tools, agreed with the team, if necessary.

If the house is connected to a central heating system, you should contact the maintenance service to coordinate the alteration. Here they can perform the necessary calculations to accurately determine the number of radiator sections, as well as clarify other technical issues.

You can calculate the required number of heating radiators yourself. We described in detail how to do this in this article.

Shut-off valves, which are installed on the “supply” and “return”, are necessary so that you can turn off the water at any time and remove the battery for repair or replacement

Lack of correct calculations can lead to imbalance of the home heating system.

For calculations, you will first need the information that is in the DEZ:

• type of boiler room (it can be central or individual for a particular house);
• type of system: two- or one-pipe;
• parameters of existing supply pipes;
• coolant characteristics: temperature, pressure, pH, etc.

Most often, old batteries are replaced with new modern models, usually aluminum or bimetallic. Although cast iron, copper and steel products are also available for sale. The type of radiator is needed when performing calculations.

When choosing a suitable radiator for a house or apartment, you need to focus on its main characteristics, which are detailed in the technical data sheet of the product

You will need such indicators as the pressure that the device can withstand, the maximum temperature of the coolant, heat transfer and other data. They can usually be found in the technical data sheet.

If not only the radiators are to be replaced, but also the pipes leading to them, you should choose a suitable material. This is usually steel, metal-plastic or polypropylene. Some craftsmen strongly recommend using only steel communications for centralized systems.

Depending on the type of pipes chosen, you will need appropriate equipment for welding them. MP and PP pipes are easier to install than steel. To work with metal, you need not only a welding machine, but also a device for cutting threads. Therefore, if the old pipes are clean enough, it is recommended to leave them and replace only the battery.

Old cast iron radiators retain heat well, but release it slowly; in addition, they are heavy, which complicates installation, which is why bimetallic and aluminum models are more popular

The weak point of metal-plastic structures is the connections. They must be performed very carefully; installation errors often lead to leaks. The popularity of MP pipes is explained by their relatively low price. Plastic is more expensive, but more reliable; if the welding is done correctly, the tightness of the joints will be very high.

You need to select suitable fasteners for the selected radiator. In this case, you need to take into account both the type of radiator and the material of the wall on which the installation will be carried out: brick, concrete, etc. Batteries are usually equipped with brackets of a suitable type.

To install one radiator, two brackets are usually used at the top and one at the bottom. Their position is carefully checked with a level to eliminate the possibility of misalignment during battery installation. However, some models are installed with a slight slope to ensure the removal of air trapped in the system. If the number of sections is more than twelve, another top bracket may be needed.

At whose expense is it possible to replace old radiators with new ones?

The management company must replace old batteries with new ones if they do not have shut-off valves and cannot be “cut off” from the general system with their help. The radiators themselves must also be paid for by the management company, since the new equipment will become their property.

In practice, management companies often refuse to buy, replace or repair heating devices at their own expense. This is the basis for going to court.

Throughout the country, there are known cases of such disputes being resolved in favor of homeowners.

If there are shut-off valves in the heating system, then you will have to replace the batteries at your own expense. But it still won’t be possible to do without the participation of the management company. The rules for operating MKD establish (see clause 5.2.5) that it is necessary to obtain permission to carry out these actions. In addition, you can only choose the right batteries by consulting with management specialists.

Before replacing batteries, you need to conduct an examination and calculate which radiators you need to buy (how many sections, etc.). The examination, if the heating devices are not common property, is also paid by the apartment owner. There is no need to make changes to the technical passport - replacing batteries is not a redevelopment or refurbishment if they are installed in the same places where the old ones were.

What difficulties with the law may arise if you carry out the work yourself?

Replacing batteries in an apartment yourself is fraught with:

• disturbance of heat exchange in the house;
• emergency situations;
• fines.

If you replace the batteries without permission, then in case of any accidents, the owner of the apartment will pay for damage to property. Moreover, not only to neighbors, but also to the management company.

Batteries that do not belong to the property of the management company can be replaced only after receiving written permission.

It is better to entrust the work to the employees of your management company, since in further emergency situations they will be responsible for violations in the operation of the heating system of the house. Third-party organizations will not be able to provide the homeowner with legal protection in the event of accidents, including those that arose through no fault of the homeowner.

You may be interested in looking at other articles about heat supply rules, commercial heat energy metering, types and costs of major and other types of repairs of heating systems in an apartment building, heat metering devices, heating season schedule in 2021, reasons for turning off heat supply in an apartment and noise in batteries, temperature charts and water heating standards in heating system radiators, as well as what to do if the battery leaks.

Aluminum

Devices of this type may vary in functionality and form.

Advantages of aluminum batteries:

• variety of product options;
• light weight, allowing installation of radiators alone;
• quick response to changes in coolant temperature.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Is it possible to paint hot radiators during the heating season?

Flaws:

• the need for air removal;
• inadmissibility of contact with other metals due to the threat of destruction due to a chemical reaction.

Who should do maintenance and repairs and when?

According to the above standards, the repair and replacement of heating appliances related to common property is the responsibility of management companies , whose property is the entire heating system in the house, if this heating network does not have boundaries within the apartments (shut-off valves).

The article “Maintenance and repair of common property” can be found in the receipt for payment of services, according to which the owners of apartment buildings pay a monthly fee for the maintenance of this property (how is the heating fee determined?). The management company should seek funds for the repair and replacement of batteries and other communications included in the heating system from this fund.

We figured out who should do the repairs. Now let’s talk about when such equipment should be changed or repaired. In case of emergency - immediately.

The homeowner should not pay for these services to plumbers or other persons.

The issue of replacing radiators is more complicated. Here you should rely on GOSTs and other standards that determine the service life of batteries.