Repair of the radiator

The technology and sequence of repair of radiators depends on the type and design of the battery itself. In addition, the cause of the failure is also important. For example, repair of bimetal radiators is not very different from repairing any other, it all depends on the specific situation. Next, in detail, we'll look at how to find, localize and troubleshoot radiator heaters.

Types and design of radiators

In this article, we will discuss the repair sequence for radiators such as:

• steel radiators,
• aluminumie radiators,
• cast iron radiators,
• Bimetallic radiators.

When repairing, also consider the design of the radiator. The main types of structures are four:

• Sectional radiators - assembled from separate separate sections, securely fastened together.
• Monolithic radiators - represent one large section-housing.
• Tubular radiators - does not have a connecting body, becauseThe coolant circulates through the pipes, which constitute the radiator housing. Often performed in non-standard forms and sizes.
• Panel radiators. They consist of two metal plates, which are welded together.

In order to start repairing the radiator, you need to know which basic and additional components, parts and components are part of its design.

General device of radiator batteries

Let's consider components and details with which radiators of heating equip. Depending on their type and design, the accessories and additional devices will be different, but in general, the list of possible components is as follows:

• sections and tubes - the channels inside which heat-transfer fluid circulates,
• nozzles - connect to pipes for supply and removal of coolant,
• split rings - close the exit of the pipe from the wall panel,
• plastic rod - fixes the detachable rings,
• plugs - plugs on the sides of the radiator,
• ball valve with valve - for overlapping qi
• Maevsky crane - for manual pressure relief in the heating system, an automatic pressure relief valve is installed, the
• thermostatic head, which adjusts the room temperature,
• steel bushings, intersection nipples, silicone gaskets - are placed at the junction pointssections,
• couplings, lock nuts and brackets for fixing radiators.

An aluminum radiator for heating sometimes includes a circulation pump that ensures even heating of the rooms. It is also used for other radiators, when the bottom connection of the heating system is installed, i.e.pipes approach the radiator from below. In this case, the use of a circulation pump is necessary, otherwise the heat loss level will increase significantly.

Symptoms and causes of heating radiator failure

Possible causes of damage and damage to heating radiators:

1. Initially incorrectly matched radiator. Depending on the diameter of the pipes, pressure and temperature of the water in the heating system, various types of radiators are installed.
2. Incorrect connection of the radiator to the pipes of the heating system.
3. Rigid operating conditions for a centralized heating system. Increased acidity of the coolant and sharp pressure drops lead to electrostatic and electrochemical corrosion of the metal.
4. The poor quality heat carrier in the heating circulation system forms a raid on the joints of the sections and in the places where the pipes are fastened.
5. Low-quality coolant clogs the radiator sections and the radiator as a whole. This makes it necessary to periodically wash them.
6. Degradation of inter-sectional gaskets and destruction of threaded nipples. It is necessary to periodically replace the gaskets between the radiator sections.

The main signs of damage and deterioration of the radiators are as follows:

• during the heating season in the premises became colder than usual, the
• on the joints of the sections and in the places of the fastening formed a raid,
• appeared to leak.

If the radiator is very old, it is best to replace it. Modern models are more efficient, have a high thermal conductivity - the house will become warmer, and the cost of heating will decrease. In addition, the new batteries are compact and have a beautiful design.

In the case where there is no possibility to change the radiator, it is necessary to correct the damage as soon as possible. The best solution is to turn to specialized services or resort to the help of professional masters. But you can also try to repair radiators yourself.

Repair of sectional heating radiators with your own hands

The most radiators belong to sectional radiators. In the first place - it's cast-iron and bimetallic, less often metal.

Undoubtedly, preventive maintenance of radiators is best performed before the start of the heating season or after its completion. However, often we start to do something only when the problem becomes critical. The main reason for the need for repair is the leakage of hot water. Therefore, below is the instruction how to quickly repair the radiator with your own hands and get rid of the leak:

1. Diagnose the leak. Often the place where the water has flowed is visible to the naked eye. But it happens and such that it is difficult to identify it. In this case, the radiator needs to be dismantled and immersed in a bathroom with water. From the place where the hole was formed, bubbles with air will start to rise. However, most often there is no need to remove the battery, and repairs are carried out locally.

2. Preparing the tool. When the place of leaks is determined, it is necessary to proceed to radiator repair. For this, prepare the following tools and materials:

• thin steel cable,
• putty. You can use a choice of: a mixture of epoxy and a metallic( bronze or aluminum) powder;stiffened zinc white;polymeric or powder sealant;"Cold welding"( please note that it is moisture resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 100 ° C),
• canvas, bandage or other plaster for applying putty,
• metal clamp. If it does not exist, tape( or rubber) and wire.

3. We equip the place of repair. Under the battery, put an oilcloth, waterproof cloth or a piece of film. Above is a large rag that absorbs water well. If necessary, put a nearby basin or a bucket to collect water.

4. We make cleaning of the place of leakage. Most often, the place of leakage is the junction between the sections of the radiator. In this case, it is necessary to remove the old winding, remove pieces of the damaged gasket and paint layers. Use a string( a thin cable with knots at the ends) and peel the damaged joint to the metal. Rinse the cleaned area with gasoline or acetone, so that the new winding is firmly entrenched on the radiator.

5. Laminate the damaged section of the radiator. Mix the epoxy resin and the metal powder, put the composition on a narrow tape of fabric. Maximally tighten the tape with the mixture to the joint in two or three layers. If zinc white is used as a coating agent, then in four to five layers. When using "cold welding", you need to cut off a small piece of it and knead it with your hands to a uniform consistency. Weld on the circumference of the joint, the fabric tape is not used.

6. We fix the smeared area with a metal yoke. Put a yoke over the putty. Pull it off and secure it securely with bolts and nuts. The connection of the yoke must be in the side opposite the place of flow. If there is no clamp - use an insulating tape or a piece of rubber. Rubber is best cut from a flexible medical harness or bicycle camera. Insulate the tape or rubber in several layers, tightly twist the edges with a metal wire.

When the heating season is over, it is recommended to replace the defective heating radiator or at least its damaged sections. If this is not possible, remove the old winding and re-work the place again according to the same scheme. This must be done before the next heating season, so that the new winding can dry out well. Repair of cast-iron radiators is carried out in the same way.

Repair of aluminum heating radiator by soldering

In some cases, the damaged sections of the aluminum radiator must be sealed. With the experience of working with a soldering iron, it is not difficult to carry out such repairs. However, please note that aluminum and its alloys are not easily soldered, so it is necessary to do this kind of work extremely carefully. So:

• prepare a surface for soldering and put on it iron-rosin flux;
• with a heated soldering iron wipe the damaged area;
• when the rosin spreads over the surface, enter the tin-lead solder with an admixture of iron filings.

The sealed aluminum radiator is recommended to be repainted. To do this:

1. Erase the old paint layer with a special rinse.
2. Carefully process the radiator with sandpaper.
3. Heat-resistant paint or enamel apply an even layer from top to bottom. If the radiator is sectional, start painting from the sections between the sections. Please note that the radiator must be cold when painting.

Some tips and recommendations for increasing the heat in the house

Finally, a few tips for improving the performance of radiators and heating systems in general:

• Painting the radiator( in particular, cast iron) in a dark color increases the proportion of heat emitted by the radiation.
• The recommended distance from the radiator to the window sill is 100 mm, and from the wall to the battery - 20 mm. Otherwise, the heat flow is disrupted, and the efficiency of the heating system is reduced;
• To increase the heat radiation directed to the interior of the room, attach a heat-insulating film with a foil surface to the wall behind the radiator.

• The optimum distance from the floor surface to the battery is 120-150 mm. If you do not follow this rule, sudden changes in temperature will cause drafts in the house;
• With the return connection( when the hot water is fed to the radiator from below), the total system capacity is reduced by approximately seven percent.
• The efficiency of the heating system is also significantly affected by the location of the radiator. The maximum effect is provided by placing under the windowsill - 96-97%.If the battery is in a niche in the open, the efficiency is reduced to 93%;if the radiator is partially closed - up to 88-93%, if completely - up to 75-80%.