How to change the battery in an apartment

When undertaking major repairs or even updating the boring interior, the owner of the apartment often feels the need of to replace the heating batteries, as they do not fit into the chosen style of the new room decoration.

How to change the battery in the apartment

Another reason, in the event of which it is necessary to replace these elements of the heating circuit with the new - is the low temperature in the apartment in the winter season due to cold or insufficiently warming radiators.

To know how to change the battery in an apartment, you need to know about some of the nuances of this process. However, before the go to the store for new radiators, if the owner of the housing is quite satisfied with the old ones, you can try to revive them with the help of existing cleaning technologies. For this process, it is possible to invite a specialist from the organization that manages the heating system of this at home, but it is quite feasible to conduct this and on its own,

If you finally decided to get rid of old batteries and install one of the modern radiator options, then you need to choose the most suitable for use in a specific circuit, with taking into account the heating system features and the area of ​​the heated space.

What do I need to know for the right choice?

To make the right choice, you first need to contact the service company and find out the parameters of the house heating system, such as the pressure and temperature with which the is supplied by the coolant to the house circuit and distributed to the apartments. In addition, specialists need to specify what specific power the radiator must have per unit area for the specific conditions of of this building.

The right choice will determine the temperature not only in the apartment where the radiators will be replaced, but also in the others located in the neighborhood.

This is the basic information you need to own, because without it choose a reliable and efficient radiator heating will be difficult.

How to choose the radiator type and model for an apartment?

Knowing the parameters of heating system at home, you need to get acquainted with the characteristics of those radiators that have been decided to determine how suitable they are for installation in the central system .It is necessary to take into account the fact that due to technical characteristics not all types of radiators can withstand the aggressive environment that is created by in an open heating system due to oxygen saturation of the coolant, as well as possible water hammers due to pressure drops that are inherent in central heating from boiler rooms.

The selected batteries must function efficiently with a specific pressure level and chemical composition of the heat transfer medium, giving maximum heat to the rooms, making the its direct destination.

In addition to these factors, the design of the heating elements is of no small importance, since they must be ideally inscribed in the interior.

To date, the traditional traditional cast iron radiators, as well as modern aluminum, steel and bimetallic radiators, are still quite popular.

• Modern cast iron radiators are fundamentally different from the old domestic models. They have an aesthetic appearance and are available in different versions, so they can choose samples suitable for both modern and retro interiors .But still the main advantage of the batteries made of cast iron - is its resistance to aggressive internal and external environment. Imported models of cast iron radiators have absolutely smooth internal surfaces, so there is no obstacle to active circulation of the coolant, and there are no prerequisites for the formation of layers of scale.

Modern cast iron radiator, styled as "retro"

In addition to the listed positive qualities, all cast-iron radiators always have a high percentage of tons of heat recovery.

In addition, these batteries are not afraid of pressure spikes in the system and high temperatures, so they are great for installation in multi-apartment and multi-storey buildings, connected to a central heating system.

• Another one ideal option for apartments are bimetallic combined radiators made from two different alloys. The steel surface of the inner part of the radiator design is capable of withstanding pressures reaching up to 40 bar, and the aluminum exterior surface, which is decorated with enamel, gives the excellent heat dissipation to the room. Moreover, the surface is warmed evenly, so the heat output area is quite large.

Bimetal radiators are gradually gaining leadership due to their versatility

The batteries have a modern appearance and will be a decoration of any interior, the emphasizing its style.

• Radiators made of steel are divided into panel, sectional and tubular. The advantage of this type of radiators lies in the variety and aesthetics of design and efficient operation in an autonomous closed system that has a high-quality coolant. In circuits, connected to the central heating system, it is not recommended to install them, as an aggressive environment and temperature differences can damage the housing, especially in the most vulnerable places - by welding seams. However, if such batteries are already purchased, it is necessary to build a gearbox on each of them, which will automatically equalize the pressure, thereby preventing unnecessary stresses in the metal casing. This easy-to-install instrument will help keep the radiators on for a long time without damage and leaks.

Steel radiators have many vulnerabilities

Another one significant drawback - in some steel radiators there is no coating that protects internal surfaces from the occurrence of corrosive processes. When choosing on this it is worth paying special attention.

• Aluminum radiators as well as steel are not particularly suitable for open heating systems, because when exposed to corrosive media, aluminum is prone to oxidation.

Aluminum radiators are not recommended for installation in central heating systems

They have an excellent appearance, which at first glance is absolutely identical to bimetallic options, but the technical characteristics are as different from them.

Radiators made of this material are good for a self-contained closed heating system, with a steady head of clean coolant and with a fixed stable temperature. In the central system, unforeseen jumps in temperature and pressure can occur, which can adversely affect the seams of the sections. It is quite possible damage to the joints, especially if the inside the sections develop oxidative processes. That is why it is not recommended to install such elements in multi-storey houses.

For more details about the performance of heating radiators, please see our portal dedicated to this issue.

Calculator for calculating the number of radiator sections

It is important not only to choose the optimal radiator, but also to determine correctly the number of its sections or the total heat output. To do this, we suggest using the capabilities of the built-in calculator, which takes into account a number of nuances that are important for creating an effective heating system for a particular room:

Enter the requested values ​​sequentially or mark the options in the proposed lists

Set the slider to the room area, m²

100 W / sq.m

How many external walls are there in the room?

one two three four

To which side of the world do external walls look

North, North-East, East South, South-West, West

Indicate the degree of insulation of external walls

External walls are not insulated Average degree of insulation External walls have high-quality insulation

Indicate the averageair temperature in the region in the coldest decade of the year

- 35 ° C and below -25 ° C to -35 ° C to -20 ° C to -15 ° C not lower than -10 ° C

Indicate the ceiling height in the room

before2,7 m 2,8 ÷ 3,0 m 3,1 ÷ 3,5 m 3,6 ÷ 4,0 m more than 4,1 m

What isIs it over the room?

cold attic or unheated and unheated room insulated attic or other room heated room

Indicate the type of installed windows

Conventional wooden frames with double glazing Windows with single-chamber( 2 glass) double-glazed windows Windows with double-chamber( 3 glasses) double-glazed windows or with argon filling

number of windows in the room

Specify the height of the window, m

Specify the width of the window, m

Choose the battery connection diagram

Specify the installation features of the radiators

The radiator is located open on the wall or is not covered with a window sill. The radiator is completely covered with a window sill or a shelf. The radiator is installed in a wall niche. The radiator is partially covered with a frontal decorative screen. The radiator is completely covered with a decorative casing.

. Below it will be suggested to enter the rated power of one section of the selected radiator model.
If the purpose of the calculation is to determine the total heating power needed to heat the room( for example, to select the non-separable radiators) then leave the field empty

Enter the heat rating of one section of the selected radiator model

Tools and the necessary

to replace batteries, it is necessary to prepare some tools and additional components that can be used to produce mWall Inserted Switchboard radiators in the heating system.

Tools will be needed:

Tools for installing radiators

- wrench and adjustable wrench;

- angle-grinding machine the machine is a "Bulgarian" for cutting metal pipes;

- for metal pipes, it will be needed pp for I thread threads or plates with the holder of the required diameter;

Krupp - a special tool for threading on pipes of various diameters

- welding machine for polypropylene pipes;

- scissors or hacksaw for cutting polypropylene pipes;

- level, pencil and long ruler;

- tow;

- sealant;

- cement mortar for sealing holes around brackets.

Of the accessories required to purchase:

- selected radiators;

- ball valves;

- brackets for hanging batteries;

- stubs - plugs ;

- Mayevsky cranes for bleeding air;

- new metal-plastic, steel or polypropylene pipes, necessary elements for their installation - tees, transitions, bends, fittings, etc.

Video: what is required for the installation of heating radiators

Permission to replace the components of the system

Replacement of batteries in the apartment of a high-rise building is more difficult than in private ownership, since for this process during the heating season or when the system is under pressure it will be necessary to disconnect from the central contour of the entire riser, at least for a while. It is possible to cut off the pipes at the beginning of the and at the end of the contour installed in the apartment, and install them on the incoming segments of the ball valves.

This means that many apartments will remain without heating, therefore it is better to carry out measures for replacing pipes or radiators after the of the heating period or before it starts.

However, if the circumstances nevertheless compel to carry out installation works in such an inconvenient period, it will be necessary to apply to the housing maintenance organization with a statement about the temporary disconnection of of a certain house riser. Overlapping the delivery of the coolant to the house-building system should only be carried out by a specialist who has access to the location of the side of the circuit in the central house collector.

After the riser has been disconnected, water is drained from it, and only then can the dismantling of old batteries or all internal pipes be started. If, for example, they plan to change them to polypropylene ones.

How to change the battery in the apartment - do it yourself

You can independently take on the process of dismantling and installing batteries only if if has skills in welding polypropylene, "packing" plumbing screw threads, threading, if is necessary inspecific conditions, work with other necessary metalwork tools.

Replacement of the contour elements takes place in several stages:

Removing old radiators

If you do not plan to replace the metal circuit with polypropylene pipes, then work starts by unscrewing the threaded connections that connect the battery to the pipe. It often happens that the carving does not give way because of the rust formed. In this case, runs grinder , with which the battery is cut off from suitable to it about t t rub.

The first step after draining the coolant from the riser is dismantling the battery to be replaced

If all pipes in the circuit are replaced with more aesthetic and easy-to-install polypropylene, they are cut at a distance of 15 - 20 cm from the wall,where the battery is located.

All work must be done carefully, placing an asbestos sheet or other non-combustible material under the cutting and welding site so as not to damage the floor covering.

Preparing for installation

After releasing the wall from the old battery, on its surfaces make a marking of the installation site of the new one, calculate and designate the points where the brackets will be mounted in the wall. All markup parameters are defined with taking into account the total battery size and the distance between sections. In order for the horizontal and vertical to be ideal, the construction level is always used for marking. The location of the future location of the battery is best outlined with a pencil or marker on the contour.

Mounting must be preceded by a thorough measurement and marking of the

. The holes for the brackets are drilled. Depending on the type of the brackets purchased, they can be driven into the wall or screwed in. If during the drilling process the wall was damaged - deep holes or holes appeared, its must be cleaned immediately and cemented with a cement that should dry well before hanging it onto the battery brackets.

It is advisable to cover the wall surface behind the battery with a foil-insulated heat insulator

. To prevent heat from being wasted for unnecessary warming up of the wall, it is recommended to fix a piece of foil insulation on the on it. It should be located over the entire width and length of the battery, and also to rise under the window sill. Thus, the can increase the heat transfer from the - radiator to direct the heat radiation towards the room.

Installation of new

radiators After the preparation of the space, you can proceed with further actions.

• If it is decided to leave the metal pipes, then on the remaining lengths, the thread is cut using the clutch. If necessary, the pipe section is elongated by welding or threading and connecting two segments of the into the with a tulk.
• The threaded thread is wrapped around the with the on the pipe, on the return pipe and then the sealant is smeared with paste and the ball valves are screwed.
• The battery is attached to the brackets. The required length of the straight line for the of its connection with ball valves is measured.
• The threaded part of the battery is screwed into the drifts, with which the radiators are "wrapped" with the supply and return pipes. To seal the joints, it is best to use the patch with with a special paste.

It is possible to perform the installation in the old fashion, with the help of a conventional. ..

• Another will be easier to install if you use modern connecting flange couplings with a union nut - they are often called "American." However, this approach will simplify and disassemble the battery in case of such anecessity. You can buy a kit that includes both "American" and ball crane - is more more will facilitate work.

. .. however, it is more appropriate to use flange connections with a union nut - "American"

• . If the radiator is installed at the highest point of the riser, the Maevsky crane is installed at the top on the opposite side of the frame. When the coolant is filled with the coolant, the air that has accumulated during the filling of the radiator is discharged through this valve. The absence of air plugs - is a prerequisite for free circulation of water in the system.
• A plug is screwed into the bottom of this battery side.
• If the continuation of the contour follows, then instead of the Mayevsky crane, a supply pipe is installed, from the bottom - of the return, which are then connected to the next battery.

Maevsky Crane - required for air release

• Metal pipes can be replaced with polypropylene or metal-plastic pipes. Nevertheless , thread cutting all will be equally necessary - it is necessary to switch to a compression welded fitting. A threaded fitting or a special "American" coupling may be required to connect the radiator itself.

On the corners, the places of installation of tees or on the passages to , another diameter , , the specific technology specific to the specific type of pipes is used. In the case of polypropylene - it is welding with the help of a special device that gives an absolutely sealed monolithic seam,resistant and temperature and pressure loads. When replacing for metal plating, special compression fittings are named. On sale is always available in stock all the necessary range of similar shaped and connecting elements.

Video: installation and connection of the heating battery

Installation of the bypass

For the installation of radiators in the apartment use several schemes - with a bypass-switch or without it .

• The bypass-jumper is installed with single-pipe wiring before the radiator for the convenience of shutting off the coolant in emergency situations, for example, if an serious leak occurred in the battery, and the of its needs to be changed or completely replaced. If a jumper is installed, it is necessary for to cover the entire riser, but rather close the valves behind the bypass, cut off the emergency battery from the heating system, and then safely remove and repair its .Due to the jumper, the circulation in the system continues, that is, other rooms and apartments through which the riser passes continue to be heated.

The bypass is installed in front of the

shut-off valves. When the radiator is installed after the repair process, the valves open, and the coolant circulation continues, but through the battery.

Another with one jumper design is the ability to adjust the room temperature. Covering the cranes behind the bypass reduces the amount of coolant circulating through a particular radiator. Due to this, the temperature in the of this room can be reduced to the optimum.

For tie-in of the bridge, tees are used, which are installed on the pipes before the installation of ball valves.

• If the jumper is not installed, but only the shut-off valve is assumed, then the mounting process is faster and easier, but this installation scheme has one significant drawback. If the valve closes, the circulates to all risers, and not only the room where the battery is repaired is disposed of, but all other s are included in this circuit.

The installation of the thermostat will facilitate the adjustment of the heating temperature and will result in significant energy savings.

• Bypass allows you to adjust the room temperature in manual mode. However, the more convenient the mechanical( sometimes - electronic ) thermostat, which is mounted at the entrance to the radiator and will automatically maintain the set heating value.

Video: Bypass jumper

Testing the system after mounting

After completion of the installation work and visual inspection, the is subject to the test measures. For this, it is necessary that the specialists start the heat carrier under pressure in the heating system. In case of defects in mounting and leakage on threaded or fittings of radiator and submarine pipes, they must be tried promptly, otherwise the will have to release again from the water and carry out repair work.

Replacement of batteries in apartment of multi-storey at home - is a very important event, since the quality of the work performed will depend on the heating efficiency of not only the in the apartment of the of the owner changing the radiators, but all the others that are with it in one riser. In addition, should not be relieved of the reliability of the installation in terms of ensuring complete safety from the flow of water through the interfloor floors. Therefore, if there are no sustainable skills in plumbing and construction work, it is better not to take risks yourself, but to rely on the experience of qualified specialists.