replacing larger radiator with smaller

8 years ago

Thank you in advance for reading this. I have an old house and the bathroom needs to be updated. It’s a large bathroom with wasted wall space. I would like to move the existing cast iron antique bathtub to the adjacent wall and add a 36X30 or 36 shower. In order to move the tub, the large radiator needs to be moved.. the radiator can stay on the SAME wall but just moved over about a foot and I would have to replace with a smaller radiator. Is this possible? I have oil furnace with hot water heat.. it was originally steam but some time ago it was converted to hot water.. please advise at your earliest.

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Daniela
Original Author

8 years ago

I am so glad I can move the radiator! Thank you! Yes, the floor needs to be replaced. So does the vanity and wall tile. The only thing that’s staying is a cast iron antique tub. Everything else needs updating!!

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Comments (11)

sktn77a
8 years ago
Sure, it's possible. If it's too small, though, you may end up with a cold bathroom. Could you perhaps integrate it with a hydronic towel rack?
Daniela
Original Author
8 years ago
I have the wall space for the hydronic towel rack. I will look into and read about them. Thank you! Is it possible for me to move the radiator about 3/5 feet away from the existing radiator so I can use that wall to place the tub?
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sktn77a
8 years ago
Anything is possible, depending on how it's plumbed. Please post a picture of the room.
Daniela
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much. Photo is attached. Tub is to the right. I want to move the tub to the window and put a smaller radiator on the wall right next to toilet.
sktn77a
8 years ago
Well, the window is the best place for a radiator, but you can certainly move it. You'll probably end up retiling the floor with the move. Is that your intention?
sktn77a
8 years ago
OK, the plumbing shouldn't be hard to move then. See this thread for an idea:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/bathroom-heating-dsvw-vd~5459608?n=10
Bruce in Northern Virginia
8 years ago
Moving the radiator within that room should not be a problem if you are taking out the tile, because they can reroute the supply and return within the floor.. Take a look online at the radiators from Myson and Runtal, along with their towel warmers to get an idea of your choices.

They make new radiators that have a different dimension than your old one, so you might be able to use one that is narrower, but taller and get the same amount of heat output. Radiators usually work better when under a window, but it should be fine as long as you have it on an exterior wall (which is the source of cold air you are trying to overcome)

The Myson Column series is designed to look like your old radiators, if you want the same appearance. I believe they also have information on how to calculate the BTU output of your current radiator (it depends on the dimensions and the number of rows), if you want the same output.

Bruce
ptreckel
8 years ago
Another option might be an in floor heating system to replace your radiator. If you are demo-ing your floor, this might be an (expensive) option. You might be able to find a smaller old radiator on Craig’s List or at an Antique Salvage store to save $. I admire your desire to retain your original claw footed tub. Best. Bathtubs. Ever. I sorely miss mine. Good luck with your Reno!
Bruce in Northern Virginia
8 years ago
The one typical challenge when you mix in-floor hydronic with radiators is that most old radiator systems use water at about 125-140 degrees, while in floor heat runs quite a bit cooler. There are mixers that can be used to cool it down, but its a lot of hardware for just one small room. Its an even bigger difference with baseboard, heat which may run up to 180 degrees.

Bruce
mike_home
8 years ago
I see a what looks like a steam pipe riser in the left corner. Is this a one pipe steam system? You can tell by looking at the radiator. One end will have the valve connection, the other end will have no pipe connected to it. If the valve is on the left then the move becomes really easy. All you have to do is turn the valve 180 degrees so it points to the corner. You may have to replace the valve but that is not a big expense.

The old radiator may still fit in the corner, or you can buy a refurbished smaller radiator if you want to maintain the look of the rest of the house. Where are you located? There may be a local radiator shop nearby.

The steam pipe riser provides quiet a bit of heat. I would not worry about putting in a smaller radiator. Is the bathroom warm with the present radiator? The radiator seems much bigger than is needed for a bathroom. The cover may be bigger than the radiator itself.