Old-style heating appliances that are in all Soviet-era apartment buildings have long failed to meet modern standards for heat transfer, not to mention their respectable age and unpresentable appearance. Not in the best condition are the risers of the centralized heating system. To correct the situation, the replacement of heating batteries together with pipes, which, if desired, can be done by hand, will help. How to change the radiators in your apartment is described in this article.

Which radiators are better to install

The choice of heating devices in the distribution network is quite large, but not all of the proposed batteries are suitable for operation in a centralized heating network. The reasons are known - the poor quality of the coolant in this network and the value of the working pressure in the system. The latter depends on the number of storeys of the house and its proximity to the boiler room, where there are powerful network pumps. That is, a simple layman does not know what pressure the coolant is in the pipes of his apartment. The market offers us the following options for new radiators:

• made from aluminum alloy: quality products well-known manufacturers designed for operating pressure of 16 bar or more (160 m of water column);
• made of the same alloy, but with an internal steel frame (bimetallic). Quietly withstand 30 bar (300 m of water column);
• cast iron batteries, whose working pressure rarely exceeds 10 bar;
• steel panel appliances, their limit is limited to 8 bar;
• steel tubular with a pressure of about 12 bar (depending on the manufacturer).

If you plan to replace the batteries in the apartment high-rise building(over 5), then bimetallic and good aluminum radiators. The main thing is that they are designed for an operating pressure of 12 bar, more in centralized systems heat supply is very rare. You should not risk and put steel or cast iron appliances, as they can leak.

For reference. Previously, in apartment buildings with a floor of 9 or more, steel convectors were installed for welding, which are a coil from a pipe with mounted plates. Only such heaters could withstand the mains pressure. Therefore, cast-iron "accordions" are not found in skyscrapers.

A few words about what batteries can be installed in villages and urban areas, where all the houses are five-story. Here the choice is completely yours, the only question is the price of products. The most expensive of all are steel tubular and cast iron radiators in retro style. As for cheap panel batteries, it is better not to use them at all in centralized heating systems.

Preparing for a replacement

If you decide to replace the entire heating system in the apartment with your own hands, then in addition to the batteries, you also need to pick up pipes. There are few options here:

• galvanized or non-galvanized steel pipes;
• stainless steel or corrugated pipe;
• metal-plastic.

Polypropylene or cross-linked polyethylene is not suitable for the heating riser. The reasons are the same: high pressure and temperature in the system. Metal-plastic is suitable, but with the condition: the connections must be made by pressing, collapsible fittings cannot be installed. This the best option to replace pipes and batteries yourself, without involving specialists with gas welding. You can also change the riser and connect the radiator using a stainless steel corrugated pipe, but you need to pay attention to how much such a pleasure costs.

Before replacing the pipes of the heating system, you must make sure that they are not filled with coolant. It is clear that such work must be performed in the off-season when the system is not working. But just in case, it's better to block the riser in the basement apartment building, suddenly, on this day, the heat supply organization planned some kind of test. If there is a drain cock, open it and drain the water, and if not, the radiator plug.

Advice. Since steel pipes rot most of all in the thickness of the floors, experts recommend cutting and attaching a new riser in the neighbors' apartments from above and below. Try to negotiate with the neighbors about the work, explaining that it is in their interest. After all, when the neighbors decide to change the batteries along with the risers, it will not be difficult for them to connect to your new pipe.

In addition to the usual set of plumbing tools, you will need:

• Bulgarian;
• crimping pliers for fittings;
• cutting tool pipe thread(klupp).

Klupp is a special key with a ratchet, where a lerka (die) is inserted. It makes no sense to buy crimping pliers and a key, but renting or temporarily from a familiar plumber is just right. Can't do it without a key plastic pipe docking with steel is possible only through a threaded adapter. Details on the choice of materials and the replacement of heaters can be found by watching the video:

Replacement of heating risers

When all the tools are prepared and the system is emptied, do-it-yourself replacement of heating radiators begins with the dismantling of old batteries and pipes. Works are carried out with the help of a grinder with an installed cutting wheel for metal. In order not to stain the wall, it is necessary to insert between it and the pipe thin sheet asbestos or other non-combustible material.

Advice. Do not rush to immediately cut the riser, start by dismantling the heater and supply pipelines. Then cut the pipes from the neighbors side and carefully remove them in your apartment by cutting the riser into 2 parts.

Because outside diameter metal-plastic pipeline more than steel, that is, it is likely that you will have to remove the old passage cases (sleeves) from the ceilings and install new ones. Then you need to cut the thread, screw on the adapter and attach a new plastic pipe, pushing it through the ceiling. If the neighbors did not allow you to carry out the work, then you will have to do everything in your apartment. But it should be remembered that too old pipe may break off in the ceiling during threading, so it must be held with a spanner.

The next step is to install a new battery. It is unlikely that the old mounts will fit for this, so they must be removed and new ones installed, having previously marked the position of the radiator on the wall. When fixing the radiator, you need to align the horizontal level. It is recommended to carry out work on the marking and installation of the heater, taking into account the distances indicated on the diagram:

Now it remains only to attach the radiator to the new riser with metal-plastic connections. With single-pipe wiring, which is most often found in multi-storey buildings, a jumper (bypass) should be installed between these connections, as is done in the diagram:

Important. A bypass with a one-pipe circuit is mandatory, even if it was not there before. Old-style steel convectors did not create much resistance and did not take away as much heat as modern batteries, which is why they did not put jumpers on them.

Conclusion

If you plan to change only the battery, then the work will take you about half a day. But replacing the riser with your own hands is a long and laborious process, so count on the whole day. Finally, advice: you should not lay pipes made of polypropylene, as many apartment owners do. This material is not for district heating, it serves reliably in autonomous systems.

Content

Heating radiators provide comfortable temperature conditions in the apartment during the cold season. Traditionally, steel and cast iron heating appliances were installed at the stage of building a house and connected directly to the pipeline, without shut-off valves. In such situations, replacing batteries in an apartment is associated with additional hassle.

We change the heating batteries in the apartment

Reasons for replacement

There are a number of reasons why heating appliances in apartment building have to change. These include:

• Physical deterioration of equipment. Old batteries are destroyed, lose their tightness, and during the pressure testing of the system after emergency or seasonal preventive maintenance, or simply during operation, they leak.
• Not enough efficient heating . The old radiator differs from the new one in a thick layer of deposits inside the case, which is why the coolant cannot fully transfer heat to the room.
• Insufficient power. In multi-apartment panel houses convectors can be installed, the power of which is not enough to fully heat large rooms.
• Unattractive appearance . Battery replacement can be done for aesthetic reasons - modern models have an attractive stylish design.

After deciding to install new heating devices instead of physically or morally obsolete ones, it is necessary to determine who will finance and carry out the work - the management company or the owner of the apartment.

Old cast iron battery

Whose responsibility is it to replace the heating radiators in the apartment?

Let's figure out who should change the batteries in a privatized apartment. In accordance with Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 491 (came into force in August 2006), the entire heating system in an apartment building belongs to common property. It (according to paragraph No. 6 of the Rules) includes heating network equipment, risers, fittings (shut-off and for adjustment), general house heat meters, as well as heating appliances (radiators).

Accordingly, in the event of physical deterioration of the batteries, leaks or overgrowth from the inside, the replacement of heating radiators in the apartment is carried out by the management company (ZHEK), to whose account residents receive monthly deductions for overhaul. It is the management company that is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of common house property, part of which are radiators in apartments.

In practice, it is easier to achieve free replacement of emergency heating devices in a municipal apartment. Housing office employees often force residents of privatized apartments to purchase a battery on their own, pay for dismantling and installation work. But in accordance with current legislation, the purchase of a heating device and all work on its installation must be paid from the money collected for the overhaul of the housing stock, regardless of whether the apartment is privatized or not.

In an effort to save money, management companies prefer to repair old batteries until they start to crumble. Therefore, it may take a lot of effort to achieve free installation of new radiators to replace emergency ones.

Emergency heating radiator

If the tenants decide to install a new one, modern appliance heating instead of obsolete, but serviceable, they will have to resolve this issue on their own by paying for the purchase and installation.

Replacement of heating devices through the Housing Office

So, the replacement of heating devices is carried out through the housing office only in situations where the established operational life of the radiators is exceeded, they are in emergency condition and cannot be repaired. In other cases, when batteries leak, minor repairs are performed.

According to current standards, the service life of a cast-iron radiator is 15-30 years when used in open system and 30-40 years - in a closed one. But, even in an apartment building where the batteries were installed more than 40 years ago, the operating company is often limited to only repairing the radiator, since the replacement is included in the list of major repairs, the timing of which may not yet be determined.

Replacing the battery with gas welding

For a free replacement of emergency batteries, residents are required to contact the housing office with a corresponding application. It is recommended to prepare two copies of the application and mark both copies of the acceptance by the responsible person of the housing office. The application and its copy shall bear the number, date and legible signature of the responsible person.

Duplication of the document will help if problems arise in the future related to the unwillingness of the management company to change emergency batteries at the expense of the overhaul budget. But tenants must stand up for their rights because they paid for the replacement of old radiators through monthly housing, maintenance and overhaul fees. common property Houses.

Coordination of the replacement of system elements

Replacement of the heating system in the apartment requires approval by the company providing public utilities. It is necessary to obtain permission by contacting the administration of the operating organization serving the house.

Even at the design stage of an apartment building, the heating system is calculated - the number and power of heating devices, their location, volume and temperature of the coolant, etc. are determined. Replacing heating batteries with models with other operational characteristics can lead to deterioration of the heating system in the house. If unauthorized heating batteries do not correspond to the calculated parameters, this provokes an emergency situation.

Removing the battery from the brackets

If you plan to change the heating radiators in the apartment on your own - at your own expense, a number of documents are required for consideration:

• Application with attached technical passport for the apartment.
• A document confirming the ownership of the apartment.
• Approved by the expertise thermal calculation of new heating devices.
• Certificates of conformity for all components (radiators, fittings, pipes, fittings, etc.).

Note! If the radiator is replaced with a similar heating device, permission is not required. In this case, the management company is only warned about the work.

Thermal calculation expertise is required if it is planned:

• change heating batteries by installing devices of a different type, with different technical characteristics;
• increase the power of an existing radiator by adding links;
• move the heating device to another part of the room.

The expert must check whether the modernization of the heating system will violate the heat balance of the house. Expertise is paid service and is carried out at the expense of the owner of the apartment.

After replacing the heating batteries in the apartment, an application for technical expertise is submitted - specialists and representatives of the management company check the correct installation and compliance of the heating devices with those that were allowed for installation.

Convenient time for work

The period of time when it is better to change heating batteries is the period between the end of one heating period and the beginning of another. In the inter-heating interval, hydraulic tests of the system can be carried out. It is important to get information from the management company in advance about the timing of the tests in order to plan battery replacement on other days.

It is better to change radiators in summer period

Due to an emergency situation, it may be necessary to quickly change the heating devices. For a privatized apartment, the emergency replacement of radiators is a paid service, since the owner of the apartment must monitor their performance and promptly notify the operating company about leaks or wear and tear old batteries that have served their useful life.

Changing batteries on our own

Before replacing the heater with a new one, decide on the scope of work. If the battery is connected to horizontal pipes that come out of the wall, only the heating device itself is changed. In other cases, it is desirable to replace the riser so as not to cut metal pipes.

To replace the riser, you will need to agree with the neighbors above and below the floor - in this case, the pipeline is connected to their heating devices. If the neighbors do not want to start repairs, it remains to choose one of three options:

• cut the riser from above and below, cut the external thread and mount a new pipeline from modern materials;
• cut the supply pipes next to the old radiator and connect the new heating device to the old pipeline;
• cut the supply pipes at the bend and connect new supply pipes with a bypass to the vertical sections of the riser.

Replacing heating radiators using welding

Steel pipes require installation on gas welding, for which it is necessary to involve professionals with the appropriate equipment. By independently installing the heating battery, it is more convenient to use metal-plastic pipes (required condition- press fittings, not threaded connections), galvanized steel log cabins with spur mounting, corrugated or ordinary stainless steel pipes.

Dismantling old batteries

Before changing the batteries in the apartment, it is important to make sure that the employees of the management company cut off the coolant supply and emptied the riser. A tenant changing radiators should have a convenient container ready to drain the remaining water from the radiator during dismantling.

If it is decided to replace the heating radiator together with the riser or only with the supply pipes, then the pipeline is simply cut in the selected places. In the case when a new battery is mounted to replace the old one, the heating device is removed according to the following scheme:

• twist the locknut on the drive to the stop (it is it that fixes the battery), the operation is performed on the upper and lower connections;
• determine the cut points on the pipes, while leaving at least a centimeter of thread;
• marks are made using a level - the cut must be vertical and even, otherwise it will be difficult to install a new battery;
• cut pipes along the marks and remove the battery to be replaced from the wall brackets;
• remove brackets;
• the edges of threaded pipes, if necessary, trim by twisting the locknut, remove burrs.

Removing the old plate battery

Preparing for installation

At the stage of preparing the modernization of the heating system in the apartment with your own hands, you should develop a connection diagram, determine the length and diameter of all sections of the pipeline, the number and type of components. The list of materials used must be approved by the battery replacement authority. The scheme necessarily provides for the installation of shut-off valves on the supply line and a bypass - a jumper that allows you to turn off the radiator without blocking the movement of the coolant in the house system.

Work on installing a new radiator begins after the location of the heating device is determined:

• the gap between the floor and the lower edge of the radiator is at least 10-15 cm;
• distance from the upper edge of the battery to the window sill - from 15 cm;
• a gap of 3-4 cm is left between the wall and the body of the heating device (adjustable when mounting the brackets).

Pipes, taps, fittings for battery installation

Note! Failure to comply with the recommended distances impairs the circulation of heated air, reduces the heat efficiency of the radiator.

Installing a new battery

If the heating system riser has been dismantled, first of all, external threads are cut on the protruding parts of the old pipes for attaching steel or metal-plastic pipes using the appropriate fittings. A bypass jumper is installed between the supply and return pipes using tees. After the bypass for each horizontal pipes a ball valve with an American is mounted.

Threaded connections are sealed with a linen strand with silicone sealant (or oil paint). This sealing option is allowed for connecting cast iron radiators, unlike the FUM tape or thread, the sealant is not squeezed out or torn. Non-drying sealants are prone to extrusion, and hardening ones dry out, which is why the battery leaks.

Installing a new battery

To connect the heating device to the system yourself, you must adhere to a certain work technology:

• Perform the assembly of the radiator. The lower unused hole is closed with a standard plug, a Mayevsky crane is mounted on the upper branch pipe (a diverter will help remove airlock when filling a new heating appliance).
• Futor nuts with right and left threads are installed on the radiator inlets, using paronite seals for sealing (rubber under the influence of high temperatures may dry out and crack).
• The radiator is mounted on a stand of a suitable height so that the adapter nuts can be connected to the Americans on the ball valves.
• After fitting, markings are made on the wall for the installation of brackets, holes are drilled and all four fasteners are mounted. In order for the battery to be fixed correctly, check the location of the brackets with a level - it must be horizontal.
• The radiator is connected to the supply pipes (it is important to seal all connections with high quality) and hung on the brackets.

At the end of the work, representatives of the managing organization fill the system with coolant - at this stage, the tightness of the connections and the heating device itself is checked. Using the Mayevsky crane, bleed the air from the battery when filling the system. To do this, a special element is turned with a special key or screwdriver. When a trickle of water flows from the hole, the tap is closed.

Note! To replace the radiators in the entire apartment, it is required to turn off each involved riser one by one, about which it is necessary to warn the management company.

Conclusion

Replacement of heating batteries in residential apartment buildings in most cases is carried out at their own expense. When buying a new radiator, you need to find out if it can be operated as part of a central heating network with high pressurization pressure and the risk of water hammer. If there is no experience in installing plumbing and heating appliances, it is recommended to involve an experienced specialist who regularly changes outdated heating appliances to modern models.

Technologies in the field of heating devices are becoming more and more perfect every year. Radiators of the new generation are in many ways superior to outdated battery models in terms of their characteristics. Therefore, the question of replacing heating radiators in the apartment arises more and more often. Installing modern heating appliances is akin to buying a new one. household appliances, at times increasing the living conditions in the house.

Why do you need to change batteries?

Heating devices that have been working in an apartment for many years (especially if they are 20 or more years old) have long exhausted their resource and are unlikely to provide high-quality space heating.

Not everyone can brag good heating in your house in winter period time, many blame service companies and bad job boiler rooms. But the problem is right under our noses. These are batteries that need to be replaced with new ones a long time ago.

If in private houses you can regulate the heat with your own hands using a valve in a heat boiler, then in city apartments it is more difficult to do this. Old cast-iron batteries simply do not have such functions, and their power is already rather weak. In these cases, the replacement of heating batteries in the apartment is simply necessary.

When to replace

Better do it in summer time, When central heating disabled. In the summer it is much easier to get permission from the housing office to replace heating radiators. Usually this item is the most difficult of all, so it's worth rushing in time when there are no queues. Do not wait for the beginning of autumn, when the number of those wishing to make repairs will increase significantly. Agree that few people are pleased to hang around on the nerves in line for several hours.

Consider the fact that old cast-iron batteries have worked out their own for a long time, which means they can become unusable at any time. The consequences of a serious accident will be not only more difficult to eliminate, but also much more expensive. In addition to replacing the heating equipment, you will have to make repairs in the apartment. If the situation is completely critical, deal with the neighbors below in case of flooding.

Which heating equipment is better to choose

Replacing radiators in an apartment is a serious matter. Here you will not be able to come to the store and choose the first model you like. Repair will require preliminary calculations. Otherwise, you only risk hurting yourself. Miscalculations will not be noticeable immediately, but only during operation, which will be doubly unpleasant. You will have to repair or replace a new unit.

If the technological characteristics of the batteries do not correspond to the operating conditions, then they will not last long. Consider the size of the room, the material of the pipes, the design features, or seek the advice of professionals. Approach the matter with all responsibility, do not rush.

Modern battery manufacturers (Russian and foreign) offer a diverse selection of models made of cast iron, steel, aluminum copper or two metals at the same time (bimetallic heaters). Depending on the material and design features, any battery requires different conditions. When choosing radiators, you need to pay attention to such parameters as:

• maximum coolant temperature;
• pressure and composition;
• heat transfer.

Consider the appearance and design of the batteries, the heater in our time is not only a means of heating the house, it is also a decorative element in the interior.

Before replacing heating radiators in an apartment, take an interest in the features of your heating system. Exist different types thermal systems:

• open, used in multi-storey buildings.
• closed, summed up to a private house.

These technical parameters are extremely important taking into account the conditions of subsequent operation. For these reasons, be sure to check the allowable temperatures and pressures in the battery passport for the apartment.

Battery passport

Do-it-yourself battery replacement in an apartment is complicated by the features of the old heating system, which was used back in Soviet times. Such systems are characterized by periodic pressure jumps in pipes and temperatures. The situation is no better with the quality of the coolant. The maximum allowable temperature in such systems is +105 degrees, and the pressure is 10 atm. Sometimes these indicators go off scale when, with the onset of cold weather, heating is started. Imported batteries are not designed for such overloads and quickly fail. Panel models of aluminum radiators can be used in conditions high pressure. The anodized coating does not require an additional layer of paints and varnishes.

Another important parameter is heat dissipation. After all, the efficiency of heating the room depends on it. The heat transfer itself depends not only on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe radiator itself, but also on the metal. In this regard, steel and aluminum have the lowest rates. Maximum heat transfer from cast iron and copper. The quality of heating also depends on the design. Vertical batteries, despite the large area, warm the air worse. In this case, a significant part of the heat accumulates under the ceiling.

When choosing a battery, do not focus on only one indicator. Weigh the pros and cons, evaluating all the advantages and disadvantages of heating devices.

What is the best connection material?

When replacing radiators, many different materials are used. Before starting repairs, it is important not only to choose the optimal suitable model batteries, but also pipes for connecting to the system. The main connection options are welding (steel requirements), propylene and metal-plastic.

The most popular are metal-plastic pipes. They are lightweight, affordable and easy to install. Such pipes look neat in the interior. However, metal-plastic has disadvantages. The material burns, and during installation it is necessary to make several connections, the condition of which must be constantly monitored to avoid leaks.

Plastic pipes will cost more, but their quality and service life are 100% justified by their price. Plastic does not rot, does not corrode, and the joints have high strength, which reduces the risk of leakage to zero. There are no downsides to plastic. The only thing that can spoil the mood is the wrong assembly.

Steel pipes are the most durable of all. They are resistant to any damage, heat up well, which means they will also heat the air in the room. The disadvantages of such pipes are the occurrence of rust and a complex installation that requires welding.

Choice of fasteners

When replacing heating radiators in an apartment with your own hands, you need to choose the right fasteners. They differ depending on the model of the heater and the material of the wall.

For fastening sectional batteries, both angular and pin brackets are suitable. The latter option is used on gypsum, brick and concrete walls, and corner ones are better suited for wooden ones. Corner brackets are attached to the wall with dowels or self-tapping screws. If necessary, fasteners are mounted in the floor. Usually they come with a battery, for example, together with panel radiators.

Where is the best place to install heaters?

For maximum efficient heating you need not only to choose the right radiator, but also to position it correctly. Most appropriate place for mounting batteries - under the window.

The correct location of the heating radiator

Some models, such as vertical ones, are installed on bearing wall anywhere in the room. Batteries located under the window will not allow cold air from the street to enter the room, heating it and raising it to the ceiling. For correct operation heater, it is important to maintain the required distance to the wall, window sill and ceiling.

The distance to the wall should be 3 cm, and to the floor and window sill - about 10-15 cm. Some models must be installed at a barely noticeable slope so that air does not accumulate inside.

1. Do not cover radiators with curtains, decorative screens or furniture. This will distort the operation of the thermal heads, worsen the heat transfer and the efficiency of the device.
2. Water hammers that periodically occur in the heating system due to pressure drops can damage radiators. Best of all, such loads can withstand bimetallic models made of steel and aluminum. They are installed in the same way as heaters made of other materials.
3. Take equipment with an increased number of sections (by 10%), since the thermal power indicated in the manufacturer's passport of the device is not always confirmed during operation.

Pre-assembly of nodes

The nodes must be assembled in advance: put the gaskets, tighten all the plugs, screw in all the taps, including the Mayevsky tap. Make markings on the pipes and cut them into required amount details. Weld angles or tees.

Crane "Mayevsky"

How to negotiate with housing department

When you have prepared all the components and pre-assembled the units, it's time to agree with the maintenance service to turn off the heating riser for half a day or more.

This stage is the most difficult, often you have to deal with the persuasion of workers to use the services of plumbers. You may be convinced that replacing radiators is a complex and dangerous process that requires professional skills. If you are confident in your ability to handle the repair yourself, stand your ground. The whole procedure will cost about 500 rubles.

Dismantling of old heating appliances

Most often, pipes with radiators are connected using a squeegee - a thread onto which a coupling is screwed and fixed with a nut. You can try to unscrew all this on your own. If it does not work, then special anti-corrosion compounds. But if the battery is too old, you will have to act radically - cut it out with a grinder.

Until you have dismantled the old battery, decide how you will mount the new one:

• along with pipes;
• only heating radiator;

In the first case, there is not much difference in how you remove the old battery. In the second situation, you have to do everything very carefully:

• Try to unscrew all locknuts. They can be used later by installing a new heating unit.
• Mark the places for cutting. The new battery should be positioned exactly where the old one was. The slightest miscalculation and you will have to increase the pipes.
• When cutting pipes, be careful. Leave at least 1 cm of thread intact.
• Once the old battery is disconnected, carefully remove it and remove the brackets from the walls. Remove burrs from remaining threads.

Dismantle the rest of the batteries in the house, if necessary. As a result, you should be left with only bare pipes. Remove them carefully if you plan to. complete replacement heating systems in the house. Cut them after turning to the neighbors above and below.

Installation of new heating devices

Swapping an old battery for a new one is fairly easy.

• Install a new battery in place of the old one and see if the pipes need trimming. If necessary, mark up and saw off the excess.
• Make sure the new radiator is the correct size. Make a markup for new brackets, there should be at least 3 of them.
• Brackets are mounted into the wall with dowels and sealed with cement mortar.

• Install packaged in protective film mounting radiator. At the same time, make sure that the lower edges of the battery lie directly on the brackets.
• It remains the case for small things - to connect the battery with the supply pipes at the top and bottom. Do not forget to install an air vent in one of the battery holes at the top during the repair process. Its outlet should be directed strictly to the ceiling.
• Once you have connected the battery to all communications, remove the protective film from it.

1. Experts recommend installing a special valve or valve to control the flow of water in the system. By decreasing or increasing the pressure of the coolant, you can regulate the temperature in the apartment.
2. This is convenient during repairs, when only one heater needs to be repaired or replaced completely, without shutting down the entire system for this.
3. A thermal head is installed together with the valve. They are only installed in single pipe system. Otherwise, the heaters will not work well.
4. To remove air from the pipes, a Mayevsky crane must be installed on each battery. The air descends at the very beginning heating season or already in progress.

Final System Check

After carrying out the installation of heating batteries with your own hands, you must first test the system. Arrange with those who drained the water so that after installation it is immediately fed into the pipes under high pressure. Keep in mind that the heating system will be completely filled with water only during the general start-up, therefore, if defects are found during testing, they must be eliminated in time, without waiting for big problems.

When thinking about how to change the heating radiators in an apartment with your own hands, sensibly evaluate your strengths and financial capabilities. Make a well-thought-out plan of action in case something goes wrong during the repair. If you are not sure that you can handle it yourself, use the services of specialists.

Everyone has to change heating batteries sooner or later. The reasons may be different: the appearance of a leak, deterioration of heat transfer, clogging, unpresentable appearance. In any case, there is only one way out - replacement.

In an apartment, replacement of heating batteries should only take place with the permission of the operating organization. The fact is that the heating system is communal property. And any changes to it - the replacement of pipes and radiators, the installation of control or shut-off valves - this is a change in its design. All these alterations change its hydraulic resistance. This can lead to the fact that no matter how the coolant is heated, the batteries will remain cold. Therefore, a permit is required for all types of work: an engineer or foreman will evaluate how the planned alteration will affect the state of the system and issue or not a permit. Before buying batteries, visit the ZhEK, DEU, DEP, etc. If this is not done, you will be subject to administrative fines. And the size of the sanctions is rather big.

It is difficult to replace radiators and pipes in an apartment without informing the management company: it is necessary to drain the system, and it is impossible to do this secretly. Your work will not go unnoticed. In general, to drain the water, you need to write an application (before the end of the heating season). In the summer, when the season ends, the team will do the work.

The choice of heating radiators for an apartment and a house

With the choice of radiators for the home, everything is simple: if the system will be with forced circulation (with a pump), install those that have a soul, or that are compatible with your pipes, boiler, etc. There are some restrictions for systems with natural circulation - heating devices with low hydraulic resistance are needed, and these are:

And it will also be necessary to take into account the type of coolant: not all radiators can work with antifreeze. With non-freezing liquids they are normal and. In all others, only some models that have undergone special processing can be used. In this case, they need to be purposefully searched for. And one more thing - you will need to choose the right size (more on that a little later).

When choosing batteries for an apartment, there will be more criteria: the conditions here are more complicated. You need to start, perhaps, with the size. You need to choose so that the following distances are observed:

• from the floor - 8-12 cm;
• from the windowsill - 10-12 cm;
• from the wall - 3-5 cm.

Moreover, the heater must cover at least 70-75% of the width of the window opening. Violation of these recommendations leads to a decrease in heat transfer or to the fact that there will be obvious zones of heat and cold.

Then you need to take into account the technical parameters of your system: hydrogen activity Ph of the coolant, its degree of contamination, maximum temperature, operating and test pressure (at system start-up). All these parameters can be found in the DEZ, ZhEK, etc. According to all these criteria, choose the type of radiator. This question is described in detail in the article "". In short, we can say the following:

In other cases, you can install any radiators, but pay attention to specifications each model. Even from the same manufacturer, they can vary significantly.

And one more thing when choosing the thermal power of one section: maximum power is not always the right approach. It is advisable to comply with the SNiP norm: the radiator should cover at least 70-75% of the window width. Only in this case cold air from the glass will be effectively cut off and will not fall on the floor. Therefore, a powerful and short battery is far from the best solution.

After permits have been obtained (if necessary), radiators have been selected and purchased, you can proceed to the very replacement of heating batteries.

How to change batteries yourself

Briefly, the procedure for replacing radiators is as follows:

• System drain.
• Dismantling of old radiators and removal of old holders, sealing traces from them.
• Marking for new fasteners.
• Installation of brackets.
• Installation of fittings on the radiator.
• Hanging a radiator.
• Connection of pipelines.
• Test (pressure testing).

Draining the system

In multi-storey buildings, this is done by employees of the operating organization at your written request. In a private house, you will need to open the drain tap, substitute a container or run a hose down the drain and pour out the water.

In some cases, it is possible to work on a filled system: if there are shut-off valves at the radiator inlet, the connection of new ones coincides, pipe replacement is not planned. Moreover, the connection should not be welded, but on threaded connections. Then just cover Ball Valves and start replacing. With such an organization, you can change or repair heating devices at any time, even during the season.

The first step in replacing radiators is draining the system

But for vertical single-pipe wiring, it is also necessary to install a bypass in front of the taps. A coolant will pass through it if you turn off or remove the radiator. Without this piece of pipe, heating throughout the riser will become: there will be no movement of the coolant. Therefore, with a single pipe system, the best connection is with a bypass and stopcocks. If this is not the case, you can change the radiators in the apartment only after the end of the heating season.

Dismantling of radiators

The method of work depends on the type of connection. If the connections are threaded, the nuts are simply unscrewed; if the radiators are welded, they are cut off. At this stage, you will need more containers for the coolant - some of it still remains in the pipes and in the radiators. The most comfortable are basins, ideally if they are rectangular.

You can unscrew the nuts using adjustable wrenches or open-end wrenches. There can be problems if these are old cast-iron radiators that have stood for more than a dozen years. Then it happens that the thread boils so much that it is difficult to move it from its place. In this case, try to heat the connection with a blowtorch.

With old fasteners, the situation is similar: where possible, the holders are unscrewed, where it is impossible, they are cut off. Hooks immured in the walls, on which old cast iron was hung, can only be cut off. Only before that it is necessary to remove a certain layer of plaster around - so it will be possible to cut them off so that they do not stick out of the wall.

Then the traces of the fasteners close up, the wall is leveled. Many manufacturers have a prerequisite for providing warranties: install on smooth walls. And it's not about aesthetics, but about heat transfer - heat rays are better reflected from a smooth wall.

Marking and installation of new fasteners

How to install a heating battery correctly? Strictly in the middle of the window opening. Therefore, you need to find the middle on the wall, mark it. Then determine where the fasteners will be located on the radiator. Heating appliances sectional type hung on at least three brackets: two on top - on the right and left, one on the bottom in the middle. If there are many sections (more than 10-12), three hooks from above and two from below may be required. Having decided on how many holders you need, measure the distances on the assembled battery, mark it on the wall.

Now hang the radiator on the mounts. Be sure to check its verticality and horizontality, if necessary, adjust the position of the holders. The heater must be hung exactly horizontally. A slight bias is allowed in the direction where the air vent is installed (upper manifold, opposite the supply connection). This side can be 1cm higher than the other. Reverse bias is not allowed.

Piping connection

The question often arises: how to properly install a heating battery. There are several side connection schemes, but only three are the most effective and common:

With insufficient heat transfer from radiators, the first idea that comes to mind is to increase the number of sections. But such a measure may not improve, but only worsen the situation. It will help either replacing the type of connection with a more efficient (diagonal) or (easier to implement) installation of a flow extension.

This is a long tube with a squeegee that is inserted into the supply manifold. It conducts the coolant further, as a result, it is distributed more evenly. The length of the tube is either up to ¾ of the width of the radiator or to the middle of the last section. IN different situations work better different variants. First of all, set to the last section, if the result is “not very good”, cut off a piece of the tube. This is very effective method increase heat transfer if the radiator does not heat well. Only changing the connection to a diagonal one may work better, but technically this is more difficult to implement - you need to work with pipes. And the flow extension is simply placed in the futorka (adapter).

Now you know how to change batteries in an apartment or house, and how to increase their heat transfer. It is not easy, but special education is not required.

Results

Replacing heating batteries is not the easiest, but not the most difficult process. It is more difficult to do this in an apartment, firstly, because of legal subtleties, and secondly, because of more difficult operating conditions. Nevertheless, even a non-specialist can handle the replacement of heating radiators with their own hands.

When the heating system at home, after many years of work, ceases to give the expected result and heat the premises properly, it is time to think about carrying out unscheduled preventive maintenance. Of course, one should not rush to hasty conclusions. The equipment must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned if possible. But if nothing helps, or it is too old, then the batteries in the apartment need to be replaced with more modern and productive ones.

Video on how to replace the battery in the apartment

Getting ready for work

Any job, even the simplest at first glance, begins with good preparation. It is recommended to resort to replacing radiators and pipe lines during the off-season, when there is no need for heating. In an apartment building, do not forget about the people living in the neighborhood.

In a private house, each owner is for himself, so turning off the water will not be difficult. IN apartment building it is not recommended to do this without the permission of the utilities. If someone complains about what is happening, they have the right to issue a fine.

Necessary materials

The preparatory stage is not limited to the notification of public utilities and an agreement with neighbors. One of the issues addressed in the instructions on how to change the battery in an apartment is the preparation of everything you need. It will not be possible to do without a torque wrench - it will allow you to tighten the threaded connections as accurately as possible.

Having previously made measurements and calculations, it is necessary to purchase radiators and pipes, couplings, taps and other components of the system. Americans will not interfere at the entrances and exits, allowing you to quickly turn off the heating.

Consumables and torque wrenches are only part of what is needed. For work, you will probably need:

1. Electric tool (grinder, drill, puncher)
2. Adjustable wrenches
3. soldering device
4. Drawing accessories
5. Roulette and level

Can't do without building materials, which will be needed for finishing premises. It is hardly necessary to count on the laying of new pipes and the installation of radiators without, for example, touching the wallpaper.

Dismantling old batteries

In most cases, heating devices are connected to pipes with a squeegee. It is an elongated thread on which the coupling is screwed, and then fixed with a lock nut.

First you need to try to unscrew everything with your own efforts. If they do not lend themselves, you can use special anti-corrosion compounds, for example, WD-40. When working with very old batteries, you should be prepared for more worst case- the pipe connection will need to be cut with a grinder.

On this stage replacing batteries in the apartment, you should think about and answer the question of how the heating system will be dismantled:

• Completely, together with pipe lines
• Partially, exclusively heating radiators

In the first case, you don’t have to worry about how old batteries will be removed. In the second, you have to be much more careful:

1. First, try to unscrew the locknuts on all wiring so as not to spend money on new ones.
2. Next, marks are placed in the places of the cut. In order for the new radiator to lie flat and not have to build up pipes, you need to make sure that the latter are cut at the same level.
3. At the same time, more than 1 cm of the threaded end must be left on each of the pipes
4. Having disconnected, the old batteries are carefully dismantled and the brackets holding them are removed from the walls.
5. The remaining section of the thread is put in order, burrs are eliminated

After walking around the house, you need to dismantle each of the ones that will be replaced. As a result, only pipes remain, which, in case of further replacement, are also carefully removed.

Heating pipe laying

When the old heating system is removed, it's time to think about a new one. One of the questions of the instruction 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 the human eye. However this method has a number of disadvantages:

• Difficulty further Maintenance systems
• The cost of the work carried out increases, the estimate will include additional expenses for building materials
• A certain percentage of heat will be spent on heating the decorative structure

Benefits of open heating systems owing to which they are preferred are obvious to everyone:

• More low cost installation work, as the materials are consumed in a minimum amount
• Pipes are in direct contact with environment which prevents heat loss
• Easy further maintenance of communications
• Small time spent on laying pipes

Concealed pipe laying

As noted, hidden pipe laying is laborious and lengthy work. First, prepare:

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

Directly in the gates, the pipe is fixed with clips. At the same time, near future radiators, the line should end with removable threaded adapters.

It is necessary to start decorating surfaces only after all the batteries are in place and there will be.

Pipe laying by open method

Pipe laying by the open method is more popular. The first step is to install radiators, expansion tank, boiler and other heating equipment.

To make the pipes look aesthetically pleasing, their exact location should be calculated. Not superfluous will be diagrams sketched on paper, taking into account the location of the furniture.

Laying by the open method can be organized in one of the following ways:

• An injection upper 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 led along the floor, however, this the way is fine only with forced circulation
• For natural circulation of the coolant, the lower pipe is let in directly at 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 should be noted that the areas between the radiators are recommended to be made whole. On non-standard sections, two clips are placed at the junctions - on one side and on the other.

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

Installing new batteries

Before installing radiators in an apartment, it is necessary to calculate everything again and accurately measure their location. In this case, one should not violate the rules prescribed in specialized documents. (SNiP):

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

First you need to fix 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 seepage. 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 of it should be plugged, and on the other side, create a pressure with a pump or compressor that exceeds the working pressure by 1-2 atmospheres. If after some time the readings of the measuring pressure gauge do not change, you can screw up all the connections and connect to the central system.

Additional video

Summing up

Something definitely difficult and impossible in how to change the battery in an apartment cannot be met. However, rely on light work also not necessary. After completing the work, it is recommended to call the mater and let him make sure that the system is assembled correctly.