Replacing batteries using gas welding: an analysis of common technology and small nuances

It is necessary to replace the heating batteries in the event of a major overhaul in the house or apartment, in which other types of radiators are installed. When expanding the area of ​​the room, the battery is removed from under the window due to the balcony, and a tubular radiator with an increased heating surface area crashes near the window opening. In case of accidents at boiler rooms and breakthroughs of heating systems in the winter, it is possible to defrost the heating system. Mitigation may be related to replacing broken batteries. In any case, the owner of the property needs to buy new radiators, as well as decide on how to install them. The choice is made between the threaded and welding connections of the elements of the heating system. However, most masters believe that replacing heating batteries with gas welding allows you to get a better and more reliable connection that can withstand a short-term increase in working pressure in the central heating system at the time of water hammer. The installation of radiators is trusted by qualified gas welders, so as not to be left without heat in cold weather, and not to flood the apartment in the event of a broken weld of poor quality.

What is better than gas welding threaded method?

I would like to highlight the following features of these works:

• When making threaded connections, fittings, nuts and other bulky designs are used that do not look very aesthetically pleasing. Neatly welded seams after painting become invisible.
• The strength of the weld joint is high, which eliminates the likelihood of a leak in the system.
• Welded fastening is indispensable in heating circuits with high pressure, as the threaded connection simply can not withstand the load.
• The absence of gaskets, which are an obligatory element of a threaded connection, eliminates the possibility of a breakthrough of the pipeline due to their wear.
• The final cost of the work, including the purchase of materials necessary for replacing the batteries, will be lower when using gas welding than with the threaded connection method.

Gas welding is inferior to the threaded fastening method by the time of dismantling and installation work. Given all the pros and cons, we can conclude that the threaded mount when replacing the batteries is most suitable for private homes.

Algorithm for gas welding

Gas welding works are carried out according to the following algorithm:

• first, steel parts are prepared for welding, cutting the seam;
• then they perform welding work, choosing the most suitable type of the weld from the three existing ones - ceiling, horizontal or vertical;
• after carefully inspect the superimposed and cooled seam in order to identify weaknesses that need to be boiled again to prevent microcracks;
• the surface of the weld is cleaned.

Gas welding can be used to connect metal parts, regardless of their size and shape. In the process of gas welding, the edges of the joined products melt, onto which a special filler wire is fused. The quality of work is achieved using acetylene and oxygen, as well as proven solder.

A set of equipment and supplies for gas welding. There are enough cylinders of acetylene and oxygen for the installation of four radiators

When the molten metal cools down, it creates a strong and very reliable connection of the parts welded together. Most often, gas pipes fasten steel pipes whose diameter does not exceed 100 mm. A qualified replacement of heating batteries by gas welding reduces to zero the probability of a breakthrough of the heating system in the welded sections, since the seam due to the deposition of solder is much stronger than the material of the main pipes.

How to get permission to work?

Only professional gas welders with a document on obtaining education in this specialty are allowed to install heating batteries using gas welding. In addition, the welder must have a valid fire safety permit. It is advisable that the specialist have experience (excellent, if many years) of gas welding. It affects the quality of the final result and the equipment used, which should not only be serviceable, but also meet established safety requirements.

Gas welding works are carried out in overalls, in special glasses with a protective shield that do not allow eyes to catch the “bunnies”, as experienced welders say. We should not forget about gloves that protect the skin of the hands from the effects of negative factors.

The mandatory equipment of a gas welder includes such protective equipment as glasses, a shield, work gloves. All items listed are for gas welding.

Please note that at the moment, in multi-apartment buildings, a ban on gas welding without a permit from authorized bodies has been established. Violators of this legislative norm face a fine of an impressive size.

Procedure for replacing radiators

To carry out the dismantling of old heating appliances, it is necessary to drain the coolant from the heating system. The easiest way to perform this procedure is in a private house, using a faucet, the presence of which is provided even at the design stage of an autonomous heating system. In an apartment building, you will need to call a representative of the service organization or management company.

Dismantling the old heater with the help of a grinder, which is available for every lover of repair work with their own hands. In this case, the wizard works without protective equipment - you can’t do this

After discharge coolant begin to dismantle their old batteries. For trimming pipes use an ordinary grinder. The cut must be neat and straight so that the installation of new heating devices is carried out without unnecessary difficulties.

Then, a new battery is packaged, and the apartment owner can perform this procedure on his own. In this case, it is necessary to stock up on some materials: investment paste, flax, a set of nuts for the pipes, an adjustable wrench. The nuts are sealed with linen, greased with paste, and then screwed onto pipes protruding from the radiator.Then, from the fastening side with the pipes of the heating system, a ball valve with a drive, called an American, is installed, and Mayevsky crane.

Assembling a new bimetal heating radiator from separate sections using nipples with a seal

Then begin the installation of a new battery, installing it in place of the old radiator. They begin to weld the drive screwed into the battery to the heating system. For better circulation of the coolant between the pipes (suitable for and leaving the battery), a jumper pipe is welded.

The true master of his craft will carefully install the new battery. The owners can only paint the replaced pipe sections, after which no one will even guess about the installation work

As you can see, the process of replacing heating appliances is a serious and very responsible matter. Therefore, for work, it is worth contacting the Housing Office in writing. The owner of the apartment writes a request statement, which describes the problem and the need to close the heating system in an apartment building. Employees of the Housing Office will consider the application, give permission and agree with the applicant the date of the installation. Next, you need to wait for the plumbing, which will be sent by the Housing Office at the address indicated in the application. The plumber will turn off the heating system and carry out all necessary work. Upon completion of the radiator replacement procedure, a specialist will mandatory test the system in test mode to verify the quality of the service provided to the applicant.

Some housing offices may require documents from which you can find out the technical characteristics of the installed heating elements. Such documents may include a technical passport, as well as a description of pipes and batteries.

What is the cost of replacing batteries?

It is impossible to say the exact price of the work, since many factors influence this indicator. We can only give an approximate list of costs that the customer will have to pay for the replacement of heating radiators. When contacting a company specializing in such works, be prepared to pay:

• dismantling work;
• materials that the company provides, referring to trusted suppliers;
• installation work.

Some companies also undertake the services of obtaining permits for gas welding operations, freeing the customer from visiting various “offices”. True, you also have to pay for it. To be satisfied with the work performed, you must carefully approach the choice of the company. Reviews from those who have already applied to specific firms and can judge the quality of services firsthand will help here.

It is possible to replace the battery on your own, provided that you have the skill to work with gas welding equipment at a fairly professional level

If you do the work yourself, you can save a lot. Indeed, in this case, you will have to spend only on the purchase of materials. Only those who can handle gas welding equipment at a professional level can do this. It is better for self-taught women not to risk it, especially in houses decorated with modern materials that release toxic substances when ignited.

Summing up, it can be noted that in most cases, heating batteries are changed most often using gas welding. This method is especially indispensable in central heating systems operating under high operating pressure. You learned about all the advantages of gas welding, so you can make an informed choice in favor of this method of connecting a radiator to the heating system of a house or apartment.