Cast iron radiators by The Salvagedoctor
If you are buying a radiator from us, it may have come from a stately home, a hospital, house demolition or refurbishment project (we endeavor to keep track as some of our customers prefer a provenance)
Once allocated to a customer, the old fittings are removed from each corner to expose the internal part of the radiator.
Once the fittings are removed, we are able to access the inside with a powerful steam cleaning probe (3000 psi) which enables us to flush any sludge away, ensuring clean internals, thus allowing the water to flow as it should.
A thorough inspection is carried out at this stage to ensure the radiator is in good condition inside.
If the radiator we have is not the exact size for you, it is shortened or extended accordingly by adding or removing the cast iron sections.
New fittings are now added in the correct configuration to enable the radiator to suit modern pipework and fittings (most customers prefer both valves at the bottom and not alternate corners as they often were)
The radiator is now ready for shotblastng clean. It’s the ONLY way to remove paint AND rust (They are actually cleaner than they have ever been in their life at this stage)
Because the iron is now so clean, it must be painted very quickly as it is prone to corrosion. The new enamel (paint finish) is applied by a skilled painter within an hour. Due to the shotblasted surface, the enamel adheres extemely well.
The radiator then endures an hydraulic pressure test which basically means it is filled with water to a pressure of up to six times that of your central heating system (we have to do this as we don’t want them back!) This is a crucial stage which ensures peace of mind and won't leak.
Once the enamel has cured, the radiator is then cling film wrapped ready for dispatch.
Once fitted and warming your home, you then have a dinner party and your friends give us call because they want some too.