Radiator with horizontal rails

mutley74

I currently have this type of radiator in the kitchen and conservatory, both over 20 yrs old and showing signs of rust at the top seals. This is leading to a slow drip which is just getting worse as the rust expands. 

Where can I get a similar radiator from. I have tried Screwfix and Wickes. I need one with horizontal rails like this as it makes drying in the winter time so much easier. 

Or would it look okay to fit a chrome towel radiator in a conservatory and kitchen? 

TIA

Ant555

 - is it OK to fit a chrome towel radiator in a conservatory? - 
Yes perfectly fine if thats what you want and no technical reason why not.  I guess a towel radiator will look like a towel radiator and some may not like the idea in a living space however you have a good practical reason for wanting this.

I dont know how much you are looking to pay but are you looking for something like this?

A good contrast to the walls?
https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/arezzo-1380-x-600mm-anthracite-designer-towel-rail

We found that a chrome rad (for some reason) did not give off as much heat as our new anthracite one - but maybe I am imagining it?

nofoollikeold

If you mean it is leaking at the top seals you could:
1. Obtain and fit two new plugs.  E.g. Screwfix 40972
2. Turn off both valves.  Count the number of 1/8th turns on the lock shield so it can be reopened to the same position.  
3. Some old towels / trays at the ready.
4. Loosen the bleed screw and catch any water. 
5. Remove the plugs.  One will likely have the bleed valve in it.
6. Clean up the rust to give a flat rim seating area.
7. Paint the previously rusted area.
8. Fit the new plugs.
9. Open the valves and bleed the radiator.  

mutley74

nofoollikeold said:

If you mean it is leaking at the top seals you could:
1. Obtain and fit two new plugs.  E.g. Screwfix 40972
2. Turn off both valves.  Count the number of 1/8th turns on the lock shield so it can be reopened to the same position.  
3. Some old towels / trays at the ready.
4. Loosen the bleed screw and catch any water. 
5. Remove the plugs.  One will likely have the bleed valve in it.
6. Clean up the rust to give a flat rim seating area.
7. Paint the previously rusted area.
8. Fit the new plugs.
9. Open the valves and bleed the radiator.  

It was fixed a few months ago by the plumber. It had been dripping before, stopped then started again. Seems like the rust has grown further along. 

mutley74

Ant555 said:

A good contrast to the walls?
https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/arezzo-1380-x-600mm-anthracite-designer-towel-rail

That looks good but did not really want to pay more than £150ish, then I have fitting costs on top. 

casper_gutman

Ant555 said:

We found that a chrome rad (for some reason) did not give off as much heat as our new anthracite one - but maybe I am imagining it?

Not your imagination - the surface finish definitely makes a difference. The heat output figure from manufacturers generally reflect this.

twopenny

Have you got a City Plumbing near you?
They supply to trade and private. I've found them very good at answering questions like this. 
Aagain Woolsey.
Chrome would probably give out more heat.

BUFF

Ant555 said:

We found that a chrome rad (for some reason) did not give off as much heat as our new anthracite one - but maybe I am imagining it?

chrome (or other metal/plated finishes) will give ~25- 30% less output than painted.

plumb1_2

Always use locktite 55 thread sealing cord on towel rads 

BUFF

mutley74 said:

I currently have this type of radiator in the kitchen and conservatory, both over 20 yrs old and showing signs of rust at the top seals. This is leading to a slow drip which is just getting worse as the rust expands. 

Where can I get a similar radiator from. I have tried Screwfix and Wickes. I need one with horizontal rails like this as it makes drying in the winter time so much easier. 

Not the same as all to one side rather than alternating but any good? https://www.bestheating.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=bari
I have no knowledge of either the manufacturer or supplying ccompany.

Rodders53

https://www.screwfix.com/p/parallel-rail-vertical-designer-radiator-chrome-1762-x-650mm-2367btu/91964 is a similar style in chrome...  from Screwfix as it happens...  it may not be the correct size though.

It's usually considered bad practice to introduce too much moisture by radiator-drying things without a lot of ventilation at the same time.  May make a tumble dryer or a dehumidifier / clothes horse worth considering instead?