Is it cheaper to replace or repair a radiator?

Many of us have numerous radiators, at least one in each room, scattered around our homes. The factors that affect the cost of repairing a radiator are just as plentiful.

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Radiator Repair by Type

Electric: Though an electric heating radiator lacks the plumbing parts of other versions, several components within them can and do fail from time to time. When fuses, heating elements, thermostat issues or loose wiring render your electric radiator non-functional, expect to pay an average of between $125 and $425 to get it up and running again.

Water: Water radiators are often called hot water or low-pressure radiators and are exactly as they sound. Made of cast iron, steel, stainless steel or aluminum, each radiator is plumbed to receive hot water from the boiler. Once the water’s heat has been transferred to the room, the cooled water returns to the boiler for reheating in a continuous loop. Hot water radiators can experience leaks, loose fittings, air entrapment, clogs and other undesirable conditions. Repairs generally fall into a range of $150 to $500.

Steam: Working in a continuous loop similar to hot-water heat, steam radiators operate on the same heat-transfer principle. The major differences involve higher temperatures and pressures in a steam radiant heat system. Steam radiators are made from cast iron, steel, stainless steel and aluminum with steel cladding and may consist of one or two steam supply and return pipes from the boiler. Steam radiators require a bit more maintenance than other types, and the cost to repair them runs on average between $175 and $600.

Repair Costs by Material

Radiant heat radiators can be constructed of cast iron, steel, stainless steel or aluminum. However, for repairs, they typically fall into two main categories, including cast iron and other types of metals. Cast iron is the most common type of radiator.

Cast iron: Considered the original home heating radiators, cast iron radiators have been around since the mid-1800s. Repair costs can be higher on very old units or ones with difficult-to-find parts, but typically, you can expect costs of between $175 and $600 for most fixes.

Stainless steel, steel and aluminum: The metal radiators generally all fall into a similar category when talking repairs. Parts are typically readily available and less costly than some parts for cast iron models. Expect average repair costs of between $150 and $550.

Repair Costs by Level of Repair

The severity of the repair that your radiator requires is the most significant variable determining the cost of the work. Because one problem can easily lead to others in a radiant heat system, it’s not uncommon to simultaneously need more than one type of repair. Costs for the level of repair generally fall into these categories.

Repair Costs by Type of Repair

You can remedy various symptoms by repairing or replacing individual parts of a radiator. In some situations, more than one part may require fixing. Below are the average cost ranges for repairing those parts.

Occasionally, specific damages to one or more parts may require replacing the radiator. For example, the cost to repair a radiator leak may be very low or require more expensive radiator replacement depending on the severity of the damage.

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If your vehicle has a damaged radiator, you can repair it or replace it. It’s best to base your choice on the size and type of the radiator leak.

It makes sense to fix a radiator leak when you can. The radiator repair cost is cheaper than buying a new one and paying for the installation. (Unless you do it yourself, of course.) If your radiator cracks and starts to corrode over time, the damage can be so bad that you have to replace it. You might be able to fix smaller leaks, though. Just remember that the leak can return, and you'll have to perform the repair again. Despite that, you should still try conducting that radiator leak repair yourself.

Why It’s Important to Address Your Radiator Leak

The radiator is part of your vehicle's cooling system. It helps protect against engine failure. Coolant flows through the engine where it collects heat. From there, it travels to the radiator where the coolant releases the heat. If your radiator gets damaged, heat builds up inside the engine and causes failure. Whether you choose to fix it or replace it, you must do something. Unless you can afford to buy a new vehicle when your current one breaks down, that is.

DIY Radiator Hole Repair

You might be surprised to learn just how easy it is to repair a damaged radiator. Assuming the leak is minor, you can try using a radiator stop leak product. When poured into the radiator, the compound binds to the leak. This product then hardens so the coolant doesn't leak out of the radiator.

1. Check the instructions to make sure you do or don't have to drain the existing coolant first.
2. Remove the radiator cap and pour liquid into a cool radiator.
3. If you can’t access the radiator, use the overflow/reservoir tank.
4. Fill the radiator and overflow tank to the proper levels.
5. Reinstall the radiator cap.
6. Drive or let your engine idle for 15-30 minutes.

If the radiator continues to leak, try going through this process a second time. If this won’t stop the leak, talk to a professional auto mechanic. (You might need a new radiator.)

Other Causes of Radiator Leaks

Yes, radiator stop leak products are great at patching small leaks. These products won’t help if the lead isn’t in the radiator itself. For example, if your radiator cap is cracked or damaged, it can leak coolant. This can cause your radiator to overheat. This is just as dangerous as a crack in the radiator. If your cap is damaged, it’s best to buy a new radiator cap.

Radiator hoses can leak, too. One sign of this is an overheating engine, but you’ll get smaller signs first. For example, you’ll see a small pool of coolant on the ground beneath your parked vehicle. You might also find small drips of coolant near the engine bay and on the outside of the radiator house. If the leak is small, you can use some silicone tape to seal it. For bigger leaks, you’ll have to replace the radiator hose.

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