Used Radiators

Consumers sells used cast iron radiators of all styles and sizes. Fast, nationwide shipping.

• Please email radiators@consumersplumbing.com or submit a request below. Please provide the dimensions and include your phone number.
• All used radiators are pressure tested & have a 1 year limited warranty.
• We also purchase used radiators of all sizes & styles (Chicago only. We do not pickup radiators.)

Used Cast Iron Radiators — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about buying and selling used cast iron radiators in Chicago

Q
Where can I buy a used cast iron radiator in Chicago?

Consumers Supply Company at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago stocks used cast iron radiators for steam and hot water heating systems. Used radiators are one of the hardest items to source in Chicago — Consumers Supply is one of the very few places in the area where you can walk in and purchase one directly. The store is open to the public, no contractor required. Call (312) 666-6080 to ask about current inventory and sizing before making the trip, as stock varies.

Q
Are the used radiators at Consumers Supply tested before being sold?

Yes. Every used radiator that Consumers Supply sells has been pressure tested and refurbished before going on the floor. This is not standard practice in the used radiator market — many sources sell cast iron radiators as-is with no inspection. At Consumers Supply, pressure testing ensures the radiator holds pressure without leaking before it goes into your building, which is a critical check given that a failed radiator section can cause significant water or steam damage.

Q
Do used radiators from Consumers Supply come with a warranty?

Yes. Consumers Supply backs its used radiators with a one-year warranty — which is exceptional for used cast iron. This reflects the confidence that comes from the pressure testing and refurbishing process each unit goes through before sale. It also gives homeowners and building owners meaningful peace of mind when purchasing used rather than new.

Q
Why would I buy a used radiator instead of a new one?

Cost is the primary reason — used cast iron radiators are significantly less expensive than new ones, and given that cast iron can last 50 to 100 years when properly maintained, a quality used radiator that has been pressure tested and refurbished is a sound investment. There are also situations where a used radiator is the better practical choice: matching the style and column profile of existing radiators in a historic Chicago building, replacing a single damaged section in an older system, or sourcing an ornate or decorative style that is no longer manufactured new.

Q
Will a used cast iron radiator work with my existing steam or hot water system?

Yes, provided it matches your system type — steam or hot water — and has the correct pipe connection size and placement. Cast iron radiators have remained largely standardized for over a century, so a used radiator from a building demolished decades ago will typically connect to a modern system without issue. The key is matching the pipe connection type (one-pipe vs. two-pipe steam, or hot water) and ensuring the section count provides the right heat output for the room. Call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 and describe your system before purchasing.

Q
What condition are used radiators sold in at Consumers Supply?

Stock varies — some radiators are sold fully refurbished and ready to install, while others are sold in as-is condition at a lower price point. All units regardless of finish condition have been pressure tested. If you have a preference for a fully refurbished unit or are comfortable with an as-is radiator for a utilitarian application, call (312) 666-6080 ahead of your visit and the team can let you know what’s currently available in each condition.

Q
How do I know what size used radiator I need?

The simplest approach is to match the section count of the radiator you’re replacing — if the room heated adequately before, the same number of sections from the same radiator style will perform comparably. If you’re adding heat to a room that didn’t previously have a radiator, a general rule of thumb is to count the sections on a similarly sized room nearby and use that as a starting point. Bring the section count and room dimensions when you call or visit — the team at Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 can help you identify a suitable match from current inventory.

Q
Does Consumers Supply buy used cast iron radiators?

Yes. Consumers Supply purchases used cast iron radiators. If you are renovating a building, replacing a heating system, or simply have radiators you no longer need, call (312) 666-6080 to discuss what you have. Bring or describe the radiator style, the number of sections, and the overall condition. Not all radiators are suitable for resale, but the team can let you know quickly whether there’s interest.

Q
Can I sell radiators I removed during a renovation to Consumers Supply?

Potentially yes. If you are gut-rehabbing a Chicago building and pulling out cast iron radiators, it’s worth a call to Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 before hauling them to scrap. Depending on the style, condition, and section count, there may be interest in purchasing them. Cast iron radiators in good structural condition have real value in Chicago’s market, where demand for used units is steady and supply is limited.

Q
Are used cast iron radiators a good choice for a historic Chicago building restoration?

Often yes — and in some cases they’re the only practical choice. Many vintage Chicago greystones, brownstones, and courtyard buildings were built with ornate or decorative column-style radiators that are no longer manufactured new. A used radiator of the same style maintains the authentic character of the building in a way that a modern replacement simply can’t. Consumers Supply’s inventory of used radiators, all pressure tested and backed by a one-year warranty, is a practical resource for restoration projects across the city. Call (312) 666-6080 to discuss what styles and sizes are currently in stock.