Steam Radiator problem, please help

Metro Man

Recently my Steam Radiator has been going crazy, it's hissing, shooting a little bit of steam out where the valve is(where the pipe connects to the radiator), its making loud clunking noises, leaking and is shooting water out of the vents. On top of that it is now making a loud water gurgling noise. It goes on all the time. What can I do about this? It's right in my bedroom and is driving me nuts. I have lowered the pressure on the boiler and put shims under the radiator to direct the flow of condensation back to the boiler. But nothing has helped?

mel rowe

Sean, I'm just an interested homeowner, but since you have had no other responses yet, there are a number of things that could be contributing to your problem. Let's start with a question-- Is this a new problem for you? When did it start? What was the system pressure before and after you made the change to reduce? Is the pressure controlled by a Pressuretrol?

mel rowe

I also reread your post and noticed that you said there was steam coming out of the valve where the pipe connects to the radiator. I assume you mean the inlet valve that provides steam to the rad. If the leak is at the joint, then it may need alignment and tightening. If it is at the valve stem, you may need to remove nut on the valve stem and replace the stem packing, and retighten the nut. Also you may need to find out if the valve itself is working properly. Sometimes the valve deteriorates to the point that it is not fully opening and does not allow the condensate to flow back down the steam riser.

Metro Man

The problem started a week ago, it has been rather cold, but not nearly as bad as most. I believe we do have a pressuretol, because that is what I had adjusted. its at its lowest point rite now.... Any suggestions?

mel rowe

Sean, if your system has a additive type Pressuretrol, it should be set so that the cut-in pressure is at .5 psi, and the differential wheel on the inside should be rotated to the 1 position. this gives a cutout pressure of 1.5 psi, which is the max. recommended for one pipe steam systems. Have a look and tell me what kind it is, if you can determine.

thfurnitureguy_8

You may try slowing down the vent a little and make sure the valve is all the way open. Some radiators just boil!