Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

TRV's and vents

Dave Rengel
Dave Rengel Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
I replaced my vents in a one-pipe steam system and installed TRV and new vents. I have 2 problems.
#1 One vent was stripped out on the radiator. Is there a way to repair that stripped thread (high temp adhesive, perhaps) or is it better just to get a new radiator?
#2 One radiator is too close to the wall on the vent end prohibiting installation of the valve 'straight out'. Is there a problem 'rigging' a 90 degree fitting to turn the valve out into the space?

Thanks,
Dave Rengel

Comments

  • Brad White_9
    Brad White_9 Member Posts: 2,440
    Stripped threads

    Ouch. Are you sure?

    Before you replace the radiator, you may want to have it drilled and tapped for a larger opening. If you do it yourself get the correct tap and drill size for the next size up (1/4" from 1/8"). Key to tapping cast iron is that you do not back it out to clear chips, you keep going in the same direction. (Not sure why, my dad taught me that and one never questioned dad.. :) )

    Then you could screw in a nipple, coupling and be on with your life.

    There may well be a high temperature adhesive but I do not know of one to recommend. Even plumbers epoxy seems tough but not sure at steam temperatures and with cycling hot and cold how it will hold up. Wait to hear from greater minds on that score.

    As for turning the valve out 90 degrees? Sure, done all the time. Start with a street elbow to save space if need be. Just make sure the sensing head is not too close to the radiator and that you can screw in the vent as well. If you cannot make the full turn, a union can be put in, but that too requires wrench clearance. Pitch the line back toward the radiator too, even slightly. You do not want a slug of condensate trapped in that line.
  • Dave DeFord_3
    Dave DeFord_3 Member Posts: 57
    It the radiator really stripped?

    Have you looked real closely at the threads? Are they really stripped or are they just filled up with junk (old pipe dope or teflon tape)? Even if they are stripped you may be able to clean them up with the appropriate sized tap. Pipe threads are tapered so a couple of turns might be able to get the threads back into usable shape. Something you may want to look at. Best of luck. BTW if you need a new radiator there's another post from Norfolk VA looking to give some away :-)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories