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Changing valves

Mike T., Swampeast MO
Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928
in THE MAIN WALL
The valve is held at the bottom and side so it won't move and you won't be applying anywhere near enough torque to hurt the piping in any way.

The packing nut is relatively small. I like to use a non-adjustable wrench as opposed to a big adjustable or big pipe wrench. You can use a fair amount of strenth--just don't do something like use both hands on the wrench while putting your foot against the wall...

Comments

  • Stark1
    Stark1 Member Posts: 3
    Changing valves

    I'm a homeowner with a one pipe steam system. i wasn't getting any much steam to the rads on the upper two levels of my house. After being directed here and doing some reading I installled gorton valves on all the rads and added a bunch of insulation to the pipe in the basement. Now the house is heating pretty evenly, but the shut off valves on a couple of the radiators are leaking. Questions are:
    1) Is this a result of to much pressure in th system? It is set very low.
    2) Can I safely change the shutoff valves myself ot do I need a pro. Is there anythy special I should know in order to do this?

    Thanks in advance
  • Mike T., Swampeast MO
    Mike T., Swampeast MO Member Posts: 6,928


    Are the leaks around the stem? If so, slightly tighten the packing nut at the base of the stem. Remember that this is brass and relatively soft, so don't use too much force.

    This might stop the leak. If not you have to remove the packing nut and old packing and install new packing. Not at all difficult and made easier since it's steam and you don't have to drain. Do though turn off the boiler as you don't want to be scalded!
  • Stark1
    Stark1 Member Posts: 3


    Should I brace the pipe coming from the floor with another wrench when I attempt to tighten? My fear is damaging the pipe. Whenever I do this kind of stuff I seem to have a very hard time determining how much force to use.
  • Stark1
    Stark1 Member Posts: 3


    I'm a little confused. Is the packing nut on the stem directly below the handle? Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.
  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    That's

    the one!

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