Do we have steam or hot water?

Dave_118

I only shut off the angle valve, and there is no output out of the radiator.
So I guess if I just partially open the angle valve, we won't be overheating the place as much?

Dave_61

Do we have steam or hot water?

We just moved into an apt in NYC where we have cast iron radiators with a pipe on each end. I would assume this is hot water as there is no vent, but could it be steam? Is there any way to tell?
We also don't have a thermostat in the apt so heat is either on (very hot so that we have to open windows) or off which is just a little less hot. Depending on what system we have, is there any way for us to control the heat coming out of the radiators without reworking the piping? We currently have radiator valves off because it was unbearable.

Daniel_3

Picture please. Of both ends of the radiator.

eddie_4

sounds to me like you have steam. the valve one one side and a trap on the other?

fatty

classic nyc steam system. the classic 'fix' is an open window. i'm guessing its a pretty large building right? been there! its out of your hands! hmm... you could insulate the radiator to keep its heat somewhat less intense.

Dave_118

I asked someone in the building (200 apts),

and they said it is indeed steam (2 pipe). With the valves completely off, no heat passes through radiators.
If I were to just open them a little, would that limit the amt of steam input and thus heat output or is it raelly all or nothing?

Daniel_3

With two pipe steam you can partially close the angle valve ( or respective valve according to what system is in place, Hoffman, Dunham, Webster) to maintain the heat output. You must have a steam trap on the other side of the radiator which cannot be closed but you say you closed both sides of the radiator. How's that? Please include a picture.