\"Splitting\" a Steam Radiator

Dave_127

I have one-pipe steam heat in my 50-year-old house. I am splitting the upstairs bedroom farthest from the boiler into two rooms. I would like to "T" the steam line that goes to the current single radiator to supply two radiators, one in each room. My plumber says you can't "T" a steam line.

(By radiator, I mean the kinds with a row of sheet metal fins enclosed in a metal housing, not the big cast iron radiators of old.)

There are 8 radiators in my house and not 8 steam lines leaving the boiler, so I know that radiators can share a steam line.

Can I "T" the steam line? What are the issues/problems?

Do I simply need to use a "Y" instead of a "T" so the water can run back down?

If I can't "T" the radiators, can I feed one radiator, then pipe out of that radiator a short distance through the wall into the second radiator, terminating that one in an air valve?

Thanks,
Dave

ttekushan_3

Sounds to me

that you aren't adding any radiation at all but merely splitting it into two half sized loads. Then you can T it. You should think about using a vent on each line that is of a "slower" rate (smaller orifice) since you will now have two vents on that riser instead of 1. This can change the system balance in a way you may not like. Or use the same kind of vent and see how it works. I'd say its a good idea to have the two vents identical, though.

-Terry