Replacing Inlet Valves on 1-pipe steam system

Bob_110

I had a steam leak recently and thought it was coming from the inlet valve spindle and began to repack the spindle nut, but upon further examination, a crack was discovered at the neck of the valve housing where it is connected to the radiator. Can I replace this valve myself or should I call a specialist?

Big Ed_4

You would.....

...... To change the whole valve and to remove the nipple and union part that is screwed in to the radiator , you would need a "spud wrench". They remind me of a Chrismass tree because of it shape. It gets inserted into that nipple and grabs the inner nubs and spin the spud with a wrench.

Bob_110

Valve change....

I think I have one of those, but on this radiator, the connection seems to be a loose, "female" collar on the radiator, with the "male" threads coming in from a 45 degree valve attached to a pipe in the floor. My concern would be to grip the floor pipe securely somehow and unscrew the valve from the top of this inlet pipe AFTER I'd unscrew that "collar" on the radiator. These connections have got to be turn-of-the-century in age, so I'm a little nervous. I saw what would be a brass steam valve replacement at Lowes-- what I think is called a "packless" new type.

Big Ed_4

Yes you would need the right set of good wrenches. Always use two wrenches so you don't stress the pipe further down. Don't induce oil into the system. Use a oil less pipe dope and quick wick the threads on the pipe connection.

" if in dought sub it out"

Bob_110

Thanks Ed...

Thanks for the advice, Ed. Love the quote, too. Had some HD plumbing tools my Dad left me, but never had the chance to use them... or what they were called. Wondered what I'd ever use that "Christmas Tree" spud wrench for. Let me see how this goes...

Bob