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Steam radiator leaking at inlet (not valve but pipe)

Hello,



I recently replaced the vent on a non-functioning radiator, and now the radiator gets hot, but it is leaking a lot of water (like a cup every half hour) from the threaded pipe at the inlet after the valve.



What can I do to prevent the leak? Unfortunately, I can't even turn the radiator off because the valve seems to be missing!



Since I'll be leaving for a week for thanksgiving, I'd like to at least turn the thing off to prevent the leak, if the real fix is more time consuming.



Thanks!

Comments

  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,502
    RTV?

    Have you tried tightening that union nut? If that does not work you might try moving that radiator a bit and then cleaning both faces of the union. After that I would apply a light film of high temperature RTV to the face of the union and then tighten it back up.



    Bob
    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,502
    edited November 2012
    Dupe

    Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
    Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
    3PSI gauge
  • Thanks!

    Thanks! Tightening the union bolt seems to have stopped the leak. Obvious in retrospect, but I know so little about these things I am always afraid if I turn the wrong bolt I'll send steam and water all over the place.



    Thank you. Now to insulate some pipes...
This discussion has been closed.