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radiator vent RIDICULOUSLY loud- problem??

kdawg
kdawg Member Posts: 3
They've turned the heat on in my NYC apt, but my radiator vent is SUPER loud in my bedroom. As in- I have a hard time carrying a simple phone conversation. Is this normal, and even if it is...how do I stop it?

On top of this, my open/close knob is stuck and won't turn to the close position since now it's like 80 degrees. I tried spraying WD-40 and using a wrench to loosen it, but it barely budges.

Any suggestions??

Comments

  • kdawg
    kdawg Member Posts: 3
    Turning vent upsidedown?

    I've read on some other threads that apparently turning the vent upside down (so that the hole is point downwards) also turns off the radiator in a way. Is this safe to do with a towel? Or will it like explode??
  • BobC
    BobC Member Posts: 5,476
    should work

    Radiator vents have a float in them to stop water from coming out of the vent, if you turn it upside down it should close the valve and prevent steam from entering the radiator. Turn the vent so it is pointing down at the floor, don't force it. If it won't turn clockwise try turning it counterclockwise. if it's hot use a towel or potholder to grab it with.



    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
  • kdawg
    kdawg Member Posts: 3
    worked!!

    You sir, are a genius. Thank you SO much!!
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,584
    edited October 2013
    TRV

    I would recommend installing one of these with a straight vent.  This will allow you to manually control how fast the radiator vents, if at all by turning the grey knob.

    http://www.pexsupply.com/Danfoss-013G0140-Thermostatic-Rad-Valve-w-Vac-Breaker-1-Pipe-Steam-5551000-p



    If you want, you can buy an automatic control for it which will operate via temperature in the room which is this  :



    http://www.pexsupply.com/Danfoss-013G8250-Direct-Mount-Operator-5558000-p



    For your situation you might try this vent combined with the above : http://www.pexsupply.com/Gorton-G4S8-Gorton-No-4-1-8-Straight-Vapor-Equalizing-Valve-3527000-p

    As I said, the first item and then the last will work but will be 100% manual.  The second item allows automatic control.



    This is what all 3 look like put together.  I have two of them installed in my house.

    https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2g8PuNNJXY/USGw222pR2I/AAAAAAAABM8/G01_FI25W5g/w1096-h822-no/DSC04066.JPG
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
    Loud vents

    That sound is music to some ears-the fuel supplier!

    That system could burn half as much with a little maintenance !

    Some landlords hate spending money, but love to waste it!

    Or can it be blamed on the Super who was hired for other talents? Perhaps the building owners (in their ignorance) are afraid the system will get worse without the Super's magic touch!--NBC
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