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One pipe radiator without a vent

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Caleb_2
Caleb_2 Member Posts: 4
in Strictly Steam
I recently moved in to a new house and I'm working on balancing my one pipe steam system. My largest radiator is in the room with the thermostat. It looks like whoever tried to balance the system last just decided that it would be easier to take that radiator out of the picture rather that venting everything properly. Instead of a vent, my largest radiator has some sort of plug. I have search all over and have not been able to definitively figure out what it is. Can anyone tell me what that is? I'm pretty confident I can just replace it with a vent, but it would be nice to have a second opinion from someone who knows more than me. =)

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  • Double D
    Double D Member Posts: 442
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    Used on hot water heat

    It's a bleeder vent for hot water heating. Remove it and install a steam system air vent.
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
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    Vent

    Another satisfied customer of Knucklehead Heating Inc.
  • Caleb_2
    Caleb_2 Member Posts: 4
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    Thanks!

    That's what I was looking for. Thanks!
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,578
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    Fattening the cow before going to market

    That is a nice shiny new vent, probably the previous owners had the system "tuned up" for the sale.

    Would the home inspector be expected to catch that? What other work was done on the system by the same person?--NBC
  • Caleb_2
    Caleb_2 Member Posts: 4
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    They did just enough to get it working

    The house had been vacant for about a year. They seller had some local heating guys come in to get the boiler up and running. It looks like they replaced a few valves and didn't do much else. Just enough to pass the inspection and appraisal. After I bought the house I started reading up on steam heat and realized very quickly that whoever worked on it last had very little knowledge of the system. I don't know what I would do without the information on this site. Thanks again for everyone's help!
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,954
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    Not the first time I've seen this

    and I doubt it'll be the last. You can't fix stupid.



    Caleb, where are you located? We might know someone you can call to get your system working as the Dead Men intended.............
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
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    Vent

    Maybe the same company that did this...
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,954
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    heh-heh...heh-heh...

    "hey Butt-head, you think this will work?"



    "uhhhhh... I guess so Beavis, it says that it's an air vent"



    And they wonder why we drink...................
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Caleb_2
    Caleb_2 Member Posts: 4
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    North Central Illinois

    I'm in the DeKalb area. It would be nice to have someone I could call if I ever need a valve replaced. That's one thing i probably won't attempt myself.

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