Is this a vent? If so, what kind?

SynrG

This (no, not the soup can -- I stuck that there for scale) is apparently the source of the large, rusty puddle on the bathroom floor (and also explains the recent feline fascination with the radiator -- and here I was thinking a mouse had survived to make it to the second floor). What do I need to ask for when I'm calling around, and where should I start my search?

Thanks!

nicholas bonham-carter

What sort of heating system do you have?
The choices are:
Hot water
One-pipe steam
Two pipe steam
Where was the vent installed:
Radiator
Basement

Steamhead

That looks like a Trane vent. Look at it from the bottom and you'll probably see the name Trane. This type of vent is usually found on the steam mains of Trane Vapor systems.

How about a pic of where it was installed?

SynrG

Yes, it's a Trane. I can see that on the one end. We have a one-pipe steam system. Let me see what I can do about the photo. It was on the radiator (for lack of a better word) in our upstairs bathroom.

SynrG

Here's the niche where the "radiator" is installed in the bathroom. Yes, the valve at the bottom works and is currently off. The pipe at the top had the Trane vent.

This is the only radiator of this type in the house (if that matters). All the others are free-standing, cast iron (some ornate) with different vents. I can find those on Amazon (and probably locally too). This one, I'm flummoxed.

SynrG

Is this something we can fix? Do we have to replace it? As a certified Old House Nut (I'm also a redhead and Crazy Cat Lady so feel free to extrapolate from there.) the Trane vent falls within my definition of "cool old things" so if it's fixable, I'm more than happy to see what I (or my husband, since it's far too cold to work on the motorcycles and he should stay off of Craigslist anyway) can do to get it functioning again if there's a way (or a rebuild kit?) to do so. I didn't really check to see if I could take it apart, but now that I'm relatively well-caffeinated....

Anyway, since I haven't yet found this particular part online, I got to thinking that maybe I'd better hope it's fixable.

Steamhead

Replace it.

Look at all those water tracks inside the cabinet. That vent was far too big for a one-pipe convector. It's a wonder it lasted that long.

I'd start with a Hoffman #41 vent, which is made for that type of convector. You'll need a 3/4" x 1/8" bushing to install it on that piping. If this makes the convector heat slowly, the vent on the steam main in the basement may need to be upgraded.

SynrG

So I need this vent: amazon.com/Hoffman-41-Straight-Convector-Non-vacuum/dp/B005H1CS8O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453308675&sr=8-1&keywords=hoffman+steam+vent+41?

And this fitting: amazon.com/Anvil-Forged-Pressure-Fitting-Bushing/dp/B006N2RDNQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1453309131&sr=1-7&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A3052060011%2Cp_n_feature_eleven_browse-bin%3A3622112011%2Cp_11%3A3%2F4%22+x+1%2F8%22

Does is matter what type of metal for the pipe fitting? It looks like everything is available for overnight delivery.

Steamhead

That is correct. The bushings on that page will do fine. The page gives you several choices, you need the 3/4"x1/8" one.

SynrG

Yes, the 3/4"x1/8" is in my cart (to go from the 3/4" pipe to the 1/8" vent). I just wanted to double check that the choice of metal wasn't important *before* I hit "buy."

And thanks!