Stream coming out of wall heater

j2nice112

Hey guys, I live in a section 8 building and trying to get someone up here to fix this has been a struggle, so I'm reaching out to my friends on the World Wide Web, when ever the heater turns on it starts to burst out steam which I was told there may be a leak or crack in it. Then because of all of the precipitation it then causes a leak which has ruined the wood floors, just wondering if anybody has any ideas to limit this damage.

Thanks guys

Jamie Hall

Can you identify where, exactly, the steam is coming from? Is it from the silver can -- the vent? Or is it from somewhere in the pipes? Makes a big difference!

It may not be that easy for you to solve the problem -- even if it is the vent, which is easily replaceable. Somehow I have a feeling that in a Section 8 building it may be hard to get the superintendent (if there even is one) to do anything, never mind the landlord.

But if you can identify where the steam is coming from, we can at least start...

j2nice112

Yea sorry about that Jamie, well when I watch it it seems to be coming from the circular silver metal piece, yea exactly

Jamie Hall

Well, that's something you can tackle -- with a good deal of caution. First, I would ask -- is your heat adequate? Or do you need more or less? If your heat is about right, a direct replacement would work.

That's a "Maid-O-Mist" air valve, technically. The thing to do is to get as much information off the back of it -- I can't quite read it in your photo -- and go here: http://www.supplyhouse.com/Maid-O-Mist-Air-Valves-312000 and see if you can match it.

Make darn sure that the boiler is off. Like really off. Then unscrew the old one and screw the new one in -- some teflon plumbers tape on the threads will help. I suggest an adjustable wrench; pliers or vise-grips really don't work.

I can't -- obviously -- guarantee that that will work. Nor can I guarantee that it will last all that long -- if the pressure in your building is too high, which wouldn't surprise me a bit, that could damage the valve. But they aren't expensive and it's worth the try.

j2nice112

To be honest I'll be fine with how hot cold it is because if I close my door I come home to my walls sweating and and wet tv and mirror.

Ok great so I'm assuming your saying turn off the boiler because if the heater turns on while it's off I'm going to get burnt right

BobC

You want to do it when the boiler is off because you could get scalded by steam if the boiler was making steam when you take that vent off.

Convectors usually want slow venting so I would guess 9and it's only a guess) you want a Maid o mist #4 or 5 there. If you can replace it with a VentRite #1 adjustable vent because you can adjust it easily.

Bob

Fred

@BobC , if he/she uses a Vent-rite #1, they will also have to add a1/8" elbow. That is an angle vent.

BobC

Your right @Fred and it would take a closer look to see if there is room to swing an elbow and the VentRite.. For now it's probably easier to stick with a Gorton or MOM straight vent or maybe a Hoffman 41.

j2nice112

Thanks BobC Jamie and Fred I really appreciate the help I'm going to see if I can get in contact with someone who can control the boiler