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leaking radiator valve

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charliechicago
charliechicago Member Posts: 130
edited December 2017 in Strictly Steam
Hello to all
How do I fix a leak on the valve (not the air vent) where the stem of the handle and the packing nut meet?
Thanks, Charlie.

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  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,327
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    Try just tightening the packing nut a bit. If that doesn't work, back the packing nut off and put new packing in.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • charliechicago
    charliechicago Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2017
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    Thanks Jamie,
    I tightened it and it didn't help. How do I replace the packing?
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,327
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    Not surprised, actually. Replacing the packing isn't that hard -- but do it when the boiler is off. You will need to back the packing nut right off. Then you will usually find a groove between the valve body and the valve stem. Take any old packing out. Then it needs to have packing (try the hardware store; the big box might have it) wrapped into it and a turn or two up the valve stem above it. Then screw the nut back down.

    I really hope that works. It almost always does. Almost...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England

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