Heat get to radiator, but radiator stays cold

DanLan

Hi, I am having a problem with one of my radiators (one pipe, steam system): the pipe to the radiator gets very hot, but the radiator itself stays cold.

I took off the vent off it and was able to blow air through it, so I think the vent is working. (If it makes a difference, this is the vent I have: https://www.homedepot.com/p/C-1-8-in-IPS-Angled-Steam-Radiator-Vent-Valve-A888/202246275).

The radiator is shimmed, but I don't know if it is properly pitched -- and I'm not sure how to measure the pitch.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Jamie Hall

An obvious question... is the valve to the radiator open?

unclejohn

You can blow air into the vent can you blow air into the rad.

DanLan

> @Jamie Hall said:
> An obvious question... is the valve to the radiator open?

The valve is turned all the way open. I suppose it's possible that the valve could say it's open but still be closed.

DanLan

> @unclejohn said:
> You can blow air into the vent can you blow air into the rad.

I don't understand.... why and how would I blow air into the radiator?

Jamie Hall

DanLan said:

> @Jamie Hall said:

> An obvious question... is the valve to the radiator open?



The valve is turned all the way open. I suppose it's possible that the valve could say it's open but still be closed.

Wouldn't be the first time.

If you take the vent off and fire the boiler (have someone at the boiler to shut it off in case steam starts pouring out!) does the radiator heat at all? If not, I'd say it was time to have a closer look at that valve.

DanLan

Thanks @Jamie Hall ! I'll give that a shot.