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Radiator doesn't get hot until it is gently tapped.

hsachs42
hsachs42 Member Posts: 1
I live on the sixth floor of an apartment building. I have a new steam radiator including the on-off valve and the air valve. Most of the time when the steam comes on the radiator will not get hot until we gently tap the radiator itself a couple of times. Then you can hear the air start to release and the radiator starts to get hot. It seems like an air valve issue but could it be something else since the air valve is new?

Comments

  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    It sounds like the air vent sticks closed. Try taking it off and washing it out or replacing it but only do so when the steam system is OFF. Taking the vent off during a heating cycle will lead to burns or a lot of steam blowing out.
  • the_donut
    the_donut Member Posts: 374
    Also you can soak or boil vent into vinegar. But turn off at valve first.