Shutoff Valve Needed for 1 Pipe Steam?

Tally07

I have a one pipe steam system.
I’m replacing some baseboard and freestanding radiators with Sunrad recessed radiatiors. The plumber installed the new radiators without a shutoff valve. Is this an issue? In theory if I needed to shut off the radiator I could block the vent, but just seems strange that they were installed without shutoff valves and want to make sure I’m not going to have an issue down the road.

JohnNY

Your plumber should know better than to install heat emitters of any kind without shutoff valves.

Jamie Hall

JohnNY said:

Your plumber should know better than to install heat emitters of any kind without shutoff valves.

Agreed. Granted, however, that they are not used for control on one pipe steam -- that's what the vents are for. But they sure should have been installed.

STEAM DOCTOR

Just to play devils advocate. One pipe shutoff valves are almost never used. There is a good possibility that they will leak at some point. They also restrict flow. If I was building a single family residence with one pipe steam, I would seriously consider eliminating radiator shutoff valves.

JUGHNE

I agree with Steam Doctor for the most part.
But the angle valve gives you a compact 90 connection with needed union.

STEAM DOCTOR

You could get a radiator union elbow.