If you simply want a way to turn a 1-pipe Radiator on and off, ......

ted_p

Big Ed_4 said:

The only way to shut off a one pipe steam radiator is to plug the vent .

The above comment by @Big Ed_4, in @ConservationCrowley's discussion, Radiator Supply Valve - Why do we need 'em?, reminded me of something that I've been pondering for a while now:

If you simply want a way to turn a 1-pipe Radiator on and off, why not just insert a valve, such as this, ....



.... between the Radiator and the Air Vent, like this?


The thing that most appeals to me about this approach, is that the "operator" (which means "tenant" in the worst case) can't cause water hammer by opening the valve part-way.

Danny Scully

Of course this will work. I have radiator elbows and these 1/8” pet cocks on all my rads. In some minor way you could even throttle the rad. 

AMservices

Something to watch for is if steam still makes it to the radiator valve, the packing nut or the union or something is leaking in that area.
I've used similar Ball valves connected to vent lines so all the air can be evacuated through a common vent. Just like in a to pipe steam system.
It was very easy to balance the radiators and turn a couple off.

ted_p

Danny Scully said:

Of course this will work. I have radiator elbows and these 1/8” pet cocks on all my rads. In some minor way you could even throttle the rad. 

Thanks Danny!

I figured someone would have done this by now, unless there was something I'd overlooked which makes it a bad idea.

AMservices said:

Something to watch for is if steam still makes it to the radiator valve, the packing nut or the union or something is leaking in that area. ......

Great point!

nicholas bonham-carter

Hoffman vents will stop the flow of air, when turned upside down-no valve needed.--NBC

motoguy128

Emerson Swan 1 8"Angle Steam Vent, Adjustable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072R1RR46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_DmWGFbG9Z7KKH

Setting 1 is closed. Very good vents Otherwise. Adjustment range is from approx a Gorton 4 to a Gorton 5. A Common Hoffman 40 is in the middle of that range. That range, combined with lots of main venting, and I can handle the range of my smallest to largest radiators. Larger radiators vents a little faster since they have larger piping. Vapor is pulled towards them faster.

Other than a couple radiators with Maid o Mist 4’s on them, and other with TRV’s, all the rest have these in my house. I can tweak the balance as needed or turn off heat to a room altogether.

luketheplumber

Danny Scully said:

Of course this will work. I have radiator elbows and these 1/8” pet cocks on all my rads. In some minor way you could even throttle the rad. 

I would try a needle valve if I wanted to throttle the Rad

ChrisJ

nicholas bonham-carter said:

Hoffman vents will stop the flow of air, when turned upside down-no valve needed.--NBC

NPT joints can only be moved so many times before they wear and then need to go further.  And further.