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Air valve

Boobie69
Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
in Plumbing
Hello,
I live in a 2 family house. I rent the 2nd floor. We have hot water heat/gas fired. The air valves on my radiator in my bathroom, split. It was spitting steam and water. I replaced with same but still having the problem. I checked and it is a steam air valve. My landlord says that is the right valve. I do not think so. I have the exact same radiator in my front room, with same valve. No problems. What am I doing wrong? Should I be installed a air valve for a hot water system?

Any help would be great. Any other info you need please let me know.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,361
    Post a pic so we can have a look at it.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • BDR529
    BDR529 Member Posts: 309
    Bah Ha HA!! Thought it said Bobby69
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13


  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,203
    Hard to tell from here. You definitely have a steam system. There may be some underlying issue causing the spitting. Maybe a piping issue. Maybe shutoff valve is not fully open. Maybe issues down in the boiler room. You might want to try a better quality air vent but I highly doubt that would make a difference. What is the history? When did issues start? Did it ever work properly? 
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Everything worked then one day valve split on the radiator in bathroom (beige tile). I put a new one in and it still spits some water and good amount of steam.

    I was told we have a hot water system. I am pretty sure it is. So I wanted to know if I should put a air valve for a hot water system.
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,203
    Hard to imagine that you have hot water. I would expect air vent to flood. But many these floats are better then I think. Can you get some pictures of the boiler. 
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Sorry with Covid, I can't get to the boiler..it's in their part of the house. I just wonder if the air valves on all radiators are wrong. I was thinking of getting the air vents like the following:

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,719
    If the old valve split, and was spilling steam... it's steam. However, that old vent in the picture is a Bell & Gossett #87, which is not made for steam. On the other hand, if the new vent in the picture was installed where it was, it's not in the right place for an air vent... Which makes me suspect that your landlord is probably pretty clueless.

    So at this point I confess to being puzzled. I wonder what you really do have?
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,203
    Solution is simple. Put some hard plastic in front of vent. This way, when it spits, water will be directed under radiator. Sooner or later, the water will leak downstairs and cause damage. Then landlord will hire a qualified professional and problem will be solved. 
    question
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,281
    STEAM DOCTOR said:

    Solution is simple. Put some hard plastic in front of vent. This way, when it spits, water will be directed under radiator. Sooner or later, the water will leak downstairs and cause damage. Then landlord will hire a qualified professional and problem will be solved. 

    Maybe.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Ha...that made me laugh...Trust me I get frustrated as well. I have to wait until they all go out then sneak down...and I will.

    Will keep you posted.

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