Need help with horizontal steam vent

lbeachmike

Hey guys -

This radiator appears to have a Hoffman 508 vent -

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hoffman-401475-508-1-8-Straight-Steam-Convector-Air-Valve-3521000-p?gclid=Cj0KCQiA0-6ABhDMARIsAFVdQv-tB2pYy6eVRtdW7Jn2WmCTlvD9KarEc_unPE0OP1mSyITqtLLy5S0aAiP8EALw_wcB

The vent continues to vent indefinitely, while the vents at all of the other radiators close normally. I notice that condensation thus forms in the area after some time. Should this straight vent close after some amount of time just like other more conventional vents?

I don't think I can fit an angled vent in this location. Are there any better horizontal vents than this one?

Thanks!

Mike

JUGHNE

May the layer of paint has something to do with it not closing. IIWM, I would just replace it or soak it in vinegar for a long time to attempt to clean it.

lbeachmike

They are 11 bucks. I have no issue with replacing it. I just want to understand the expected behavior before replacing it. I am more concerned with not being able to remove it without causing a bigger issue.

Are these good vents or is there a better solution?

Could there be any other reason it vents indefinitely?

Thanks.

lbeachmike

Is there a better horizontal vent before I order a replacement?

Gsmith

That is a hydros Coptic vent, and yes it should close tight when steam gets to it. You can replace in kind or looks like you could use a standard angle radiator vent, though it will be a bit bigger physically.

JUGHNE

The standard angle vent is probably higher quality, but you may not have room to spin it on without removing the wood trim.

lbeachmike

I would love to go with a standard angle vent, but I don't see any way to spin it on/off there. I see that there are a couple of other comparable radiators in the house that have angled vents, but I have no idea how they got them in place. I'm sure there are probably tricks of the trade.

What is my best course of action? Replace with same vent for easy install?

Are there any other horizontal vents that are better quality? I could not find any.

ethicalpaul

You can add a combination of nipples and elbows to get the clearance. I would.

lbeachmike

ethicalpaul said:

You can add a combination of nipples and elbows to get the clearance. I would.

Ah, okay - that makes sense! So basically I'd need three parts + straight vent. Two nipples, one elbow. Neat - you guys have all the tricks! Though don't I need another part to thread the vent into the nipple?

Also, can you give me a specific example of what type of fittings I need? Brass, black, something else? Any specific type due to temperature?

Thanks!

ethicalpaul

Temperature is not really the problem. Corrosion and appearance are probably the biggest issues. I would go with brass from supplyhouse.com

I can't tell what the size is, and I can't tell exactly how much clearance you might have there.

If there's enough clearance you could get away with a single "street" elbow (which has male on one end and female on the other).

Or you might need to run a few inch nipple, then a regular elbow

And probably a bushing or reducer to get it to the size of the vent (likely 1/8" npt)

If you're unsure of the size, you can buy the same pieces in black iron from home depot to test fit them, they are cheap and returnable

Do what you can to keep the pitch of any fittings tilted back toward the radiator.