Shimming recessed convector

aat879

I have a one-pipe steam system in my home, and all the heating sources are all convectors recessed in the wall behind a decorative cover. The convectors are encased in a thin metal housing. There’s a single convector that consistently experiences water hammer even after having the system serviced by the local steam pros. (I didn’t have them look at this convector because the cover was painted shut.) I was finally able to get the cover off to check level and found that it’s pitch every so slightly away from the pipe side. I want to shim it up a little, but the convector won’t seem to budge even though it doesn’t look like it’s fastened. Anyone have any tips? I’ve posted some pictures, but please let me know if other pics would be helpful.

Big Ed_4

**** to get in there , jack it up and get it pitched

aat879

Big Ed_4: Thanks. That occurred to me. Will any jack that fits (even a small car jack) work, or do they make a special jack for this sort of thing in tight spaces?

Big Ed_4

Blocks of wood and a 2x4 will work . shove shims on the vent side shelf ....

aat879

I'm circling back to this old thread I posted because the issue persists. I understand steam a lot better now and know my home's system very well, so I'm now trying to fix this issue. Most of the house is now dialed in beautifully, but this particular convector is still experiences water hammer. To verify that it's a pitch problem, I used a short level every few inches and, sure enough, it is tilted in the wrong direction toward the vent end. Looks like perhaps the convector has sagged slightly.

In any case, I'm trying to lift and shim a quarter of an inch or so. The convector fits tightly into its housing and on the vent side is resting on what looks like the original tile adhesive and grout (see the picture). I tried using a two-by-four and a car jack and slowly applied gradual pressure. I could hear some crackling as the unit was getting loose but it didn't appear to lift it all.

What I am really concerned about is applying so much pressure that the convector cracks, in which case I'd be up a creek. My question: Is this indeed a risk, or should the unit be okay as long as there is a two-by-four distributing the pressure? For reference these are Capitol Fincast convectors. All the other units in the house appear to be held in place by friction and a couple of feed with nuts to adjust the height.

I'd be really grateful for your collective help. Thanks!

EBEBRATT-Ed

I would be cautious about too much pressure. You may have to disconnect the supply pipe at the convector or in the basement and then slowly work the convector loose.

if you go in the basement you can usually get the pipe to move enough to be able to repitch things. Make sure you have pitch on the supply pipe back to the main as well.

aat879

Thank you for advising caution. These convectors being recessed, it's a really tight spot. I'll treat cautiously and, if it doesn't work, see if a steam pro can help in the off season. I might also see if I can dig out some of the tiling material under the supply side to if that can induce the unit to settle down a little.

@EBEBRATT-Ed, one follow-up: Is it possible do loosen the pipe from the basement even if this convector is on the second floor? I guess the riser doesn't need to travel all that far, but it strikes me as a little less likely that I can get things to move than if it were on the first floor.