Which way to tilt radiator w/ valve & vent on same side?

farrisjc

(Alternate title: is this installed incorrectly?)

Renovated a 100yr old house - trying to get the one-pipe steam optimized (boiler seems fine and so far we had it drained/cleaned, plus new valves and vents on each radiator), but this one in the bathroom has the loudest water hammering.

First step I wanna try is shimming it, but I’m unsure which way it should tilt since the valve and air vent seem to defy the standard and are both on the same side… generally it does provide enough heat and the vent only rarely bubbles - but is this design problematic? Or if it should still be fine - which side should be elevated?

Thanks!

mattmia2

Toward the valve. The condensate has to drain out the valve. Unless the internal construction of that is unusual it won't heat very well because the vent will close before the steam reaches the other side(the air also will tend to be trapped in the side opposite the valve and vent and it won't get much steam in that side even if the vent didn't close). The real fix is to move the vent to where there is a plug or boss for the vent on the other side.

Although with it being so small it might be ok.

farrisjc

Thanks Matt - noted on the inefficiency w/ this setup, but it’s a very small bathroom so it seems fine for now.

I just want to make sure I’m 100%, by “toward the valve” you mean elevate the left side of the radiator?

I ask only because the valve opening to the pipe is facing the right side - so I could kind of see elevating the right side making sense if you specifically needed it pitched “toward the valve opening”… but I think you mean generally that any water in the radiator needs to drain toward the valve - and thus I should elevate the left side. Let me know, thanks!

mattmia2

The left side of the radiator should be slightly higher than the right because the water in the radiator itself has to run toward where the valve is connected.

farrisjc

Roger that - appreciate the help!

ethicalpaul

But the problem as I think you noted is that if you pitch the left side higher (which I agree with) the nature of this radiator is such that the short horizontal pipe will collect some water. So I wouldn't pitch it very much.

pecmsg

Raise the left side maybe 1/8”. You don’t need a lot!

ethicalpaul

And I assume @pecmsg means "raise the left side 1/8" from level" not "from whatever it currently is"

DanHolohan

One inch in 10 feet is the rule. You don’t need much. 

farrisjc

Got it shimmed on the left about 1/8” - will let you know how it goes. Appreciate the responses everyone!

farrisjc

A few days later, I would say there’s about a 90% reduction in water hammering. Thanks again!

Danny Scully

This style radiator should actually be completely level. The 2 inner connections don’t allow for pitch, because pitching of one would back pitch the other. The vent is also on the wrong side of the radiator.