2 pipe radiator not heating in 29 unit building

Ed. W.

One Two-pipe steam radiator in a bathroom in a 29-family apartment building is not heating. All the rest of the apartment radiators are working. I replaced the Sarco H 1/2" trap. Still no heat. I removed the shut-off valve, started the boiler, and took the necessary precautions. Still no steam. I then pressurized the inlet steam line, which did not hold pressure. I then pressurized the return line but did not hold pressure. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Ed. W

Jamie Hall

I wouldn't expect either the supply or return lines to "hold pressure". If the boiler isn't running, they are both — or should be certainly — vented to the atmosphere.

However. I would expect to see steam in the supply line if the valve is off, at least sooner or later. If there isn't, something is blocking the steam. Now… there is quite a galaxy of possible causes. However, assuming I could find at least some of the pipes leading to the radiator, I would first see how far steam does get.

You could have a serious sag trapping water. You could have a hidden valve (surprising how often that happens). It could even be disconnected and capped… the one thing it's likely not is a physical blockage from rust or somesuch —- supply lines almost never do that.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Sounds like they are disconnected.