Help, radiator not sure if needs airvalve

ChrisJov

hello everyone,

We just owned an old house build 1930’s and have single pipe steam radiators. Replced all air valves but i noticed in the bathroom the wall radiator doesnt have any air valves but has a hole with no threads. When winter comes and heat turns on, steam comes out of it sometimes a little bit water when it really gets cold

All radiators works pretty fine but the bathroom one dosnt hold the heat too long.. should i rethread the hole and place an airvalve or thats just how it is?

photos attached

thank you all for the help

Steamhead

Yes, it needs an air vent. All that escaping steam means the boiler takes on a lot of make-up water, which can rot it out before its time.

KC_Jones

Looks like there are threads in there. You can’t see them because there is the nipple from an old air vent still stuck in there, at least that’s what it looks like to me.

Going to need an easy out to remove it, then figure out a new vent for that radiator. It doesn’t look like there is room to spin one in, but without being there it’s hard to tell for sure. If there isn’t room, might need to add a short nipple and a couple fittings to offset it.

EdTheHeaterMan

There is a broken off part that needs to be removed to get to the threads.

Once you get that part out you can install a 1/8" street 45° elbow in order to get a new vent in that location.

jesmed1

Here's a good video that shows what you need to either extract the broken-off vent threads or drill it out and cut new threads:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3I1N2NTqqE

Nipple extractor

11/32" drill bit

1/8-27 NPT pipe tap

EBEBRATT-Ed

A left hand 11/32 drill will probably back the broken piece out if you can find one. Or an ez out.

Why do they call them EZ outs?

There is nothing EZ about them.

Ther is nothing like using a tool that will expand the nipple when your trying to remove it.

ChrisJov

thank you all! Appreciate you guys!