Steam valve cleaning

kfloyd

We moved into a new home, and don't know how long it's been since these valves (in the basement, NOT on the radiators) have been cleaned. In order to clean them, do I need to turn the boiler down/off? Do I need to plug the hole during the time the valve is removed?

ethicalpaul

Just replace it, it's not worth trying to clean it.

You can just lower your thermostat while you change it.

I would recommend probably a Gorton #1 which costs like $45 but other people will demand you buy a Gorton #2 which costs $150.

Jamie Hall

They really shouldn't need cleaning. However, they look a little small if they are the only vents on the main steam lines.

All that said, if you did want to clean — or relace — them then the boiler has to be off when you are working, as steam will come out the opening!

kfloyd

Thank you for the advice! I've never heard of Gorton. I need to replace several valves on radiators throughout the house as well, so maybe I should give them a call. For the radiators themselves, would you use Gorton valves or something that has the adjustable dials on them? (1, 2, 3, 4, etc)

ethicalpaul

I kind of prefer Maid O Mist for radiators due to the ease of swapping out the various sizes of orifices without having to change the whole vent. Plus they cost only US$14 at supplyhouse.com

But MoM and Gorton Radiator Vents have the same sizing system so it's quite convenient to swap between them.

I'm not partial to adjustable vents.