Steam Radiators - NEED HELP

rprisco

I have a 2-pipe steam system in my 3-story house. Prior to a few weeks ago all of the radiators (except one in the back room on the 3rd floor) worked great. I'm having my 2nd floor bathroom remodeled and had the bright idea to save some space by taking out the radiator and replacing it with a newer fixture. My bathroom contractor obviously knew as little as I do about steam systems because he removed the radiator and capped the lines. All of the radiators in the house stopped working. So, I asked him to reinstall the radiator. Now, that reinstalled radiator is getting hot, but none of the other radiators have started up again. What has happened? What do I need to do next? Any suggestions would be helpful as it's pretty cold in here.

Steamhead

What kind of 2-pipe system is it?

Is there an air vent on the radiator? If not, is there a trap on the return? Are there any ominous-looking devices in the piping around the boiler?

I have a hard time picturing how a steam system could be messed up like that by capping one radiator. Maybe the problem is coincidental?

Try the Find a Contractor page of this site to locate a good steam man near you. If you're in the Baltimore area, e-mail me.

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