draining a radiator

jeffrey jensen

Forgive my stupidity but...
> I live on the top floor of a four floor Brooklyn apartment building. I
have 4 radiators in my Railroad apartment. Each year I have to "drain" 3 of the
4 radiators because those don't get hot. 2 of the 3 three are easy to drain
I have a "key" to open the valve and let steam out until it starts spewing smelly black-grey water. This water spews for a few seconds into a cup then starts releasing steam again. Then I close the valve up and they're nice
and hot. The last one (which has a valve that can't be turned with my key so I use pliers) starts spewing water and it never stops. I literally just filled 12 pitchers of water from it!!! This would not be a problem if it stayed hot but it doesn't after a couple weeks it is cold again. The floor is a little sloped under the messed-up one it slants slightly towards the side with the valve. Is this my problem?
>
> please reply with any advice.

Steamhead

That system needs help

sounds like hot-water bleeders on a steam system. You need to acquaint your landlord with a good steam man. There are plenty in the NYC area- go to the Find a Contractor page of this site and follow the instructions.

When that system is running properly, your landlord will save a lot of fuel.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"