2 Questions

CH

I was wondering if you could help me with two questions. I'm a multifamily owner and far from a HVAC technician but I think I might have problems that have simple solutions. I am handy enough to do some things but don't want take on anything I might screw up or make dangerous.

1) First question, probably dumb. I have a gas single pipe steam system. Two of the radiators are leaking steam from the valves that you open and close to let steam into the radiator. I guess the question is can I just replace these myself and where can I get the parts. HD or Lowes or will I need a plumbing supply store. It would seem easy enough to do (provided I shut of the heat) but I wanted to ask to be sure. What kind of impact could these leaks have on fuel efficiency?

2) As part of this system someone installed a 4 foot baseboard pipe. The baseboard doesn't seem to be necessary to me as it heats a 4'x3' foyer. Why its there who knows? It is merely a copper pipe that is cut into the galvanized steam pipes and the diameter is much less obviously. At the end of this copper pipe is a air vent. Which sputters and smells when the system is running. My question was, can I cap this pipe without causing harm to the system or danger to the pipe? I don't think its necessary to heat the apartment and it makes a lot of noise. Or would closing the vent do the same thing? Or would simply removing it be the best idea?

Thanks for any assistance you might offer.
CH

Steamhead

Two Answers

1. You shouldn't need to replace the shutoff valves. If they're leaking around the stems, just tighten the packing nuts (the ones the stems come up out of) but don't over-tighten them. If this doesn't work, get some string packing. With the steam off and radiators cool, loosen and raise the packing nut and wrap the string around the stem clockwise. Tighten the nut again and the leak should stop.

It would be a good idea to tighten or re-pack all the shutoffs- they are probably all about the same age. There should be a slight resistance as you turn the handle, but not too much. You should not tolerate any steam leakage at all.

2. That baseboard will never work properly, since there's not enough room for the steam and condensate to pass each other- this is why the water comes out the vent. Baseboard can only work if it's hooked up as a two-pipe radiator.

The Dead Men put those foyer radiators in to counteract cold drafts from the front door, and also from the stairway if it came down into the foyer. If you need heat in there, find a good used cast-iron radiator and have it installed. If not, just remove the baseboard and cap the line.

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