Cleaning a steam run

jim_14

Now Im not an expert, but from reading Dan's books steam can travel between 25 and 75 MPH, very unlikely something is "stuck" in the pipes...

Patrick Powers

Cleaning a steam run

I have a steam run in a six family that is not heating. Steam screams to all the other rads but not the one on the first floor back bedroom. Checked just about everthing that I can think of. Even snaked the pipe from a union to rad valve. I tend to think that there still may be build up in that section of the run, because the steam moves quickly to the union that is installed in the run then stops just after union and then takes about an hour for the steam to finally make it to the radiator. I am wondering what to use to try and clean that section from radiator valve to union and rad itself.

Thanks

Patrick Powers

Changing the air vent was the first thing I did. I think I got it though as it turns out I installed a smaller radiator in that room and I happen to notice in the basement that it appears that there has been some settling of the house over the past 100 or so years. Just enough to cause a slight dip in the tail end of the pipe just before the elbow that goes to the radiator tee. Solution notched the piece of wood and raise the end of the pipe and install a hanger. Radiator now heats. Just incase I removed the Accustat non-adjustable thermostat and installed a T87 and adjust the heat anticipator. So far so good keeping my fingers crossed.

jim_14

glad to hear it

BTW I recommend reading Dans books, We Got Steam - very good in plain english ,easy to understand.. great to have around when you have a steam system.

Also the Lost Art is even better if you really want to get into it...

Jim

Patrick Powers

ORDERING BOOK NOW

I own a oil company that I started in 1992 and learn something new everyday. This was a customers property that we just started servicing and I had no idea if that radiator ever worked and everything needs work can't even begin to mention.