steam radiator leaks at lower connecting rod end

Bob Cottrell

I am a homeowner, and my 1930's house has cast iron radiators recessed into the wall. One of them started hissing steam last winter, and although I never saw any steam, enough got out to start the plaster crumbling next to the radiator (on the other side of a stud).

I just removed the radiator, took it outside, and replaced the air vent with a ball valve and hooked the radiator up to a garden hose. I started filling the radiator with water, with the ball valve open to let air out, and once the water level reached the lower connecting rod, water started dripping from around the "nut" (it looks like a bolt head--you can't see any evidence of the connecting rod) at one end of the rod.

My question is: how should I repair this? There seems to be a lead "washer" under and partially around the nut (though there is less of it to see around the leaking nut than there is on the other three which don't leak).

Should I try to tighten the nut, or just put JBWeld epoxy over it, or get a replacement lead washer somewhere (where?)?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Bob

Steamhead

I'd try to find another lead washer

or maybe make some out of an old lead sheet or vent flashing. Lead conforms pretty easily to the shape of what you bolt it onto, so it doesn't have to be pretty, just good enough to make the seal.

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