radiator issues

alan_9

Bear with me on this one, because I'm not a handy guy, and some of my jargon is probably laughable...

I have three steam radiators in my apartment. They're old, but they work -- but they only REALLY work when I unscrew and remove the bleed valve (is that what it's called?) Of course, when I take that off, steam shoots out of the thing, so what I've been doing is taking off the valve for a minute or two until the radiator gets hot all the way through. The valves -- like the rest of the system -- are old, and I'm wondering if they're somehow corroded, or blocked, or something. Might that be the case? If so, is it easy enough to find replacements? If that's not it, any thoughts as to what might be wrong? Thanks!

Matt Undy

That is a steam vent and it is a one pipe steam system. It lets the air out of the radiator then closes when the heat of the steam hits it. It is blocked. You can try claning it in vinegar but its best to just replace it. There are different sizes so you have to get a repalcement of a similar size or your building won't heat evenly(assuming they are currently sized correctly). You could also have a problem with undersized/unbalanced venting. Does any air escape from the valves while the boiler heats up?

Dan wrote an article in "Old House Journal" on this a month or 2 ago.

Matt

E.R.

RE: radiator problems...

I too have the same radiators in my apt., and that is the only way i get heat in (one) room is to take the air-vent off. but the downside is that the rest of the apt dont heat up. i have been doing some research since i know nothing about the steam heating system, and am beginning to wonder if i shouldnt prop up one side of the radiators and to just keep the air-vents on.
Yesterday i tried that, leaving on the air vents. but to no avail no heat. the people down below my apt take theirs off as well. does that have alot to do with me not getting heat. and if so what can i do about it? please help.