steam radiator

Dave_53

I have an apartment in an old building that is heated with a steam system. My radiator does not always get hot. Someone said I should flush it. Is that a good idea, and if so, how is it done.

billwickz

Rad


Call your landlord about "flushing" and other such stuff. But in the meantime, you can try replacing the air vent on the side of the radiator that doesn't work to see if that helps it "heat up." That may be all it needs.

Dave_53

Thanks a bunch for responding.

My problem is the landlord claims he is not certain what to do. Some of my friends mentioned flushing the radiators. I looked on the internet and could not find any specific information. Thus I thought a person might help.

Do you know if steam radiators can be flushed. And if so, how is it done and what does it accomplish.

Thanks again,
Dave

Thad English

no

You should attempt to deal with the vent, first. Flushing is a process that could possibly be done on a hot water radiator or steam radiator, but there are other steps that are easier and cheaper to do first to try to fix your problem. Unscrew the radiator vent (it's the little thingy on the side of the radiator that is not attached to a pipe) and take it off of the radiator. [Be careful not to scald yourself on the steam when you take the vent off.] Then try to blow through it. If you cannot blow through it, you can boil it in vinegar (which smells terrible) or you can go to a plumbing supply store and buy a replacement for a few dollars.

You should really order "We Got Steam Heat" from the "books and more" page of this website. It explains the basics that you should know. And it's an easy read, written for us laymen.