Hot water Radiator Problem

Darren_7

Perhaps I am trying to ask a question which is not appropriate for the forum. If so, please let me know.
I am a homeowner (strike one?) and am trying to figure out if there is a simple fix to my problem prior to calling in my plumber (strike two?)

One rad in my hot water heating system is cold. It is one the same header as one other rad, which is downstream and working fine. I have tried bleeding the cold rad, no air, but I do get water out of the air bleed valve. The water inlet valve appears to be working..the handle turns,

Is there anything else I should try short of opening the system.

As I said, if this question doesn't fall within the mandate of the forum..please let me know.

Thanks in advance

Darren

Empire_2

Could possibly be an air lock, or the valve may actually be closed, and although the handle is turning, it is still closed. Problem may also be related to a flow problem. I think an HVAC prof. will best solve the problem.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

One-pipe or two-pipe system?

Is the non-heating radiator above or below its connection to the main(s)?

Darren_7

cold rad

It's a two pipe system. The cold radiator is the first rad on the header. The rad that is working properly is about 12 feet down the line (further from the boiler)

Thanks

Darren

Darren_6

sorry, misinterpretted the last question. The non-working rad and the working rad on the header are both located above the header itself (upwards flow to rad)

Thanks

Darren

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Do the branch lines (supply and return) leading from the header to the non-heating radiator go through any crazy up-down gyrations? If so, you might have a air bubble trapped in a high portion of the branch piping.

If the piping runs only uphill or level to the radiator and you've only bled water and it's a two-pipe system and you're still not getting heat and a rad further down the line is, I'd say it's either a defective hand valve or piping obstruction. Bad valve is likely more common and easier to find and repair...

If the branch piping is doing crazy up-down things look for "hidden" air bleeds in the high portions. If you don't find you have to come up with a way to fill that ensures the air is forced through--there may be valves already in place to do this.

Darren_7

Thanks

The piping to the radiator runs either parallel to the rad or uphill. No crazy gyrations. Last night I tried bleeding it again and got some hot water into the radiator...very limited flow. I closed the inlet valve and drew the hot water from the return line.

I am coming to the same conclusion as yourself that the inlet valve to the radiator must be compromised in some manner. Once again, all the bleeding in the world only resulted in water, no air. The rad would heat up as soon as the bleeding began, but would cool off later while the other rads remained warm.....witht he inlet valve open (assuming the valve stem is even attached to anything at this point)

Thank you very much for your help Mike. I appreciate it. I hate to call in the pro for a simple no brainer repair (makes me feel stupid) At least now , I know that the valve will must likely require replacement and I know I am not tackling that myself...so it's time to call Andy (local guru of piping, both gas and water)

Thanks again

Darren

Darren_7

Thanks