Re: Shutting of indiv. rad. of one-pipe steam rads

Bob W._3

Is this one pipe steam - sounds like it? If it is, it is my experience that little if any steam is wasted when it can't get up the riser to a closed radiator. If you are concerned about trapping water in the radiator, why not just put a 1/8" plug in the air vent hole. The steam would never be able to push the air out of the radiator and any steam that might make it up to a leaky shut off valve would condense and drain down. Just a thought.

Kathe

Shutting off individual steam radiators in one pipe system

Hello all,

Is it safe to turn off individual radiators in a (presently) unheated attic in which the temperature is rapidly dropping? I was told by a heating professional that as the condensate drains down out of the pipes, unlike hot water systems, that there is no water in the pipes or radiator to freeze and crack. My brother-in-law (who is a carpenter) thinks that there may remain enough water in the pipes or radiators themselves to cause damage. I presently have each of two such radiators with their air vents set on #1 (of 1-8) but feel I am wasting valuable heating dollars as the attic space is 36 degrees and will drop with the outside temp., but am afraid to crack the radiators or pipes and have a huge, expensive mess on my hands in single digit weather. I also JUST replaced my boiler, which had cracked as it ran dry and the safety failed. Please advise!

Thanks, regards, and cheers!
Kathe

Al Letellier_9

attic rad

the problem arises if the valve on the radiator doesn't seat properly. If it leaks by just a little bit, some steam will enter the rad and rapidly condense, and the water will have no place to go and will freeze. If you want total protection and want to shut this radiator off for the winter, have someone remove the valves and cap the pipe. It's the safest thing to do.

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