Steam Radiator problem

Long Beach Ed

There can be many causes for your problem. Is the boiler sized properly? If this is the furthest run from the boiler or that with the most resistance and the boiler is too small, it will not heat. Is the pipe to that radiator sized properly? If it is too small, it will not heat. Is the vave stuck closed? Is there a long run of uninsulated pipe leading to this radiator? If there is, the steam can be condensing in that pipe and not reaching the radiator.

Try putting smaller vents on all the radiators which do heat. This will attempt to balance the system and force steam to the cold radiator.

You need a book and piping charts to go on from here. "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", available on this site is a good place to start.

Long Beach Ed

DennisV

Radiator problem

Hi, I have a one pipe steam heat system and ond eof the radiator on th 2nd floor only get a little hot when the temperature gets up to 70 degrees but them gets cold again even the pipe line. I already change the valve to varivalve adjustible and is all open, also I pitch the radiator but no change. what can i do to fix this problem? All the radiator on the first floor has the same valve and the are on the almost close position and they get nice and hot.

DennisV

Radiator problem

I did that with reducing the valves but didn't work.

DennisV

Radiator problem

Does anybody know if I live the main valves on each radiator that does get hot than I will get more steam on the others radiator? This is a one pipe steam heat system.
Thank you!

mel rowe_2

Dennis, I'm not a pro, just a homeowner, but there are several things you need to check out to fix your problem. I would start by checking to see what kind of venting you have on the main. Also, what size is the main and how long is it? For good operation, you need to vent the main before steam starts feeding the radiators, in order to get the most uniform heating. Also, you will need to make sure the valve (not the vent) to the cold radiator is operating correctly. Does it fully open and close okay? If you give us the answers to these questions, you can get help from people who monitor this site and help people like ourselves.

Unknown

Mel has some good advice there,,

You should have the "mains" vented. The 2nd floor runs are likely a longer "stretch" than the first floor. BTW- On one- pipe steam, the hand valve should be either all the way open, or closed, no in-between.