STEAM RADIATOR SERVICE VALVES

Re: Steam Radiator Valves

In your case, since you have a two-pipe steam system, you may have been misinformed.  The big advantage of MOST two-pipe steam systems is the ability to use the valve to meter the steam flow into the radiator for greater comfort .  The air and water are discharged through another  pipe.  



However, your radiator valves, if original to the system, may be reaching the end of their useful life.  They may  leak at the packing nut (usually they can be re-packed) or the internal parts may be worn and not meter properly or not  completely shut off the steam if needed.



On a ONE-pipe steam system, the  valve can only be used to shut off the radiator for servicing because the steam flowing in and the water flowing back out must be allowed to pass each other in an orderly fashion.  A partly shut valve restricts this.

get to know more about steam!

there are some excellent books on steam heating in the shop here, and i suggest that you get them all, and maybe some for your installer, who is i hope an experienced "steam mechanic" and not merely the lowest bidder! what is your location?

while you are at these repairs:

1. pay attention to maintaining the lowest steam pressure you can. some systems need only 2 ounces. a good low pressure gauge is a necessity [gaugestore.com--0-2 psi]. a vaporstat will also be of great benefit in maintaining these low pressures.

2.make sure the air can get out as the steam rises. this is the main venting, and on you 2-pipe system, can take several forms, and the books will explain.

3.take some pictures of your present boiler, and piping so that if there are any problems with the present installation, our various steam experts may see it before the installers leave.

4. investigate the possibility that you may have a 2-stage burner [hi-lo-hi]. making that work properly may save lots of fuel.

5. pay attention to the control system, as i am sure that you will probably not have a simple thermostat. various means are available, which rely on outside temperature to control the boiler.--nbc

one more thought

i also meant to emphasize the importance of the installer following the boiler mfg's installation instructions, especially pipe layout and sizes. sounds simple, but so many problems seen here are the result of not doing so!!!--nbc