Having a Hissy on this steam system

GW · January 8

Got a call to find some missing water, i think this is it

https://youtube.com/shorts/rpKTulBwfG8?si=HSibHd9JTLDTqqht

Steamhead · January 8

This is what happens when you buy vents at Home Depot. Did it crack down the side, like so many others I've seen?

Jamie Hall · January 8

you sure they didn't want a humidifier in that room?

ethicalpaul · January 8

Pressure's a tad high 😅

Intplm. · January 8

THAAARRRRR she blows. yup that's the one.

Where did that vent come from I wonder?

GW · January 8

@Intplm. don't know, probably there for many years. I'll slap a new one on. Another vent is rough too, not as bad a this one.

GW · January 8

@Steamhead I'll run back and stick a couple new vents on.

Question- what do you like best when youre trying to salvage old rad shutoffs; the stems are weeping a bit? basic graphite twine? I can't remember the last time i tried to butter up some old valve stems. I could replace them, just trying to keep a normal bill for the nice couple.

LRCCBJ · January 8

That's a seriously high pressure for a steam system. Something else is very wrong with it.

mattmia2 · January 8

Teflon string packing doesn't shred or stick or shrink like that asbestos or cotton or other felt and graphite string or preformed packing does. If you clean up the stem so that it is smooth and replace it with teflon and make sure it isn't leaking it will last for decades.

Usually you have to compress the teflon in to the gland in a couple goes, tighten it down, add some more string, tighten it again, maybe do it a 3rd time depending on where the nut starts getting tight the second time.

GW · 12:13AM

that sounds good. Any rough idea how much time for somebody slow, versus somebody fast? I’ll probably send my crew over there. 20 minutes per valve per person?

delcrossv · 1:21AM

Have them pack an awl or pick to get the old stuff out and some sanding screen for the stems. Maybe 15 min per, max. Goes quicker with the handle and nut off.

mattmia2 · 2:28AM

a hook with a loop on the end for you finger made out of piano wire makes things go faster. presumably some you will have to take the bonnet off and the stem out depending on condition f the stem.

GW · 1:19PM

cool thanks

mattmia2 · 4:51PM

I'd use a spray bottle and keep the old packing wet and collect it too since it sometimes is asbestos.

Having a Hissy on this steam system

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