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Help, radiator not sure if needs airvalve

ChrisJov
ChrisJov Member Posts: 2
in Gas Heating

hello everyone,

We just owned an old house build 1930’s and have single pipe steam radiators. Replced all air valves but i noticed in the bathroom the wall radiator doesnt have any air valves but has a hole with no threads. When winter comes and heat turns on, steam comes out of it sometimes a little bit water when it really gets cold

All radiators works pretty fine but the bathroom one dosnt hold the heat too long.. should i rethread the hole and place an airvalve or thats just how it is?

photos attached


IMG_7150.jpeg
IMG_7149.jpeg
IMG_7151.jpeg


thank you all for the help

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,479

    Yes, it needs an air vent. All that escaping steam means the boiler takes on a lot of make-up water, which can rot it out before its time.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    bburdChrisJov
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,854

    Looks like there are threads in there. You can’t see them because there is the nipple from an old air vent still stuck in there, at least that’s what it looks like to me.

    Going to need an easy out to remove it, then figure out a new vent for that radiator. It doesn’t look like there is room to spin one in, but without being there it’s hard to tell for sure. If there isn’t room, might need to add a short nipple and a couple fittings to offset it.

    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
    ChrisJov
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,676

    There is a broken off part that needs to be removed to get to the threads.

    Screenshot 2025-01-09 at 10.12.39 PM.png

    Once you get that part out you can install a 1/8" street 45° elbow in order to get a new vent in that location.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    ChrisJovPC7060
  • jesmed1
    jesmed1 Member Posts: 834

    Here's a good video that shows what you need to either extract the broken-off vent threads or drill it out and cut new threads:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3I1N2NTqqE

    Nipple extractor

    11/32" drill bit

    1/8-27 NPT pipe tap

    ChrisJov
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,765

    A left hand 11/32 drill will probably back the broken piece out if you can find one. Or an ez out.

    Why do they call them EZ outs?

    There is nothing EZ about them.

    Ther is nothing like using a tool that will expand the nipple when your trying to remove it.

    ChrisJovGrallert
  • ChrisJov
    ChrisJov Member Posts: 2

    thank you all! Appreciate you guys!

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