Steam Radiator Not Working
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2024
- Steam Radiator Not Working? There are a number of reasons a steam radiator may not be working. Could be a problem with the radiator itself or it could be a system fault. In this video, I'll cover some common problems I find at the radiator.
From tackling a faulty air valve, packing a leaking valve stem nut, when or when not to turn off a steam radiator. If you're a D.Y.I guy or gal considering replacing a faulty steam valve I have a link to a video I did which will show you step by step instructions on how to do it safely.
Steam Radiator Valve Not Working? Hopefully, this video will clear up some of your questions and have your steam radiator up and running without too much pain!
Regards & Happy Plumbing,
Bob
Lost Art of Steam Heat by Dan Holohan
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Straight Vari-Valve
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Hoffman #40 Air Valve
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Gorton #D Air Valve
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Radiator Valve Removal Part 1
• Radiator Valve Removal...
Radiator Valve Removal Part 2
• Radiator Valve Removal...
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Bob, I wanted to thank you for turning me on to the Lost Art of steam Heating ,by Dan Holohan . I have been watching Dan's videos and couldn't be more impressed, I cannot imagine there is a person more knowledgeable about the subject ( a true historian). I am currently watching one of his lectures on the 1918 Spanish influenza and why the radiators were oversized and the windows open from 1918 to 1920 ( it kind of puts the covid-19 pandemic in perspective and he made this lecture in 2015).
Bob, thanks again and I can't wait to start diving into Dan's book and more of his lectures online.
He is a very special guy, I attended almost all of his live lectures and was mesmerized by how he told a story. A truly gifted person. Regards, Bob.
Is there any way you can help me with my system
Lost art? Tons of houses and apartments are heated this way, including mine which is heated with hot water and has 1900s brass rads
😅😅 6:29 6
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This should be mandatory viewing for all NYC apartment owners, tenants.... with a test at the end. Nice work.
Agreed. I’m in a condo and my upstairs neighbor, a wonderful gentleman, keeps flooding my ceiling under his bedroom. It has ruined my ceiling!!! This information should be disseminated to all tenants and especially to new owners.
Hi Bob, we have the proverbial 100 year house with all this old stuff! I would like to highlight that the Radiator Isolation Valve has a union as part of the arrangement. Unions are metal to metal sealing surface so while you may think the “pipe dope” is sealing the union, you would have the same result with using a good anti-seize paste. The Union basically just needs some lubrication to overcome the thread friction which is likely due to some misalignment between the radiator and piping. Finally, Teflon tape on the threads on this Union, is likely used because of not understanding how this fitting is designed to seal. Teflon happens to work, not because it is sealing the pressure inside fitting but because it reduces the thread friction, acting as lubrication again, which allows for further engagement of the threaded collar; imparting a higher compression force on the seating area. If the seating surface is scratch significantly, e.g. while positioning the radiator, it may leak no matter how tight you make it. It would need to be resurfaced by lapping or replaced. In summary, all unions are a metal to metal joint. Signed Steam Ship Engineer.
Thanks a million Bob - this is the first time I am moved to make a comment on a video - a true blessing to have the opportunity to listen and see your video - a superb teacher - many blessings to you - thanks again
You are very welcome! Bob
I'm so glad that I watched all of your videos and changed out my 25 year old steam radiator valve. Best advice ever!
Great video. I can’t recommend this to anyone who has steam radiator heat. The video is clear, concise, logical, comprehensive….Great!
Much appreciated!
@@BobsPlumbingVideos can you use two air vents on a steam rad???
The radiator has just always been there. Taken for granted, neglected. Now I have some basic understanding of why and how. Not the boiler all the time. Much thanks. 🙏🏻✌🏻
Thanks Bob, You're a blessing to humanity. Seriously, I wish all of us would share our expertise with others!
THANK YOU!! Just bought a 100 yr ok’d duplex by Detroit. River - I’ve never had a radiator - and literally having all of these issues on various radiators !!! Thank you !! I’m going to check out the lost art info as well !!
Glad I could help!
Great video as always. Your words on the thermostat resonated. I say that because there has been so much focus on energy efficiency by keeping the thermostat at the bare minimum so you don't waste energy. However, steam is a different beast. In our setup, we have a single pipe system on the first floor on one thermostat, and the upstairs is hot water baseboard connected to the same steam boiler on another thermostat. On the first floor, the small radiators don't heat up. All the radiators have vari-valve vents, but it was the thermostat being too low. Problem solved!
Excellent video! I learned more about our steam radiators from your video than I found in any other videos and from our HVAC company! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for your knowledge. My parents brought a craftsman bungalow in northern Ohio 3 years ago, built in 1927. Still has the original steam radiators. When I was over to visit for the holidays I really liked the constant and even heat. Lol highly unlikely any heating system manufacturer today will still be around in the next 90 years.
Thanks for sharing!
Great video Bob. I have a one pipe steam system and two things I do each year are to take off the pigtail and rinse it out. A lot of crud can get built up in the pigtail and could hinder the operation of the boiler. Also, I replaced my steel pigtail with a brass one, which wont rust over time. The other thing I do, is to put in boiler cleaner each year. I put a T on the nipple where the relief valve was, installed the relief valve on one end of the T and put a plug in the other end of the T. This allows me to put a hose into the boiler to put the boiler cleaner fluid in. I put a funnel on one end of the hose to make it easier pouring the fluid in.
Love it! Take care of a steam boiler & it will take care of you! Regards, Bob.
Thanks for the tip - do you happen to know if there is a video about your suggestion it sounds really useful
@@dulcebodden5241 I have not found one. Take a look at where the relief valve comes out of the boiler and there will be typically a 2' or 3' black pipe coming off of that. This is what I reconfigured by putting the T fitting into the boiler, putting a plug on the other end of the T fitting and then putting the relief valve on the center part of the T. If I could post a picture of what I did on TH-cam I would be happy to do so, but dont believe I can
I had to teach myself about my steam system as there arefew residential steam systems left where I live. Used Dan Holahan and his folks on The Wall. Techs here know little about it. Wish we had someone with your knowledge. Thanks. Nothing better than steam heat and cast rads.
Well once again you are outstanding. I will call you from now on "Bob the Great" !!! He's the best. 😊
Explained perfectly! I usually heat up spud or radiator with special notched tool to work it out because spuds usually are fused by the years.
Thank you for thos video. As a woman trying to DYI I enjoyed and learned so much
You are so welcome! Thank for your visit, Bob.
Hey Bob! I'm gonna start scrolling the comments, but we ran into an issue last night. The radiator in our kitchen is getting warm at the top but cold at the bottom. We've only owned this house for 6 weeks so this is all new to us.
Where is the air valve located on that radiator? What floor is the the thermostat located? Many possibilities?
Great video with specific focus on steam cast iron radiators and peripherals. Very comprehensive and well explained. Excellent camera shots too. I’d be interested in vids to learn more about automatic water feeders on steam boilers, troubleshooting and recommended maintenance.
Just found this and joined. Better late than never. Small cape built in 1942 steam heat. Replaced boiler from oil fired to gas. Removing all radiaters to clean, paint and make repairs. Very well explained. Time and efgort appreciated
Thank You! Regards, Bob.
Bob, your video on radiator valve repair was VERY informative. Thank you
Very welcome! Thank You!
I was able to get the radiator working by clearing the vent hole with a paper clip. Great video!
Excellent!
A great and very informative video, you completely explained so many radiator issues.
Thanks 👍
Feels like I went to school on radiators just from this video..!!💪💪💪🔥
Thanks, I fixed the radiator following your advice.
I moved in with my elderly aunt to help care for my uncle. My upstairs bedroom radiator is cold. Or at least the giant iron box covering it is cold. I watched a bunch of TH-cam videos and eventually figured out there is a Gorton vapor equalizing valve on the front middle. The service valve is in the fully open position I can hear steam in the walls when the boiler is on.
After watching your video I now have an understanding of the system. I know there is nothing for me to do here. Will check re thermostat and see if it shuts off before upstairs can heat. It’s important to know when to stop with DIY Stuff.
I am curious about how things work. You more than satisfied my curiosity about radiators.
I hope there is a video on boiler maintenance!
Thank you for this! I recently purchased an old victorian out here in PA and was clueless. Never was introduced to steam heat until now. Appreciate this video
Glad I could help! Bob
Thanks for this Bob. Appreciate that the video isn't just a demo of how to fix one specific issue, but is a tutorial of the various issues that a homeowner may encounter with steam radiators.
im gonna blow my mechanic's mind with what i learned, thanks bob
Just want to say thanks. I fixed the leak myself and saved $.
Best info about steam radiators on the internet!
Bob. Wow, all excellent information. Turns out I’ve been doing it wrong for years and years. I would like to know now what happens when the water keeps spinning out of the valve on the side of the radiator and second what is up with those adjustable valves?
Several reasons why water would exit the air vent. Excessive pressure, backpitched pipes, a bad air valve (rare) should be checked out by a professional. Adjustable air valves could be a good solution in certain conditions, but I personally prefer matching the right valve for the radiator in question.
Thanks Bob, I definitely thought that the valve was used to control the temperature. I just opened all my radiators up
Excellent!
@@BobsPlumbingVideos I just bought the house and now a plethora of leaks and random sounds have evolved from all my old radiators. I dunno whether to laugh or cry. 🥲
Bob, this is an AWESOME video. Super informative, and I love the way you went through the explanation in such hands on detail. Thank you for making this and sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for sharing. We replaced our steam boiler in 2018 and ever since had trouble with the radiators and heating system in our 5 unit bldg. They also replaced all the air vents in an attempted to balance the system in 2018. We had substantially more banging. In 2018 -19 many of the new air vents were spurting water. We checked all the radiators and pitched ones that were needed. Water stopped spurting and not as much banging. I kept telling them ( the guys who installed the boiler) I would hear running water in one of our large radiators. They had very little ideas of what to do. Between 2018 the banging got worse and our radiators this year were not heating up. We pitched it more. Have minor banging compared to what we originally started with. Previous winters the radiators at least heated up, not true this year. Replaced the air vents. Heat is now getting through the rungs but we are now getting a lot of water spurting on the vents replaced. One vent clogged again ( I think because of all the water) so I changed that one again ( the radiator at least gets hot now) . One vent just has a very loud hissing noise. What else do we do????? The guys who installed the boiler have absolutely no answers or help. I honestly think the took a job that was beyond them, so any suggestions we would appreciate!
Second issue- in our basement apartment the radiators are on the ceiling. The air vents have always been tricky because they hit the ceiling. Would one of the straight valves you mentioned in the video be appropriate there. When I mentioned this to my husband he said those straight valves are not used for that.
Go to www.heatinghelp.com and post your question. This site was created by Dan Holohan the guy I learned from who is an industry expert on the subject of steam heating. Did they size the replacement boiler correctly by performing a heat loss calculation for the building? Or just match the existing one or perhaps go one size bigger? BIG MISTAKE! All things equal, replacing the boiler won't correct system issues that were present previous to the new boiler. I use the straight valves if I have no other choice, but they are an option.
Thank so much, alot of excellent information what about adjustable air valves are the able to throttle down the heat. I have the radiator in the room with the thermostat or should I shut down the radiator all together like you explained.
I would first try shutting off the radiator in that room and how it goes. That just my solve the issue, or you can check out this video for the thermostatic radiator valves. th-cam.com/video/jWfr1LuvJRs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tT-Vvu3w_GM_seHb
Thanks so much! Recently bought a house built in 1929. radiators sound like Mayberry band! radiators leak at values. Some have no turn off valves. So very helpful! Virginia.
Hi Bob. Thanks for the great informative videos. With respect to the radiators not fully heating on the second floor I am wondering if, rather than moving the thermostat, one can just put in vent valves that vent faster on the second floor and slower ones in the room where the thermostat is mounted? If, as Dan Holohan says, “steam will take the path of least resistance” it would seem to be an intuitive solution. The 2nd floor would get the lions share of the steam until their vents shut down then the lower floor would get their share until the call for heat is satisfied. Years ago I did replace a small radiator in a second floor bathroom with cast iron baseboard because the radiator was keeping a doorway to the 3rd floor partially blocked. We use the third floor only for storage and I had to take the door off every time I needed to move something big up or down. After installing the baseboard I initially used the vent valve from the old radiator. This valve didn't allow the baseboard to heat all the way across under any circumstance. I replaced it with a vari-valve and presto, it heats all the away across under almost all conditions.
You absolutely could go that route by using specific valves based on the distance from the boiler. Gorton valves have a chart available on their website. Also I've had much luck turning off the radiator in the room where the thermostat is located. Especially if it's an oversized unit for that room.
Thank you for the education. Who would have thought there are much to learn on a simple steam radiator.
lots of common sense tips for managing your heating system. a must watch for homeowners with steam radiators.
Hi Bob! Wow!! I have had gas steam heat for over 40 years and never knew there was a difference in air valves! I used the same kind in every room and now know why things haven't worked properly. I wanted to ask you about my radiator in our living room, it doesn't heat all the way, at least half stays cold. Would that be from the wrong valve? What size graphite did you use? Most of my radiators leak at the supply and until your video, I never knew why! I am on a mission to get things right! You know what they say, better late then never! Thanks Bob!
Sounds like it's possible the system shuts off before that radiator has a chance to heat all the way up. The room that the thermostat is is located is heating up to quickly or the radiator is oversized. One more tip is that if you have several levels in your home the thermostat Ideally would be located on the top floor. I believe the graphite used in this video is this amzn.to/3QnWYpX. Regards, Bob.
When I ind uneven heating, I make sure first, the main vents are working, then install adjustable vents and slow down the venting in the room withthe thermostat if it shuts down too early, then speed up the venting in the ones that dont heat all the way across the radiator. It also sometimes requires cleaning the system of dirt from not cleaning the wet returns.
Great point!
Great video and information! I share your videos on valve removal with all my coworkers !
the most relaxing thing I've seen all day
Wow.. Fantastic instruction and diagnosis
Thank You !
Thanks 🙏🏻 you save me money 💰 GOD BLESS YOU PAL
My pleasure Edward! Thanks for watching! Bob
excellent and informative video thank you this answers 2 of my big questions that no one would answer
Dear Bob, I am so glad I found you! Quick question, I had a radiator that wasn’t heating up all the way so I watched some videos about balancing the system. I live in the second floor of a three story building so I have been perplexed about what to do. After watching some videos I decided to shut off all the radiators except the one in the room that was not heating up. It turns out that I was able to get 8 out of the 9 to heat up. Should I do that until all 9 are working? I don’t want to screw up the 5 other radiators I have in the apartment. Thank you again!
Where is the thermostat located in this building? Personally I would try my best to match up the correct air valve with each radiator according to the size of the radiator. Finally I'll assume the boiler is sized correctly for the building, yes??
Dear Bob, I believe the thermostat is in the basement but I will ask management. We had someone come in about a year ago to do some work on all the radiators per the request of the management towards the end of the winter. This is why I didn’t catch that radiator wasn’t fully heating up. Now, all the other radiators have air coming out of the air valves when I opened them up except this particular one. I believe the boiler is the correct size because we have never had this issue until that visit from management. Thank you so much for your response!
I’m not getting heat to my entire steam radiator…just some warmth at the base and was told that it may need to be bled…how do you bleed a steam radiator, just like this one?
Thanks for your help!
You don't bleed steam radiators, that's the job of the air vents. Sometimes when the thermostat is located on the first floor and the heat comes up , it shuts before the steam and gets up to the upper floors. Could this be your issue?
Top notch presentation great for new steam heat homeowners
Great Video,,, Do I have to buy different air valves for the 1st floor and 2nd Floor?
This is a general guide - www.gorton-valves.com/products
Home inspector out of Cincinnati here and I find your videos extremely informative. Thank you for sharing, Bob!
Thank you Luke, much appreciated! Bob.
Thank you for your videos they have helped me understand a lot more about steam than I knew. I have one radiator upstairs that doesn't get hot I can feel the heat go to the service valve but it stops there I do hear and feel the steam coming from the air valve but no heat. Any ideas. Thank you!
Many possibilities, bui one of the most common is thermostat location. I like to have it located on an upper floor in a room that's not to warm. Typically when I get the "radiator won't get hot all the way" complaint, I find that the system has shut because the thermostat has been satisfied and the system has shut off. Many, many more reasons this could happen, but I would start here. Is the room where the thermostat is located getting to warm to fast?
@@BobsPlumbingVideos Thank you for your extremely fast response! I moved the thermostat upstairs last night and the rest of the house is very warm but the radiator is still not getting warm except for the shutoff valve I and going to try to repitch it today to see if that helps as it has a gurgle and a slight hissing sound. The radiator is the only one in the house that has a 1" copper pipe running to it the rest have old black steel (I think) going to them. No matter what I really appreciate your response and videos, they are a huge help to a lot of people!
Always nice to change the valve
Bob - my thermostat is on the first floor inside wall in the living room. I changed the vent for those radiators to a small opening #4 and then installed #6 vents for the upstairs bedrooms. The thermostat is set at 60 and the bedrooms get to about 68 degrees when the boiler turns off - which is just fine.
Why couldn’t you install a smaller hole vent in your office where the thermostat was located and install a larger hole vent for your elderly couple upstairs? I would think that would have kept the heat in your office at a lower temperature while redirecting steam upstairs so the temperature for the elderly couple would have been much higher?
Problem was the office on the first floor was approx 11'X18' two desks with computer monitors and an undersized cast iron radiator. Once the room reached temperature, it just stayed warm. We even tried shutting off the radiator to let the boiler run longer, but bottom line was the tenants were an elderly couple in their 80's who were just always cold. It was either open the windows in the office to be able to breathe or install an independent heating system for the tenants. They wanted heat constantly, so I solved their problem.
Bob thank you for sharing your expertise, the question I have is how do you deal with a leaky Governale steam convector, they leak usually from the end caps
Hi Bob, great stuff, learning a lot, especially since I'm a new residential steam boiler owner in a 100 year old upper peninsula Michigan home.
Question - a few of my radiators will only heat (about halfway across) only of i totally remove the air vent. The service valve is open fully. I guess a bad service valve being stuck closed maybe. Whatca think?
Mark
A. is the thermostat shutting off before they have a chance to warm up? (thermostat location) B. Where is the air valve located? Check this video out. th-cam.com/video/65zaJ1Bbf-I/w-d-xo.html
Bob, I have a 29-family apartment building in Newark, NJ. One tenant has a bathroom radiator that is not heating. The building is 2 Pipe Steam. I replaced the Sarco H trap. That did not work. I removed the shut-off valve and started the boiler, taking every precaution, but there was no steam. I pressurized the steam inlet pipe and the condensate return; they did not hold pressure. I have all of Dan Holohan's books and attended his seminars. Do you have any suggestions?
Firstly I want to thank you for all the good info you shared in the video. The best yet. I have a problem that you haven’t touched and wanted to see if you were able to help. My problem is actually the opposite of what you mentioned and that is that my upstairs gets very hot and my downstairs is very cold. The thermostat in downstairs and it doesn’t reach the set temperature in the winter. The radiators only partially get hot. I can even remove the valves completely and nothing comes out. No steam no sound no air. What do you think I should do?
Undersized boiler ? , undersized radiators 1st floor? , You need to have someone come in and do a step by step diagnosis. Can't solve this one without being there!
Thanks for replying. Keep up the great videos.
Subscribed! Great video. The 6flat I live in on the north side of chicago has a new furnace install last November. The techs did not check the radiators afterward. I am on the 2nd floor and virtually no heat. My place averages 67. The other 5 apartments have no issues. Landlord replaced the “vapor vents” stating it should fix the issue. It didn’t. He also installed these vents without turning the radiator off as you had indicated in the video. The pipes get hot to the radiator and the tops of radiator are warm. Bottoms are not. The radiators no longer make sound as they used to do prior to the new furnace install. Just curious what else can I do. He is flummoxed and suggested I use a portable heater since I’m the only one complaining.
Is this a single pipe steam heating system? or a two pipe steam system because you mentioned "vapor vents" . Two completely different types of systems. A little hard to diagnose on the internet. What is the location of the thermostat? Is there a thermostat or and outdoor reset controller that operates the boiler? Many questions need to be answered to make a proper diagnosis.
@@BobsPlumbingVideos Hi! Thanks for the fast reply and I fully understand a true diagnosis is impossible vía TH-cam. It’s a single pipe radiator. New vapor vent Installed on the left. Feeder pipe at floor on the right w/ off & on turn knob. 2 sections of 10 of the radiator body closest to the feeder pipe are hot. The other 8 furthest from the feeder pipe are cold from top to bottom. You can take that vapor valve off while the radiator is cycling without issue. Thermostat is of course on first floor in a tenants apartment above the furnace in the basement. I’m on 2nd floor. Found out last night that 3rd and final floor above me is roasting as well as the first floor. I’m am the only one w/ radiator issues. I think my landlord needs to stop fumbling and get the furnace/boiler guys back out here. No one checked any radiators after the new furnace/boiler install 11/8/22. This is a 3 story 6flat divided between north and south apartments.
@@melanieaustin395 I also had a problem with my radiators not getting hot enough, Bob recommended the #40 Hoffman air valves and like magic my cold radiators are now hot. Also they are easy to install yourself without tools.
Bob great video I have a house which is over100 years old my problem is on the second floor the riser only gets halfway hot and the radiator on the 3 rd floor only gets half hot on the bottom I’m trying to figure out the problem and suggestion swould help Thanks
Where is the thermostat located? Sounds like the system may be shutting off pre maturity! Should be on the top floor.
The air valve in the room with thermostat should be a slow air release. Gordon valves are numbered from 1 to 6 depending on the rate of air release. See their catalog for recommendations .
Thank you very much for this video. It's helpful.
I have old steam radiators and I noticed that there is one pin hole in the top large cast iron nut and sometimes water spouts out of it. The ones on the main level don't seem to have a steam bell, but these tiny brass bleeder valves that I don't know how it works that seem to be newer added pieces. The one in my room upstairs does have a bell but it does the same thing, there's a pin hole in the top large cast iron nut (with the brand stamp on it and also says No. 2 In Airid Vacuum Air Valve, American Raidiator Company (edit- apparently these are invisible air vents?) The repair man said that these singular pin holes should not be there and the bell upstairs doesn't seem to work because the steam is constantly spitting straight steam from this pin hole in the nut making the room unbearably hot. At least 2 or three times over the season the whole system spews water out of these pin holes that apparently shouldn't be there. One of the radiators in a different upstairs bedroom only partially works, no leaks in that room but it the valve doesn't seem to work. I'm having a very hard time finding a repair professional to explain to me what's going on or even wanting to touch them or explain how the American Raidiators I have work. I've had three men look at it, and say well that looks just wrong, but no fixes. They just tell me to monitor the water intake manually by monitoring the glass valve on the system in the basement. But steam is still spewing out these singular pin holes. The system pressure seems fine most of the time. Do I just have an odd models and the hole is actually supposed to be there and someone came along and added bells and valves that didnt need to be there, or something quit and they added these things? Or do I just need to replace the bells and cover the holes? Please help!
Send me some photos so I have a good idea of what you have. Send them to info@robertsessaplumbing.com.
Great video. I have steam leaks out the radiator vent valve, after I replace it with a new valve, it still leaks steam/water. I placed towler on the floor and it is soaked wet. What can be the problem?
To many reason this my happen! May pay to have a pro come in and take a look!
Your the man!! Thank you.
I am thrilled to learn so much about managing my steam heating system and radiators. We have been doing it all wrong for 20 years. We were throttling! I learned about the book and will order via link. What about cleaning the system? We had a plumber that used to do that for years and then he retired and we haven’t had it done for some time now.
What type of cleaning did he perform on your steam system?
I usually use two pipe wrenches to avoid any unwanted stress leverage on old risers. Better safe than sorry. If it's a big radiator then the weight itself would prevent any movement. The majority of the time the shutoff valve to spud should come off with not too much effort, but anytime too much effort is needed then a little heat applied will do justice in not twisting unwanted things.
super helpful. you taught me a lot. this was perfect, im pretty handy and this got me up to speed really quick. do you have another video on the main boiler and how that operates the system as well?
Definitely will make that happen!
Great video I'm trying to fill the radiator up with water to the second floor looking at the gage on the boiler its raiding 40 should it be blow 20 or above
Do you think I need to call a heater man
Sounds like you have a hot water heating system! Completely different animal, but in general for a two story home the pressure reading should be 12-15 psi cold. When running (hot)18-22,23 psi.
Hi Bob, thanks a million for the detail explaining cast iron radiator , I am experiencing different issues. My cast iron steam radiator sounds like water running when the heat is on ?
May be a back pitched line under the floor, water in the radiator, you may want to get it checked out by a heating pro.
Thanks for the awesome video! The only thing I'd like to hear more about is the air valves and the different types. In my new (old) home I have 3 different types of valves and it's tough to figure out what setting they need to be on. Some have a dial that spin endlessly, and some have a numbered dial. Should they be open or closed? And how does that affect how hot the radiator gets?
Thanks again!
I have the same question. I hope Bob answers this question because it is confusing with so many types of air valves out there
Make sure you clarify this applies to one pipe steam only. Two pipe, vapor systems were designed to throttle the radiator valve.
Understood!
Hi Bob, just finished watching one of your very informative video clips on those steam radiators. Very, very nice. Just ❤️ it. Will continue to look out for more like it. Anyhow ,question, do you have to drain the water out the hot water radiator system to stop a leak coming from where the Air Purger connect to the expansion tank?
Unless you have an isolation valve before the expansion tank, YES you do!
Great video! I have a 1 pipe steam system and one radiator is spitting water out of the air valve, which I just recently changed. I also changed the shutoff valve on it and drained it. When I pitched it, I definitely went overboard, could that be a reason for guys issue?
I also have another radiator that I over pitched, it's only getting hot on the top side, but the bottom is luke warm. Recently replaced the vent because it was also spewing out water. I also drained it.
Could over pitching be causing these issues?
Bob, love your videos! I need help picking steam radiator paint . Already have the Rustoleum high heat but can’t reach the inside. Which one to buy please? And where? Thanks 🙏🏼
Ideally you would use aluminium paint and spray it on. If you're going to use a custom color, use oil paint and preferably spray it on.
Decades ago I was living on the first floor of a 2 family house and the heat was a good but there were large swings in the temperature in the winter. The thermostat was on the livingroom on a short wall between two doorways and the console TV was placed there. The set gave off a little bit of heat but not a lot.
One day i was looking at the thermostat wondering why it read 74 and the room felt a lot cooler. As i was looking things over I realized that wall was very warm, after looking downstairs i found a steam pipe going up that wall to the second floor and that was warming that wall up and turning off the boiler. I moved the thermostat around the corner to a wall that had no pipes in it and everything was happy.
Happens more often than people think.....👍. Nice Job!
Excellent video. Thank you !
Glad it helped!
Thank you so much for the video. I’m on the first step (unscrewing the valve) and previous tenants screwed it super tight. Do you have any advice for how to unscrew it? (Dumb question I know but….)
Do you mean "opening the valve" or replacing the valve?
@@BobsPlumbingVideos opening!:)
Nice video, thank you. What is that little pipe wrench you used on the radiator valve nut, is it a 6-inch, maybe even a 4-inch? Could you perhaps post a link to one? Thank you again in advance.
Here you go - amzn.to/33gLlek Thanks for checking out the video. Bob
One of the guys that used to frequent the Dan Holohan site put in our two Steam Boilers..but no longer is doing private work.
Instead of the large Oil Fired Weil McLean 445 btu Boiler he put in two Smith Series 8 185 Btu Boilers that are Gas Fired (Carlin)
Those Boilers are also used for Oil ours are gas fired.
Our Boilers are at one end of the house and the rooms at the farther end which actually was an extension
just only gets somewhat warm when heat is blasting. That extension is over a crawl space accessible through a small window in basement.
The Steam pipes in that crawl space have been insulated. They put quite a few of those large Gorton Main Vents in the basement to help get heat there
..we used to have two he added another 6 or 8 of them. He even added an extra Vent on the two Radiators like yours has over there still very little.
We kind of keep heat moderate (64-67 degrees) as house is very large but made in 1874 with extensions on in 1929.
Maybe some sort of supplementary heat ? We had one of those Delonghi Oil things..the best one..and it popped one day and oil soaked an
Oriental Rug we had. Those things are such garbage.
Maybe one of those Mitsubishi split AC/Heat units to supplement and control by its own thermostat?
Great video manm im having issues with one of my appartments
Sorry to hear that
Great video! I'm the property manager of my dad's property, tenant occupied. It's a four family, semi attached. The apartment on the second floor front is always less warm than the rest. The two apartments toward the back of the house (1st and 2nd floor, pretty much closests to the boiler, are very warm. Any tips on balancing this situation
Also, another property is a two family, tenant occupied. I just installed all Varivalves on all the radiators. The valve is small but received rave reviews. Any input from you?
Where is the thermostat located in that four family home? Vari-Valves are a good option as long as you have good dry steam and no water gets in to them for an extended time. They don't do well after getting water logged.
Excellent video Bob, What are your thoughts on Vari valves? I bought 10 for ,my home and they seem ok but i suspect I need to fine tune a few as I get gurgling from 2 of them. I adjusted both that were gurgling and it seemed to stop for now but any ideas or suggestions you have are appreciated.
Haven’t used them of late, I remember they didn’t tolerate water very well. Always ended up changing them out.
@@BobsPlumbingVideos Changing them out with what, there are not many choices that are adjustable.
Bob, Have you discussed two-pipe steam? The pluses and minus? Finding defective traps? Thanks, Ed. W.
I have not Ed, I don’t work with many two pipe systems. I do 90% residential one to six family homes and an occasional apartment complex maybe 20/30 units. A close friend and licensed plumber services a lot of the local schools and churches and works on two pipe systems all the time. Steam traps, condensate pumps etc.
You are the man Bob!
I try my best!! Thanks for the visit, Bob.
Thank you for the video I just purchased a house with Steam Heat had no idea how it worked. It's cooling off here in Boston and I'm noticing that three or four of the radiators are Stone Cold while another three or four are warm. I believe that it's a one pipe system the thermostats located downstairs. Any thoughts?
Off the top of my head, check to see that the air valves are functioning. Sometimes they get painted over and the vent holes get
clogged. If the air can't get out they won't get hot. Make an investment and get yourself a copy of "The Lost Art of Stem Heat" by
Dan Holohan - amzn.to/3l0vEyk. A great resource for people who own steam heating systems.
@@BobsPlumbingVideos the valves are not painted over. I'll buy the book and see what I can figure out. I'm wondering if it's because I have the temperature set at 63? Maybe the systems just not calling for enough heat for all radiators? Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Take a look if the radiator is pitched enough. Sometimes the floor underneath or brackets around it settle and throw off the pitch of the radiator. If the pitch is wrong, steam wont build up adequately and therefore not heat the radiator. Bob might have some other solutions though.
@@kevin7151 thank you. I hadn't thought of that.
Hey Bob, cast iron radiator single pipe do you have a degrees to set the level to help draining cold water condensation returning back down Thx!
I just use 1/4" wedges to prop up the cast iron radiators towards the shut-off valves. Maybe 1/2 a bubble on the torpedo level.
Whats the difference between bleeder air valves having tongues or not? There's differences between which valves are first floor or second floor - top floor ( end of line). I'm guessing top end has an easier release than ones on lower valves?
Question #1 - forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/86001/vent-tongues. Question #2 - www.gorton-valves.com/products
What a great video! Thank you so much!! I grew up in NYC and I would have steam or hot water heat any day over forced air heat. You're so right pipe dope any day over Teflon tape.
P.S. That is the Cutest Small Pipe Wrench I have ever seen!😀
Is it a Rigid? I may have to get one.. seriously.
My most favorite wrench! Thank You, Bob.
Should I also change the air valve . Is digital thermostat better than standard thermostat
If the air valve is functional, no need to change it. A lot of older folks do not care for the digital thermostats, if your present one is working you can use it. But digital thermostats are now the norm!
Thanks for all the info. A question for whoever might read this comment:
I just moved into an old house with a steam system. My issue with a few of my radiators has been that the supply valve won't turn. A few of my radiators are stuck closed as a result. I've tried taking the handle parts apart and using WD-40 but no luck. Do I need to completely replace the valves or is there something else to try first?
The best long term solution in my opinion is to just replace the valves. God knows how long those valves have been there or if they even function any longer.
@@BobsPlumbingVideos After more troubleshooting I realized the valves were stuck but stuck open, not closed so that wasn't the problem. My water level was just low (I'm learning all kinds of this in this house) and so the boiler would only come on briefly before the low water level sensor shut it down. I added water and got it back to the proper level. When it fired up it heated perfectly except there was a thin fog in the dining room. Now I have to find a leak somewhere. Thanks again for the info.
Hey bob thanks for the video very helpful. Having problem with 2 radiators. When the steam starts to come up the radiator makes banging noise. Any suggestions.
Hey Bob do you have a recommendation of an expert on jersey I can hire?
I have referral in South Jersey. WaterWorks Plumbing 732-566-0105. Andrew Gurrera, tell him I referred you.
Bob thanks for the video. Do you have a video on how to clean and flush an old radiator that is not getting hot even with everything wide open?
I do not, what type of system steam or hot water?
It's a steam system with steam coming in from the valve and 1 vent on top on the other side. Thanks
Bob - another great video. A relative of mine had a 2 vent (top & middle) configuration like in your video. Both vents were leaking. I replaced the middle vent and simply plugged the upper hole of the radiator with a 1/8” NPT plug. Everything is working fine. My question- why would any radiator need 2 vents? I would think that one vent with the properly sized vent hole would be adequate. Did I do this correctly or should I remove the upper plug & install a nipple with a vent as you demonstrated?
No need for two vents, I generally will use the lower of the two, but either will work!
Bob, the system in the building we're working on has air valves with what appears to be a flathead screw top on them. What is the purpose of the flathead screw valve? Adjustable steam release? Of course these radiators are like those you've described with no heat coming through or the first 4 or 5 "fins" being hot and then cold across the rest. Thanks for any insight.
Send me some photos, we are talking about a "Steam System" correct? NOT a "Hot Water System"? My email info@robertsessaplumbing.com.
Thank you Bob!
Very helpful. Roommates do not understand no touchy with the valves. Live in Boston area, every radiator has valves that shoot excessive steam. Changed vents, the repair guy told me to go buy vents. I think there is an issue since my roommates like to turn the service valve when its hissing to quiet it. Cheap valves (new) just hiss and spew steam endlessly. Called back the service department they think I should buy the better valves and turn them down. So I guess my new pt job is to repair the steam system in my rental. Any suggestions? I think I need to empty the radiators have no idea what this entails but they won't come fix it. I am getting to the point where I'd rather freeze than listen to it.
Tell them to call in a reputable plumber/heating company, you shouldn't play with it. You can into some serious trouble if you don't know what your doing.
Hey bob I learn a lot from your videos. I live in New Jersey in Hudson county was wondering if you have a company that deals with steam boiler or have a number thank you
Go to heatinghelp.com, click on "The Wall" enter your location to locate a trade professional in your area. This site was created By Dan Holohan the "Godfather" of steam heat. I credit him for my education on steam heating, he wrote the bible on the subject "The Lost Art Of Steam Heat" available here - amzn.to/3DDFAEk