How to save money and replace a vent is one of the reasons why the air valve is stuck closed.

An old print issue of our newsletter contains this article.Click here to view it.

We get a lot of calls about the steam radiators acting up.Residents hear loud clanging, banging, knocking, hissing, and other strange noises from their heating pipes.Sometimes residents alert us of leaking water or escaping steam from the radiator, leaving the apartment walls or floors wet or feeling damp.It's almost always the resident who needs the repair or the neighbor who finds the water in his apartment.

Sometimes, it is easy to solve such problems.With some vigilance and some rules-of-thumb, we can usually prevent these issues from happening or at least catch them before they cause serious damage.

The main parts of a steam radiator are the two valves, the supply valve and the air valve.

The steam comes from the boiler through a series of pipes and enters the body through the supply valve.The green arrows represent steam.

The cool air escapes through the air valve as the steam fills the body.The air valve senses the steam and closes when it fills the body to capacity.

After the steam cools down, it returns to water and flows through the supply valve back to the boiler.

Now that you know how a steam radiator works, what can you tell you about the problems below?Let's take a closer look at these issues.

Let's learn how to use the supply valve.In case of an emergency, you'll most likely need to cut off the steam to your radiator, so this is important.The handle is turned on the supply valve.

The supply valve should be close to the floor.It should have a round handle.It looks like this.

Turn the handle all the way to the right to turn off the steam.The steam should cool down and the air should fill up the space inside the radiator.

The supply valve should be kept all the way on to the left or the right.The valve should not be turned halfway or somewhere in between.The supply valve doesn't regulate the temperature and should only be used to stop the steam from entering the radiator.

The book should be read by its cover.If the supply valve is rusted, has a broken handle, or just looks like it has seen better days, it's time to replace it.

It is possible that the supply valve is closed and the air valve isn't working, if you are feeling little or no heat.One at a time, let's look at these possible issues.

The steam comes in through the supply valve.The metal fins will be cold if it's closed.

Is the supply valve warm to the touch?The steam stopped short at the supply valve.

The knob should be turned counter-clockwise to open the valve.If the supply valve seems to be open or not, then move on to the next step.

If your supply valve is stuck, you can try to loosen it.Tools should not be used to apply force.The last line of defense against a full blown steam could be removed if excess force broke the supply valve.If pressure by hand doesn't work, call in a repair pro.Replacing the supply valve is a last resort.

Different types of air valves have different functions.This one is named "Hoffman 40".

You can adjust the size of the steam hole with this air valve.It's possible to install this valve on almost any radiator along the steam line.

There is an air valve that can prevent the radiator from getting hot.The cold air needs to escape through a small hole in the air valve in order for steam to enter.If the air valve is stuck, the cold air will be trapped inside the radiator, preventing the hot steam from entering and doing its job.

You may have to replace your air valve if your radiator is cool to the touch and all else is checked to make sure there's steam in the pipes.

The most likely place to find a replacement air valve is a hardware store.When you have the right air valve and prepared work area, you need to shut the supply valve to stop the steam from flowing to your radiator.).

When the cooler condensate returns to the boiler it encounters hot steam and then a violent expansion and contraction takes place.

The sounds can come from anywhere in the building's heat pipes, even if the condensate has backed up.

When these sounds seem close by, your own radiator may be the culprit.A "water dam" that is ripe for an epic clash with the steam flowing in can be created when condensation becomes trapped at the bottom of your boiler.

What can you do about the steam condensate pool at the bottom of the boiler?

A common mistake is leaving the supply valve partially open or closed on the assumption that the rotating handle can dial the heat up or down.The supply valve does not control the temperature and the only two states to set it are fully open or closed.There is no middle ground.

The steam tries to surge in when the supply valve is left open because it blocks the condensate from flowing out.There is a violent interaction between the two warring states of H2O.

You'll need to drain the water from the pipes if it's still inside.You will want to address this as soon as possible because it can cause serious problems down the road.

Since it involves special tools and experience, it should be done by a professional or building super.

If you've found an issue you need help with, give us a call and we'll be happy to help.

The air valve side of the boiler must be elevated slightly higher than the other side to make it easier to drain the condensate from it.

The banging, clanging and other unpleasant noises will occur if the pitch is not enough to drain the water.

You can check the pitch by placing a bubble level on top of the radiator.The supply valve should be pitched towards it.

Lift the end of the radiator that seats the air valve and try to elevate it by wedging a flat piece of wood beneath the feet just enough to raise it over the other end.

The most common problem is when a radiator is pitched the wrong way.

This is a repair that should be done by someone with experience, so read first.

The rubber gasket, washer and seal inside the valves can be eaten by condensation.If you hear hammering, banging and other loud noises, you should address this immediately.The longer that condensate sits inside your radiator, the more damage it can cause to its cast-iron body and valves, leading to water leaks and related expenses.

There should be no noises coming from a normal radiator.Something is not right if you hear hissing, spluttering, spitting, gurgling, whistling or other strange noises.

Air valves are designed to release air, but never steam.When air is released through an air valve, it should exit quietly.If the air valve releases steam or makes strange noises like hissing or whistling, it might be time to replace it.

If the air valve is stuck open, you can try to open it with a toothbrush and see if it works.Since air valves are relatively inexpensive these days, you may want to just replace it.

It's possible that water is getting trapped inside the air valve.Air valves shouldn't leak or trap water.It is possible that the air valve is installed or positioned the wrong way.

A snug, air tight seal should be created by connecting the air valve to the radiator.If there's a mismatch with the threads on the air valve, or if the metal threads inside the radiator body are ruined, condensation may leak.

You have to look at the orientation of your air valve.It must be positioned right-side up so that the air hole is pointing straight up, or on some valve types, turned to sit at the highest part of the body.An air valve shouldn't be pointing in a different direction.

There are different valves that have different shapes depending on where they are installed.

Depending on how far from the boiler you have, there are different-sized air holes.

If you're on the highest floor, the bigger the hole should be.If you have an apartment on the first floor, the air hole should be smaller.The principle behind this setup is that the system warms up at the same time and no apartment is overheated before another one starts to warm up.

Water leaking from a steam radiator is the most common type of emergency call during the heating season.Those who catch the leak quickly are the lucky ones.Surprise, more often, are the calls from a distressed neighbor who lives below the leaking radiator and is finding the condensate winding its way.Down into her apartment.

Damages to property and a neighbor's frustration may be reason enough for you to head out looking for possible leaks around your radiator, but the possibility that it can foster mold and mildew inside your apartment or within the cavity of the walls may seal the deal.

Take a look at it.There are any traces of water?If there is a leak, you're going to see the effects on the surrounding wall and floor.Right at the supply valve shutoff, it can look like the one in this photo.

The source of the leak can be seen.You'll have to dig around a bit to find the source at other times.The air valve can be seen in the picture below.

A water leak can be caused by a steam leak from the radiator.This is steam filling a room.

A radiator pumping out too much heat can be unsafe, frustrating and indicative of problems as one that is frigid and seems not to work.Most overheating issues are caused by things that are beyond your control, such as the boiler control settings or imbalances in the heating system, and can only be fixed from the point of the radiator.

The entry of steam into the body is controlled by the supply valve.The steam won't get hot if the valve is closed.This was covered over here.

The enclosure can help reduce the heat.A popular option is custom-fitted covers made of wood with a metal sheet on its face to allow in some heat.

In case of an emergency, make sure that your radiator cover can be removed quickly and that its valves are easy to reach.If the building super doesn't have to dismantle anything, he will be happy.

Hunker has an article titled "Can You Paint Radiators?"You can lower the heat output of your car by painting it.The author says silver and bronze metallic paints are the best.

To use high-heat rust preventative paint, just remember to use the Rust-oleum brand.The best way to get paint into the nooks is by spraying.

Many mistakenly try to regulate the heat with the supply valve, but installing a thermostatic valve can actually help.

The thermostatic head senses the room temperature around it and expands or contracts, while the actuator valve closes the air flow when the temperature reaches a set point.

The dial on the thermostatic head should be set to your desired temperature.

Remove the air valve permanently, then close the hole with a metal plug to stop the steam from entering.The barrier for steam to enter is created by doing this.

The plug will screw into the hole where the air valve was installed.

During the warmer seasons, turn off the supply valve before attempting this.

Professionals warn not to do this since it creates imbalances in the system.Ask your building if you can do this.

One more thing.teflon tape can be used to create a seal between the plug and the radiator hole.

We've covered the five most common problems with a steam radiator and the ways to solve them.

It can be dangerous to discover them during the winter season and try to fix them in the heat.Is there a way to address these before the heating season starts?

Most of these problems are preventative and can be included on your annual checklist.If you've read the article, you already know what to look for.

How to save money and replace a vent is one of the reasons why the air valve is stuck closed.

Related Posts: