One of the top 10 best DIY home repair vids on YT I've ever seen.

Even tho it took me 40 mins...without your video helping me avoid serious mistakes ,I was able to install the radiator control valve in one take...thanks a ton ...saved me a ton of 💰

Good thing I didn't attempt to replace my valve before watching your video. You saved me from making a mistake. Thank you.

I call plumber/heater company they are asking me $160/hr. I need to replace our "radiator valve." There are 4 of them on the first floor. All of those valves stayed opened (who knows for how many years). The first floor can get 90-100 degree. Its frustrating specially when you sleep at night everybody can't sleep because too hot. This video deserved likes and subscription for helping people who has no budget. Thanks Bob!

Thanks Bob for this Part-1 & 2 video. I was able to service a few of my radiators by following your instructions.

I did the Master bedroom floor and needed to remove the radiator, this video was perfect I followed the step, by step instructions Thank you so much

Bob this is an astounding video. And you Bob are an astounding technician. Thank you so much for your patience and teaching us and helping us

This video saved me over $300. I didn't wanna buy the tools and was gonna hire someone but after I got ridiculous estimates I said fukkit. I ended up spending $15 on supplies and really only needed the $5 hacksaw. Didn't have a pipe wrench, just a channel lock and spud wrench. I used a big screw driver on the cut because the cold chisel didn't seem to doing anything, causing me to keep sawing and nicking the threads. Used some cooking twine and pipe dope to make up for that. Been holding up so far.

Thanks for posting your two part videos. I had the same problem and was able to do the job following your instructions. The sawzall made the job much easier and quicker.

Thanks Bob. This pair of videos are outstanding. I have successfully replaced my first steam welded 90 year old radiator valve. I replaced it with a $20.00 valve and refurbished and cut new threads in the radiator for the regulator valve. I learned a million things doing this slow according to your advice and video. I don't account for all the views of this video but quite a few in the last week or two. I learned something new at each stage of the process as I went back and reviewed where I was. I worked eight years at the Texaco during college and law school. You knew exactly what I was going to do, get the biggest wrench I could find, put a pipe on it and move the earth. I'm glad you advised otherwise. This particular pipe is on the second floor and angles into the wall. Breaking anything off would have been catastrophic. I can now start working my way through the rest of the house and look forward to continuing to check in with your valuable video advice and counsel. Thanks.

Very nice video. I will try to remember this. U tube has so many great video. Thanks.

Thanks man this helped me and my uncle a lot ! The steam valve we were getting off was a hundred years old. We used a Dremel tool.

You hit it right on the nail we were using a wrench and a pipe right before we saw your video. Thankfully we didn't cause any damage to the plumbing. Thanks!

Great video!! I am planning on taking this on... so basically saw the the nut that is connecting to the pipe on the floor and then use a cold chisel abs pop it.. next step.. why don’t I just cut the radiator off and then saw inside nut then use a cape chisel collapse the remaining union? Btw. What size saw should I get for cutting brass ? How many TPI ? Btw. Snug up everything is good? Or how tight do these need to be when replacing new one ?

Last question, should radiator tilt slightly toward the valve so that water drains out. Mine is currently sitting exactly level. Thanks again for all your help. ♡

Bob, thank you for the great video. Is there another name that the "spud wrench" goes by? I am trying to find one and can't find the same one you have.

Best tutorial for removing

Can I use a torch if i dont have a cutter

Terrific demonstration. Will find out tomorrow if its worth its weight in steam-welded rust! Thank you

Thanks very much for these very informative valve replacement videos. I would like to know if it is possible to change only the package stem BUSHING since that is the only place where it is leaking.

I have a 70 year old radiator sitting in the basement with the valve and spud original from 1920s attached. In the room the original nipple is capped. How the hell did they get that off before I moved in a few years ago?!??!? I now want to put it back and am trying to figure out if I can reuse what I have or not

I changed three valves yesterday and can't thank you enough for this self help video, saved me a bundle. The only problem I had was getting the spud out of the radiator it kept breaking off (just the part that was sticking out of the radiator)when I started taping on both sides of the cut. Nevertheless you guys are what make KZfaq such a valuable tool to use, keep the videos coming. Cheer

Thank you for this video!

great explanation

My radiator valve was stuck open . My building gets so hot in the winter that I need to shut the heat off . Thanks to your very informative video . I was able to remove the radiator valve and spud in 2 hours . It would have been faster but I had to cut the valve in 2 places before it would loosen . Then the radiator spud threads broke even with the radiator which extended my extraction time . But I followed your video carefully and didn't nick a thread . Thanks again .

You Are the best.

I'm glad I came across your video today. Last night I saw what leaking in the basement and discovered that It was coming from the valve on the 1st fl. I was able to provide a temporary fix by tightening the stem nut. After seeing how you do it I'm going to give it a shot when the temperature rises from the single digits we are currently experiencing. Would you recommend I first try repackaging the stem valve as I'm sure it will come out and how to do it best? Thanks for sharing

Very informative! Thanks! Going to attempt this. Do you have any tips on how to remove and replace a steam main air vent (the ones usually in the basement). I have one that's super old and seems pretty stuck!

Thanks for the video...just had to use the heat method and wax. cutting didn't work on one. and I slightly nicked the threads on another. Where do you find the eccentric bushings? When I had my radiators refinished seems like they dont remove the bushing and afraid too, but my new company is taking them out when refurbished. Do you recommend changing the bushing when refinishing?

Hi Bob, great videos. You make plumbing enjoyable to learn about. I need to raise and move a few galvanized steel radiator supply and return pipes to finish basement ceiling. Is it advisable to keep the galvanized pipe? Cost of copper is so high, would love to modify the pipes already there if doable. I've been told to switch out the pipes to copper, but I'm wondering if that is just a reflection of the technician's comfort zone.

Thanks for the instruction!

Thanks so much for the video. A few questions. First is I assume you have to drain the entire system before attempting to do this ? Also one of our radiators has the valve but missing the knob, so cannot turn off when I want to. Is there a chance I could replace the knob without taking the entire valve off? Thanks

Hey Bob that’s for your videos…. Question…. Our radiator valve from floor is not leveled with the radiator…. We used a connection to connect, is that okay?….. another thing is the upper parts of radiator heats but the bottom is cold /warm is that okay?

Should I use teflon tape and joint compound on the threads that connect the spud to the valve?

Hi, I just moved into a place with an old radiator. The knob looks new but the upkeep on the place has been less than ideal before I moved in. I went to open the valve and the heater seemed to be fine but I left with some from friends for a while to find a small puddle of water when I got home. The being from the steam part not the on. Long story short, I went to turn it off but it seems like the knob won't turn off. Is there a way to manually shut it off the heat all together til I get a repair man such as using a wrench? I tried googling it but there wasn't a clear answer.

What about using propane, MAPP or oxy to heat the fittings before taking a wrench to them?

Thank you, you saved my ass

Best video I’ve seen on this...thanks! Do you have an online source for valves, spuds, etc. hard to find suppliers that will sell retail here in NH and want to stay away from big box stores. Thanks!

Hi Bob. Question…Can the brass valve be placed in any position or must it be installed upright? I want to rotate it 90 degrees into a horizontal position since I have limited space. Thanks in advance!

I need to reposition my steam radiator and change the side on which the steam pipe connects to it. Can this be done?

Is it okay to spray foam insulation in the hole where the steam radiator pipe comes through the floor from the basement? There is a cold draft that comes up through that hole. Thanks.

Tried this... not working ... guess I removed my radiator already? Possible I am not cutting far enough?? I’m scared to cut the threads lol ...I even tried heating up the pipe not working... help!!! Update: I was able to get it off .. heat plus 18” pipe wrench. Was able to break it free... spent a good 3 hours lol and sweating my ASs off.

Can a angle valve works in a horizontal position?

Try this link:www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Radiator-Spud-Wrench-B8618/202246292?keyword=radiator+spud+wrench. In lieu of the spud wrench I use the back end of my !0" pipe wrench for 1" diameter valves and my 14" wrench for 1 1/4" valves. Thanks for the watching,I appreciate it. HAPPY PLUMBING!

Can a radiator valve that isn't opening fully cause water hammer?

damn it , i didnt put teflon or anything on the pipe when i installed the valve , no wonder i see steam coming out between the pipe and valve

thanks for all the advise, very helpful but 30,40,50 yrs lasting products are long gone :)

hello there. what can I do if I made the cut too deep on the piece going into the radiator? it's leaking slightly. how can I repair those threads? please help

Bob knows WTF!

why is the sound so low on this video???????

Do I really need a radiator valve?

I have this exact situation and was holding out on repair until I saw this. Subject matter expertise on original technology is dwindling.

Spray some WD-40 around it. let is sit for 5-10 min. spray some more. let it sit 5 minutes. Give it a good wack with a sledge hammer at the connection. It will loose, then you can turn it right off.

These old F-ers are definitely a major bitch. Especially when they won't shut off, and you eyeballs are melting in their sockets. Absolutely madding when one cannot adjust the temperature in room, Secondly most of the radiators are too big for heating area. Thx Bob

How much pressure is in a steam radiator?

Fantastic videos- thanks! Question though- I had two radiators removed, but they left the valves. So, 1. Do I need to cap them if the valve is shut off? Or will it leak water once the system is turned back on (we’re probably a few weeks from needing to turn it on)? My contractor insists it doesn’t matter as long as the valve is shut. 2. Can the valve just be capped? I think not, and that I have to remove the valve and then cap the pipes, but you tell me. I’d much prefer a solution where I can just cap the valves, but that may be impossible. Of note, this is in a multi unit building in a major NE city, so not sure if we’ll have to worry about system balance as well... Thanks!!

How much to replace a valve and install a new one ?