Steam Radiator Not Working

Рет қаралды 117,748

3 жыл бұрын

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
amzn.to/31IibRn
Straight Vari-Valve
amzn.to/2FZ11HC
Hoffman #40 Air Valve
amzn.to/35ynaoZ
Gorton #D Air Valve
amzn.to/2HzROX8
__________________________________________________________________________
Radiator Valve Removal Part 1
• Radiator Valve Removal...
Radiator Valve Removal Part 2
• Radiator Valve Removal...
__________________________________________________________________________
My Amazon Storefront:
www.amazon.com/shop/bobsplumb...
Disclaimer :
My Videos are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The plumbing instruction used here is used to simply break down jobs into their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions following the tutorials provided by this site.
I do not make any claims about the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility for what you do with the information provided by this site.
Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Bobs Plumbing Videos cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes
. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations, and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Bob's Plumbing Videos cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes, and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun with your plumbing repairs, and ALWAYS stay informed about your local building code.
*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

Пікірлер: 436

@boby115 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@michaeljohnbessau7391 3 жыл бұрын

Is there any way you can help me with my system

@justauser 7 ай бұрын

Lost art? Tons of houses and apartments are heated this way, including mine which is heated with hot water and has 1900s brass rads

@twiztedclown 7 ай бұрын

😅😅 6:29 6

@shadie67st 5 ай бұрын

❤❤

@cribbsprojects 3 жыл бұрын

This should be mandatory viewing for all NYC apartment owners, tenants.... with a test at the end. Nice work.

@barbarashears8792 Жыл бұрын

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.

@markwertheimer2320 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@catcolbert9044 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that I watched all of your videos and changed out my 25 year old steam radiator valve. Best advice ever!

@dulcebodden5241 2 жыл бұрын

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

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! Bob

@robertcobb5806 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob, You're a blessing to humanity. Seriously, I wish all of us would share our expertise with others!

@medicalnegligence 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@IDRIVEDRUNKWITHMYPREGNANTWIFE 3 жыл бұрын

Home inspector out of Cincinnati here and I find your videos extremely informative. Thank you for sharing, Bob!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Luke, much appreciated! Bob.

@chrisxleung 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@Neurodav 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Sparky-ww5re 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@Bob.W. 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@sharonepple243 Жыл бұрын

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!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@rickyhertz7250 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and information! I share your videos on valve removal with all my coworkers !

@ronz101 2 жыл бұрын

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. 🙏🏻✌🏻

@triplea7668 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the education. Who would have thought there are much to learn on a simple steam radiator.

@tctulloch 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@dakdino9782 3 жыл бұрын

im gonna blow my mechanic's mind with what i learned, thanks bob

@joshr9417 2 жыл бұрын

A great and very informative video, you completely explained so many radiator issues.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@stephenwoods2560 2 ай бұрын

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.

@jamestierney7940 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I can’t recommend this to anyone who has steam radiator heat. The video is clear, concise, logical, comprehensive….Great!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated!

@odcarp1 Жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos can you use two air vents on a steam rad???

@josephcade3541 Жыл бұрын

Well once again you are outstanding. I will call you from now on "Bob the Great" !!! He's the best. 😊

@pirihern9329 2 жыл бұрын

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

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You! Regards, Bob.

@markabrahams8350 7 ай бұрын

Bob, your video on radiator valve repair was VERY informative. Thank you

@BobsPlumbingVideos 7 ай бұрын

Very welcome! Thank You!

@jonathancorda1365 3 жыл бұрын

lots of common sense tips for managing your heating system. a must watch for homeowners with steam radiators.

@princerahming2282 2 жыл бұрын

Feels like I went to school on radiators just from this video..!!💪💪💪🔥

@nicalycab 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Where is the air valve located on that radiator? What floor is the the thermostat located? Many possibilities?

@briannaw4220 3 жыл бұрын

the most relaxing thing I've seen all day

@jk-ed3pi 3 жыл бұрын

excellent and informative video thank you this answers 2 of my big questions that no one would answer

@ashleyr.4392 Жыл бұрын

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

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! Bob

@ScapeSmart 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I fixed the radiator following your advice.

@sleepygrumpy 3 жыл бұрын

Top notch presentation great for new steam heat homeowners

@joshr9417 Жыл бұрын

Best info about steam radiators on the internet!

@davidbryson9688 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@kevin7151 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Love it! Take care of a steam boiler & it will take care of you! Regards, Bob.

@dulcebodden5241 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip - do you happen to know if there is a video about your suggestion it sounds really useful

@kevin7151 2 жыл бұрын

@@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 KZfaq I would be happy to do so, but dont believe I can

@kurskk 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video. You’re the man !! Thank you.

@henrydu9982 3 жыл бұрын

You are rock Bob! Thanks for making the vedio.

@starsforyou7804 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this video. It's helpful.

@DetroitKim Жыл бұрын

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 !!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@CJSPENO 7 ай бұрын

Wow.. Fantastic instruction and diagnosis

@BobsPlumbingVideos 7 ай бұрын

Thank You !

@ozzieduran7621 8 ай бұрын

You are the man Bob!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 8 ай бұрын

I try my best!! Thanks for the visit, Bob.

@Longeagles Жыл бұрын

I was able to get the radiator working by clearing the vent hole with a paper clip. Great video!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@marcoselgaucho1106 2 жыл бұрын

Your the man!! Thank you.

@claudianelson9696 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for thos video. As a woman trying to DYI I enjoyed and learned so much

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! Thank for your visit, Bob.

@retnicf 3 жыл бұрын

Just want to say thanks. I fixed the leak myself and saved $.

@shahfeezbacchus1891 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bob!

@cozyhomeone Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Thank you !

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@guvencolak350 Жыл бұрын

Great video Very informative Thank you!!!!

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Happy to help! Thanks for checking out the video! Bob

@fevrierm 3 жыл бұрын

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 KZfaq 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.

@fevrierm 3 жыл бұрын

I hope there is a video on boiler maintenance!

@jenniferp4612 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bob, I definitely thought that the valve was used to control the temperature. I just opened all my radiators up

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@jenniferp4612 2 жыл бұрын

@@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. 🥲

@gsunde 2 жыл бұрын

OUTSTANDING!

@peteryoungsr7285 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent teacher

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Many many thanks

@153331 3 жыл бұрын

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

@soniabreinig9547 Жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

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.

@VEDER41 Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏻 you save me money 💰 GOD BLESS YOU PAL

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

My pleasure Edward! Thanks for watching! Bob

@termeakisswilson2780 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! New subscriber

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thanks for subbing! Much appreciated, thank you. Bob.

@michaelfergusonsr.8574 4 ай бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 4 ай бұрын

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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oL2WpZR92tyugqc.htmlsi=tT-Vvu3w_GM_seHb

@carlosalmany2880 Жыл бұрын

Always nice to change the valve

@donaldchappa9351 Ай бұрын

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 .

@chuy154 Жыл бұрын

Nice work!!!👍👍👍👍👍

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the visit

@garyboston7620 2 жыл бұрын

Very Good info.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@michaelpaez6499 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@ggezpro7163 3 жыл бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely will make that happen!

@eddiew.6485 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! (Subscribed)😀

@cubaknow 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob do you have a recommendation of an expert on jersey I can hire?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

I have referral in South Jersey. WaterWorks Plumbing 732-566-0105. Andrew Gurrera, tell him I referred you.

@JTMondal 5 ай бұрын

Great video manm im having issues with one of my appartments

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that

@michaelyoung5610 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Unless you have an isolation valve before the expansion tank, YES you do!

@dillinger_83 2 жыл бұрын

Hey bob i changed the blower valve but my heater still isn’t getting hot

@harrychang9376 6 ай бұрын

so much knowledge

@TheAnamariagrey 2 ай бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 ай бұрын

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.

@nancyoffenhiser4916 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

My most favorite wrench! Thank You, Bob.

@stephenwoods2560 2 ай бұрын

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.

@saadf89 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@georgep535 3 жыл бұрын

hi bob , all my radiators get hot except for 1. its on the 2nd flr above the steam system. i changed the vent but nothing. now im told that the vent hole must be large when the old one was small and it worked well. can you help?

@MB-vp7xr 2 жыл бұрын

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 🙏🏼

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@paul6989 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@rosaliedipietro1319 Жыл бұрын

I have the same question. I hope Bob answers this question because it is confusing with so many types of air valves out there

@maxagent86 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Here you go - amzn.to/33gLlek Thanks for checking out the video. Bob

@jacksho8843 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bob, I have a recessed cast iron 6 foot wide steam radiator on a single pipe steam heating system. After a few days, of normal heating operation, there seems to be a lot of water stuck in the radiator. I have to use a small hand lotion pump to siphon the excess water out of there radiator for it to function properly again. To do this, I take off the vent valve and stick a tube inside. I tried tilting the radiator more to try to ensure that it drains back but since it is a recessed radiator, there isn't much higher I can pitch it. All my other radiators are working fine. Also, I'm currently using a hoffman special 1a vent. I have also used a Gorton C vent, varivalve quick vent, and the hoffman 40 vent. Any suggestions? Thanks

@dww0329 5 ай бұрын

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!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

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.

@paulg3316 3 жыл бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

No need for two vents, I generally will use the lower of the two, but either will work!

@Eskie-ql5rw 3 жыл бұрын

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 ?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@hvac01453 Жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Great point!

@mycc1694 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video very informative. I have a Question: As a plumber's apprentice and a beginner, which book do you think is better to start with "the lost art of steam heating" or "we got steam heat a homeowner's guide" which is also written by Dan holohan?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Lost Art first followed by We Got Steam Heat. Regards, Bob.

@shadie67st 5 ай бұрын

Thanks and bless you much

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the visit, it's much appreciated!

@keithcarmichael528 Жыл бұрын

Great Video,,, Do I have to buy different air valves for the 1st floor and 2nd Floor?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

This is a general guide - www.gorton-valves.com/products

@rosaliedipietro1319 Жыл бұрын

Bob, I have so many questions for you....I hope you don't mind. Do you recommend putting a reflective metail (foil, sheet metal, etc) behind each free standing radiator so that it reflects the heat back into the room as opposed to losing some heat to an exterior wall?

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

You can get insulation board with foil on both sides to place behind the radiators. It certainly won't hurt!

@markpasieka 2 жыл бұрын

Mr. Sessa, is it possible for risers to corrode or plug up? I removed the Hoffman bottle valve and when a system has positive pressure I would expect to hear air/ cool Steam to be flowing out of the 1/8 inch whole and yet I don't. Does the cooling and condensing of the steam neutralize the pressure before it gets to the end of the radiator? Is it possible risers for to plug up? Also curious on the return drip leg do you flush those out? And if so how often?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Just speaking generally about residential steam systems (god knows there are a million variations / causes) I've come across back pitched horizontal branch lines which fill up with condensate after a few heating cycles. The result being the steam either pushes water up the riser or in extreme cases prevents the steam from ever making its way to the riser. Once the radiator is full of steam the condensate will drop to the bottom and work it's way back to the the boiler thru properly pitched piping. Does not affect the pressure.

@meyabut9309 3 жыл бұрын

Valve is currently fully opened but still not getting heat on this radiator. Any advice?

@jasonlautrup319 8 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 7 күн бұрын

Thank you for taking the time! Bob.

@crazybing2 3 жыл бұрын

THanks for the information! One question bob, one of the downstair radiator only half of it gets warm. Everything else works fine and i can't figure it out. thank you!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Thermostat location and how warm that room gets!

@merseybeat1963 Жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos Жыл бұрын

Maybe one of those Mitsubishi split AC/Heat units to supplement and control by its own thermostat?

@aviviapatrick707 2 жыл бұрын

What about if the radiator is cool on top and warm on bottom and vice versa?

@cornholio11103 7 ай бұрын

We have a single pipe steam system for 2 floors. First fl warms up no problem. 2nd floor only half the radiators warm up. I changed all the vents. I opened all the valves. The radiators are all sloped to allow for proper drainage. No leaks. Thermostat is downstairs and we have it as high as 77 degrees. How much higher would it be safe to bump up the thermostat? I also had already flushed the boiler too.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 7 ай бұрын

When the room where the thermostat is located reaches temperature, the boiler will shut! With two floors I like the thermostat location to be on the top floor. You would need an electrician for that task or you could purchase a thermostat with a wireless sensor which you could locate on the 2nd floor to sense the temperature. One other option is the shut the radiator in the room where the thermostat is located which will allow the boiler to run longer in order to get the 2nd floor up to temperature. I often find these rooms are grossly over heated.

@davidp1207 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@davidp1207 2 жыл бұрын

@@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!

@phirun7186 3 жыл бұрын

So, I have some problem about the radiator at the apartment building. It have the flow of heat but the radiator not hot and I already turn on the valve. Also, the radiator only hot near the valve not the whole radiator also the heat keep coming and still not the whole radiator hot. How can I fix it? And what is the problem? or the valve broken?Please help me out

@whmorris63 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Bob, thanks for the video. I cant for the life of me find the bleed value on my very old radiator. Seeing alot of videos that show an obvious hole on one side towards the top and not seeing that on mine. Just to clarify, that is not the same as the hole for the air value correct? Meaning I should NOT be putting a radiator key in that hole? Wondering if I just need a new valve, no parts of the radiator are warm, though the pipe leading to it gets hot. All other radiators in the building seem to be working fine. Thanks for your help!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Steam System?

@APortaA1 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@BobsPlumbingVideos 3 жыл бұрын

Haven’t used them of late, I remember they didn’t tolerate water very well. Always ended up changing them out.

@salsplace 2 жыл бұрын

@@BobsPlumbingVideos Changing them out with what, there are not many choices that are adjustable.

@stephenwoods2560 2 ай бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 ай бұрын

Question #1 - forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/86001/vent-tongues. Question #2 - www.gorton-valves.com/products

@StanleyH01 4 ай бұрын

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?

@BobsPlumbingVideos 4 ай бұрын

To many reason this my happen! May pay to have a pro come in and take a look!

@alexandrasdaguanno611 2 жыл бұрын

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!

@BobsPlumbingVideos 2 жыл бұрын

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?