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Posted this question yesterday and decided to repost tonight looking for a little more input. My apologies if it is not of interest.

Decided to go ahead and change out old cast iron radiators with cast iron convectors on my one pipe steam system (earlier post “standard vs convector). Have finished six of ten (the back of the house). New supply valves and new air vents. I realize it’s not the most ideal heating system, but I have not spent much making the changes and the results have been better than expected. The question I have now is about adding an air vent at the top of a 1.25″ supply riser. It supplies two radiators on the second floor. My thought is to have the bulk of the air released there so the air vents on the radiators only have to vent the smaller sections of reduced 1″ supply pipe. Good /bad idea? Would it make any difference? In addition to increasing the speed of steam to the radiators, I would like to minimize the sound of the air release as those two radiators are in a bedroom. Additionally, the air vents on the radiators are the correct size for the location of the radiators according to manufacturer suggestion.

Earlier comments:
COMMENTS

Of course it’s a good idea. I hope you have a “T” at that bend though. I have something similar. The only problem was a constant wet spot on the ceiling above the escaping steam. I finally busted out the plaster above the vent.

Posted by: modsquad at October 25, 2009 12:06 PM

what a complete waste of money

Posted by: eman1234 at October 25, 2009 10:31 PM

eman1234,

do you say it is a waste of money because there would be no benefit? The cost of the proper domestic steam fitting is roughly $8. Air valve roughly $15. Would take about 1.5 hours to complete the job. Drill and tap would be cheaper and quicker, but I prefer to do it the other way. So, if I obtain the benefit I’m looking for as stated in the OP, the $25 spent would be worth it to me.

Posted by: pig three at October 26, 2009 2:32 PM