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November 21, 2008
Steam Heat Radiator Air Vent issue
I have an issue with the steam radiator in the lobby area of my small brownstone co-op. The air vent on the side doesn't seem to fit into the side of the radiator anymore. Specifically when you try to screw it on, it doesn't seem to catch with anything anymore. I also tried installing another vent to see if that was the issue, and it wouldn't fit on the unit either. I suspect that it is due to corrosion inside the radiator , or something like that, although I don't really know the first thing about radiators.
Does anyone know if there is a way to fix this issue without purchasing another radiator? Thanks.
Comments
It's not something you can do easily yourself. A plumber might be able to fix it, but not easily.
Did you try wrapping extra pipe tape around the threads before screwing the air valve in?
I had an old radiator that had a similar problem and when the plumber tried to fix the threads, he cracked the radiator with the small tool he stuck in the hole and I had to replace it completely.
That's why I store old radiators in the basement. You never know when you might need one.
Posted by: IronBalls at November 21, 2008 9:01 AM
I did try using teflon tape which unfortunately didn't help. Is there a better type of tape out there for something like this?
Posted by: stateID at November 21, 2008 9:09 AM
Try this, go to a plumbing supply and pick up a "1/8 inch steel street elbow" and a straight radiator vent (not the angle type). Wrap the end of the elbow with teflon tape and screw it in. The threads are coarser than those on the vent and sometimes will catch when the valve threads won't. Then screw the straight vent into the elbow.
Posted by: cm at November 21, 2008 10:55 AM
thanks! i will give that a try.
Posted by: stateID at November 21, 2008 11:03 AM
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