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December 8, 2008
Leaking Radiator
Hi,
The radiator in my apartment is leaking and I'd love to be able to fix it myself if possible. This is my first winter in the apartment so I have no idea if the leaks are new. Basically the leak comes out of the silver thing on the side. If I turn that thing one way the water comes out very fast. Turn it the other, the water comes out slower, but never stops. I have another radiator in this apartment that produces a steady stream of steam coming out of that silver thing. The steam does make a wet spot on the floor, so if it's possible to fix that one too I'd love any advice. I can always call the landlord if this seems like a big job, but he is usually pretty slow about fixing things.
thanks!
Comments
If you have steam heat it means that water is condensing in your radiator. You need to change the level of the radiator so that water does not condense. You can do this by putting chocks under one side. You probably also need to fix/replace the valve since it leaks.
Go to the bookstore and look at a book called the old house journal compendium- it has a whole section on this, as do many other books.
best of luck-
Posted by: Park Place at December 8, 2008 9:24 AM
If you have steam heat it means that water is condensing in your radiator. You need to change the level of the radiator so that water does not condense. You can do this by putting chocks under one side. You probably also need to fix/replace the valve since it leaks.
Go to the bookstore and look at a book called the old house journal compendium- it has a whole section on this, as do many other books.
best of luck-
Posted by: Park Place at December 8, 2008 9:24 AM
Go to heatinghelp.com. Also, wait for advice here from Masterplvmber.
Some possible culprits -- radiator may be pitched away from the steam pipe, which would prevent the water from draining back out and down the pipe to the boiler; boiler pressure may be too high; vent may need to be replaced. Heatinghelp.com has lots of FAQs on every type of heating system. Most old fashioned steam systems in Brooklyn are "one pipe" systems, so, assuming that's yours, check the one-pipe steam FAQs.
Posted by: slopefarm at December 8, 2008 9:33 AM
You could try screwing the valve in so the pointy part faces up.
Posted by: denton at December 8, 2008 10:10 AM
try calling these folks, The Tinkers Wagon, 347-813-9635. They do interior contracting and though they are not plumbers, they can handle these kinds of repairs at a lot less cost than plumber.
they have a website: www.thetinkerswagon.com
Posted by: jasonstonestreet at December 8, 2008 10:55 AM
Denton may have it right. If you have never turned it rightside up, you should try that first. I gave you the benefit of the doubt on that one but, as I re-read the post in light of the picture, Denton may have the correct interpretation. Always good to try the easiest fixes first.
Posted by: slopefarm at December 8, 2008 10:59 AM
gee, jasonsonestreet, are you affiliated with the tinkers wagon?
Posted by: z at December 8, 2008 11:53 AM
This guy rocks
http://www.brownstoner.com/profile/Master%20Plvmber
Posted by: jasetheace at December 8, 2008 12:15 PM
Replace the valve
drain some of the water from the boiler
Posted by: troll at December 8, 2008 12:56 PM
Go to your local hardware store (Bruno's on COurt is good for this) and tell them what is happening. They'll give you a new valve (all depends on what floor you're on). DO NOT over tighten when installing or you will strip the valve. Better yet, call your landlord. When h/she hears that water is dripping, he'll want to correct problem ASAP. Unless he's an idiot. In which case, go to Bruno's.
Posted by: Cobblekrill at December 8, 2008 2:19 PM
BTW the valves are usually under $5 apiece.
Posted by: Stonergut at December 8, 2008 4:58 PM
If you replace the valve, use teflon tape on the vent.
Posted by: slopefarm at December 9, 2008 10:28 AM
the tinkers wagon 347-813-9635. they can help you.
Posted by: jasonstonestreet at December 10, 2008 12:38 AM
Put something under the side of the radiator with the air valve (as Park Place suggested) so the steam/water flows back down as its supposed to and doesn't sit in the radiator and shoot out the air valve when the steam comes up. Of course you should also point the air valve upwards too. I'd try raising the radiator end just enough so that the radiator pitch is clearly tilting towards the main connection valve.
Posted by: IronBalls at December 13, 2008 5:24 PM
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