Leaking steam radiator in Victorian home

What is the best way to resolve a leaking Victorian steam radiator? Is it adament to replace it or are there trusted ways to repair (without worry of breakage)?

Also- how do you FIND someone who works on these radiators with experience and real knowhow? I can find contractors in the NYC area, but they do not serve upstate NY.

4thstreet

in General Discussion 8 years and 6 months ago

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mholesh | 8 years and 6 months ago

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I agree with the plumber

Master Plvmber | 8 years and 6 months ago

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I’m a steam heating expert and professional consultant. Most often, a steam radiator leaks because of a systemic problem. Rarely do I encounter cracked cast iron sections, but I do come across leaking shut off valves which are best to replace, though some people do prefer to “repack” their leaking stems. A qualified contractor/technician/plumber would make that call for you.
Most often, however, radiators leak water from their air vents and this is constantly misdiagnosed as a problem with the vent itself. If water is getting to that portion of a radiator, then the system has a problem that needs to be corrected.
– John Cataneo

shahnandersen

in General Discussion 8 years and 6 months ago

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Is the leak from the control (on/off) valve, the pressure valve (at the other end of the radiator) or from a rust spot on the radiator itself?

ellenlourie | 8 years and 6 months ago

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open radiator valve fully.