Off-season Steam Radiator question

Our 2nd floor steam radiator fills with water, even after we had a plumber repitch it last season.  Having failed, the plumber recommended new pipes. New pipes would mean a lot of destruction in my tenant’s kitchen, which I’d like to avoid. Does it make sense to snake the radiator line as a next step?  Can it be inspected w/a camera like a sewer line? Who can do this?

bluecat

in Plumbers and Plumbing 13 years and 8 months ago

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eman134 | 13 years and 8 months ago

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seeing as the first floor radiator is not filling with water as well, I  would lay odds that it is either a backpitched supply line off the riser, an inappropriately sized air vent, or a broken or partially open  gate valve supplying the radiator in question…for a free consultation, email me errol832000@hotmail.com

wyckoff | 13 years and 8 months ago

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RUN FROM YOUR PLUMBER AS FAST AS YOU CAN.  Get a guy who understands steam heat.  MP Is one, as are others who you can find on the archives.

timber | 13 years and 8 months ago

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He cleaned out _all_ the radiators using a hose, then replaced all the valves – appropriately sized, and made sure each radiator slanted at the proper angle – he came back a couple of times during the heating season to make sure all was working properly.  My boiler (auto fill) was regularly overfilling for the past few years before this and was becoming a real pain.

timber | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I had a similar problem and had several plumbers try to analyze it.  A recommendation from my neighbor finally solved the problem:  Joe Kerrigan, 718 697-0000\.  He really seems to know steam systems and I have had no problems since he did his magic.  I have absolutely no personal or business relationship with the guy so this is my own personal recommendation.

Master Plvmber | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Water filling up a steam radiator is a symptom of another problem. I have never, not even one time in over 25 years, seen a clogged radiator or steam supply pipe as the cause. 
I have, however, seen clogged return pipes (below the boiler’s water level) create the problem and they eventually all need to be replaced. 
When we replace them, we install flush valves and hose connections to keep them clean and clear in the future.
Other causes that are much more common are bad piping arrangement, excessive pressure and lack of venting.

pigthree | 13 years and 8 months ago

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wet return below water line should not be difficult to change out.  But if wet steam is the issue, you need to figure out why this is happening.  could be boiler is overproducing for line needs or has to be cleaned of sludge and bad water.

Steam man? MP?

pigthree | 13 years and 8 months ago

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Is this the radiator closest to the boiler?  knee-jerk is that your boiler is pushing water or wet steam to this radiator.  Wet return pipes below water line can become clogged/ narrowed over time.

bk1lnite | 13 years and 8 months ago

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I don’t think you’d snake or do a camera inspection w/ steam pipes. You’re not running sewage through them so they’re not going to be clogged like drain pipes. You may need a better plumber / heating guy.

pigthree | 13 years and 8 months ago

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One pipe or two pipe steam?  are there radiators in the supply line below this one?  Radiators above?  What number steam valve on the radiator?  Could your Boiler be producing wet steam?  Any significant changes to the system?  Removal/ addition of other radiators?