I have been an electrician for 42 years and I have had many occasions to teach and be taught. You are a good teacher and have a good gift to teach folks.Keep up the good videos and keep cultivating your gift.
Great job. I learned more in 17 minutes than I thought. I have a one pipe system that is banging, spraying water, hot/cold, etc. The most important thing I learned was not to mess with the handle that shuts the radiator off. I have been moving those up and down like mad. Thanks. I feel smarter now! You rock! Mike
I love steam heat radiators. The heat is moist and even when the furnace shuts off, it still radiates heat. The hissing sound you hear at times is just so comforting.
Awsome video. Smart ideas. Have a 1947 Sun Coal converted steam boiler, there are about 12 radiators. Mom had 8 shut off at valve for 40 years. She passed I cleraned valves changed air bleeders and got intermitent heat from 4 of them A friend came over and noticed the return to the rear of boiler wasnt getting warm or hot, although I still got good heat in most rooms. Now zero heat Alot of rust
If you ever plan to refurbish the radiators. Paint removal with something like Peel-away or burn-off, use a torch and wax to loosen all fittings (not the valve, but complete disassembly). Brush all the rust away, Cast Iron you can season like a pan (you’ll need a huge BBQ or kiln room to 450˚F and seasoning oil) or use metallic paint that’s heat-proof. The shiny, the better. Dull holds heat, shiny emits more.
I managed a private Estate with 37 night/day stats all controlled by pneumatic air pressure..We had commercial timers to switch over both stats and swap boilers on a 12 schedule..We had 2 burners that rarely if ever broke down.. Our HVAC mechanic who not only knew his stuff, he was happy to teach me all I asked..Thank you Floy at Colonie Mechanical for making my job easier..
Thanks for your helpful info. I know some about steam heat but am learning a lot more. For the cooling, I've seen radiated cooling only once before (on forced hot water systems NOT steam). There was a chiller put on to push cold water through the pipes which did work by putting out some cold air radiating from the radiator, but there were several modifications made as condensation forms on the cooled radiators and will drip dramatically so you need to drain it or it will go all over the floor
LOVE your knowledge on these things. I feel so stupid right now. I live in a very small studio in the Bronx and the heat is driving me crazy and I have no idea how to turn it off which is why I found your video. :-) I like how knowledgeable you are on these things. Keep it up man.
Very nice video. Love your passion for the one pipe steam radiators. I have much more understanding and appreciation for the radiators in my 160+ year old house.
@100PercentGreen) The average pressure inside any steam radiator is normally 3 to 5 psi but steam heating systems dont go any higher than 15 psi. if the air vent works propperly then you get no moisture condensation on the window from the air vent. hot water systems operate anywhere from 0 psi to 45 or 50 psi.
I had to replace an air vent yesterday on an old radiator and when I purchased the new valve I thought it might be best to purchase a nipple extractor and 1/8 tap tool in case the valve broke when removing. It did. It was great having everything I needed without having to run back out to the store. I never used an extractor or had to tap new threads but it worked out great. I learned from videos like this, I watched maybe 50 different videos this week on one pipe steam heating systems and appreciate every single one of them, so thank you for doing these and showing us weekend warriors how to do what we need to. Thumbs up! BTW, I’m assuming you live somewhere in NY. I’m in Brooklyn where steam heat rules, and haven’t seen any radiators with designs on them. I like! 😀
Very thorough video. Well done. Now I know what I have to do with my two radiators that are spewing out water like a river. Open the valve and tip away from the relief! Thank you!
Because my boiler is on the same floor level as the rest of my apartment and since I decided to build a one pipe steam heating system I had no other choice but to elevate the radiators off the floor so the condensation can make its way back into the boiler.
Cool. Last winter I got a lot of banging. I think my valves don't fully close and it causes the bang. I was searching for replacements and came across your video. I will follow your suggestion and look for "Gordon".... Thanks
Your information about steam heating is incredibly informative. I grew up in a home where the house was heated by a wood stove. After doing a good deal of research about how to heat me home most efficiently. The university where I was a student and now work, still uses steam heat to keep most of the campus warm. The physical plant which heats the water is about a half mile from my building. And my office is always warm during the winter even when the temperature dips below zero. I am interested in using steam steam heat in my home and your videos have been very informative. If I can find a way to use steam heat, I will let you know how it goes.
You can buy a steel element convector and a cast iron convectore at a plumbing supply store or a radiator refurbish store. I would you a lager air vent to get the steam in your bathroom radiator, for self standing cast iron radiators use a Gorton No.D air vent, for a convector use a Gorton No.1 air vent and that dosnt work then use smaller vents on the faster heated radiators and larger vents on the slower heated radiators, your best vents to use are Gorton air vents.
Quite possibly the best video for one pipe steam heat out here on UA-cam. Lots of potential too. Maybe reshoot with a tripod? And also explain the furnace itself like explain pressuretrols and maintain for summer
Got 'em thru my whole (100+ year old) condo, and they are gorgeous. Shame some folks cover them up with radiator covers, but if you have young children, having them exposed can be a burn hazard, they really heat up, so for some it's a safety issue.
hey thanks for making this video it's very informative! I don't really see any other types of media that actually shows and reviews steam heating system stuff and it's really useful to see options and what we need to find to fix old heating systems!
You can put nice tables on top of the radiators, you need to rest them on spacers though, but it can limit the convection a little bit. I went through an old factory once and they had really nice cast iron radiators just lying around, I may go back and salvage them. One pipe steam heat is coming back in a big way thanks to natural gas heating. Good call on the valve adjustments, either need them on 100% or 0% otherwise its gonna be loud as hell all throughout your system.
Well if its the cut off valve then you will mostlikely need a plumber because if its been their for a while it will need to be cut out with an electric saw saw. the cut off valve is the conection that comes out the floor and supplie the radiator with steam.
Hello, amazing video. Learned quite a bit. I live in a 3 floor house(3rd floor is a converted attic apartment). When I moved in here, the radiators at the top floor did not work. I had them a long with the piping removed, and put in some electric baseboard heaters. I assumed since they were basically a hundred years old, the electric baseboards would be more efficient. I was wrong and wish I did more research before I had pies ripped out of the house. I had two radiators on the second floor(one for each bedroom), which I moved downstairs to replace ones that broke on the first floor, I learned my lesson though and left and capped the pipes. Second floor is still comfortable because enough heat rises that I have no complaints there. What I would like to do is get more back in the third floor apartment. My problem is this, I would have to run more piping and the house has basically been remodeled so I don't want to have to destroying ceilings again if it could be avoided. My head for the third floor was, to take the one pipe on the second floor, uncap and extend it to the third floor. This is where, ive been unable to find any information, once the pipe is on the third floor, can I split it and do two radiators? Its a single pipe steam system exactly like yours.
PT1. Ok the first thing I need to know is do u control your heat? next do you have access to the boiler? and if so how much steam pressure is the system using? you should be operating at about 2-1/2 PSI cut out, and a cut in at no less than 1 to 1-1/2 PSI. I also recommend using smaller vents on the radiator that heat up fastest and larger vents on the radiators that take longer to heat up, HOFFMAN adjustable air vents and GORTON air vents dont use MAID O MIST.
part #1) thanks for the video and tips...I have a steam one pipe system @ my 4th floor apartment (approx. 150 feet from boiler) .. with large floor mount radiators .. most steam headers/supply pipe are about 80 yrs old .. bedroom radiator using maid-o-mist adjustable angle air vents.. cut off valve 30+ yrs old...... @ beginning of heat cycle the air vent blows steady like normal .. as steam gets closer to radiator the air flow @ vent begins to sputter & cough with air flow not steady
Excellent video! Thanks so much. I now know how to operate my cast iron steam radiator, and I appreciate it much more too. LOVE my radiator! I really like your straight ahead style too. Keep it comin'.
Working steam pressure for this system is 7psi. I could lower the steam pressure to 2-1/2 psi but I don't pay for the heat. I would recommend 2-1/2 psi cut out and 1psi cut in if your using cast iron radiators because #1. they take longer to fill with steam and #2. 1/2 psi cut out your heating system will completely lose steam pressure by the time the burner decides to cut back in at 1/2psi. I always like to no less then 1-1/2psi in the system while the heating cycle is running.
Great video! Thanks again, as I'm really learning a lot! I know it's time consuming, but hopefully you can keep your hydronic heat system videos coming! Especially with the cast iron radiators!
Ty for all the info.. my home is 112 years old with all different size steam radiators and i can never seem to get it right btw i use nickles instead of washers lol big gaps
Well I have my radiators mounted on the wall because my boiler is on the same level as the ground and anyone who knows about one pipe steam heating systems knows the system cant funtion properly that way. Now where Im from in New York radiator can be found in most biuldings and even private houses but in newly biuld construction use hot water heating systems and mainly use baseboard or steel convector radiators wich are more commen on hot water systems.
I have the same one pipe heating system in my home. All the radiators have air valves and they are working. My radiators have a total of 7 fins and only 3 of them gets hot and the other 4 remains cold. Also the one in the bathroom does not get hot at all unless I turn my heat up to about 80. Please give some sugestions
You would need some type of heat exchanger some what like a scotch marine boiler and some how fit it into your woodburning stove but it all depends on how big you wood stove is and how big the space your trying to heat, you might end up having to build a wood boiler from scratch.
Good question, i live in houston so cool weather is a pleasant surprise. There should be a valve to regulate flow through the radiator so turning it clockwise should restrict steam flow through the radiator thus lowering the temperature. I would anticipate when you turn the valve to close it (especially up north) it will leak a bit so tighten up the packing if you need. Hope this was helpful and good vid by akwesi pls like.
I've got a single radiator on my single pipe steam system that may have been added to my house after the rest of the system was installed. It has a separate pipe leading from the boiler to the radiator that's much smaller in diameter (1.25" O.D.) than the rest of the pipes (1.75" O.D.). This radiator doesn't drain correctly. It has been rebalanced to improve drainage, and while it's better, it never drains completely. So when it heats up, you can hear water inside the radiator gurgling. For the last two days, I started draining the pipes of the system near the boiler in an attempt to drain this radiator. It may have improved the situation somewhat, but it's not fully resolved. This may be compounded because the pipe for this radiator runs along the basement floor until it heads up to the second floor radiator, and the drainage valve in the basement is about 15" above the floor. I can continue to test draining the water from the pipes daily, but I'm also considering installing a drain valve on this pipe near floor level in the basement. Any thoughts about these or other fixes? How often should the pipes be drained? I drain down the boiler weekly to clean out the sludge from the system. Thanks!
Thanks for your reply. The radiator is pitched properly, but despite this, it doesn't drain fully. I'm thinking it must be because the line runs down along the basement floor and then up several inches to the drain valve, so there's really no way to fully drain this line. All the other pipes remain above the drain valve level, so they drain fully. Seems like I'd need to install both a drain valve in the pipe along the basement floor and some type of pump to completely remove the water from this pipe to solve the problem. That's probably not going to happen unless I can figure out a cheap pump. I also have my eye on ductless mini-split systems to replace both heating and cooling systems in my house. It's a $25,000 (!) all-electric solution, but once I add a few more solar panels, it's free to operate. I'm paying up to $200/month to heat a few hours a day about 4-5 months a year, and less for cooling, probably at least $1,000/year total.
Not if the radiator is properly pitched and the cut off valve is is completely open the air valve will work fine. The lowest point of the radiator is the best way to vent the radiator.
Got it. The rod running thru the top INDICATES that the steam only travels along the bottom horizontally. A steam vent release that is adjustable by room temperature?
It sounds to me like you have a hot water heating system because you dont manually bleed out a steam systems, Gortons air valves automaticly vent themselve, my questions are do you live in a house or building? do you control your own heat? does your boiler have a water sight glass? do you have 1 or 2 pipe going in the radiator? and do the other radiators get hot in your house? these answers can help me better understand your situation so I can more accurately help solve your problem.
Good video! I have a problem with one of my radiators on my one pipe steam system. This one radiator in the system is cold to the touch. I cleaned out the Varivalve air vent by soaking it in hot vinegar as per the manufacturer recommendation on their website. That failed to address the issue and I'm wondering if the air vent is bad or if the shutoff valve is bad or if their is a blackage. The knob on the shutoff valve moves freely. The rest of the radiators in the system are fine. What should I look at next? I was thinking to just replace the air vent since they are relatively cheap.
PT2. Also make sure your cutoff valves are completely open and make sure your radiators and steam mains are properly pitch back to the boiler, and if you added another radiator to your system then you might have to let your boiler run a litte long to bring up that steam pressure. let me know how you make out?
Do you have a one pipe steam heating system with air vents at the end of the radiators or is it a two pipe heating system? do you have steam heat or hot water? and do you have cast iron radiators, steel convectors that are recessed in the wall or baseboard heating? I'm trying to get an idea of how your system is set up.
The building has a one pipe steam system but since I'm in the basement the people who lived in the apartment before me removed all the radiators so I had to install my own system from scratch.
TheBrotherOfLogic AndCommonSense Thank you very much for all your videos and comments regarding one pipe heating system.Please,how to contact you? Dan.
Thanks for the demonstration. I'm having a hard time with my system. It is always asking for water, most of the radiators won't get warm. Those that do get warm only halfway. I've changed the vents, I've bleed the system. I've shut down all but one and still, the steam is very weak. I'm thinking that I have clogs in the system. If you can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.
I know your busy. I would love to see you repair or refurbished an old radiator. What plumbing supply in the Bronx, refurbishes old radiators. I’m always trying to find old books on steam heat.
GREAT ADVICE! Now, how would you handle this, apartment building, steam heat, 6 apartments (3 on each side) , but the apartments on the far side of the boiler receive less heat in the radiators than the apartments that are situated just above the boiler. By the time the boiler sends up the heat (steam) to the far side of the building it shuts off. Thank You!
I don’t know about the timing of the system, but, I wonder if on the far side, there may be end of the run risers that the relief valves are painted over. If that’s the case, then the system may be filled with compressed air on that side. So the steam never reached because it’s not vented out.
part #2)... .. I can feel the cutoff valve become red hot with steam as well .. maybe one or two sections receive partial steam.. it is at this point the air vent STOPS venting outward and begins a vacuum inward... the radiator never completely fills with steam .. this happens every heat cycle .. btw, 2 add'l radiators about 20-30 feet away (same apartment) work 100% of the time ... any advice would be helpful, thanks from NYC
Well she didnt tell me what part of the radiator was leaking, if its just the packing on the spindle of the cutoff then thats an easy fix, the union on the cutoff valve is a little different if the valve is relatively new then tightening it should do it but older valves the threads usually get warped and the union wont fit back in place in these cases you would end up having to install a hole new cutoff valve.
So I'm working at a place that has a steam system, and there's two pipes connected to each radiator at the bottom through a Y connection. It's not at opposite ends like you would expect. And there's a circulator pump also, you can't pump steam correct? How does this system operate?
Thanks for the tips! I just purchased a cast iron baseboard unit for lack of space in a small bathroom. I was told by the hardware store that it would work in my one pipe steam sys. The radiator has two 3/4” ports on each end. My biggest concern now after some more research is that the 3/4” port is not big enough. The plumbing in the floor is still the same but will i have a problem after reducing it to 3/4? Obviously steam goes in and condensation comes back out the same port. Please let me know what you think.
@ Sir Sebastian, I would go with Heat-Timer varivalve which allows for the most air to exit the radiator in the shortest amount of time. Price is about $19 each but so much better made then Gordon or Hoffman. The second but more expensive way is go with a thermostatic radiator valve which you can set the room temperature for each radiator making each room its own zone but you will spend about $60 each. Change your valves every couple of years
I would rebuild your steam system or if you don't wish to go with steam then use hot water heat, I don't recommend baseboard radiators or forced hot air because neither of these systems hold heat once the boiler shuts down.
I have one of those old cast iron radiators (though not as pretty as yours), and it's spraying water out of one of the fittings by the valve. I'd really like to fix it myself instead of paying a plumber if it's simple enough to do. The leak is at the connection closest to the actual radiator. Can you help?
Hello Sir, I’m planning on removing a cast iron radiator in my bathroom. This is for three purposes: 1. To have the radiator clean and painted 2. to address the wall behind the radiator and 3. to tile the floor beneath the radiator. I was wondering if turning off and plug in the local radiator valve is sufficient and would it be safe to run the steam back on for the entire house?
the burner motor (newer Beckett) wont turn. Is it possible the low water shutroff is clogged so much to prevent pwer to burner? Any way to clean float and also the rusty return lines. Peace Andy
Just viewed your video and now I'm keeping all valves OPEN! Here is my question, I have 2 floors to my home with 1 zone heating. My upstairs rooms get the majority of the heat and my first floors do get heated when the system turns on but they don't get as hot as the rooms upstairs. What if anything can be done?
Hello, I have a one pipe steam system and I keep hearing an occasional bang on one of the pipes that appears to be in the wall, I was wondering what do you think it could be, and if there is anything one can do to prevent that from happening? thanks again for your videos, I'm in the chicago area, and i can tell you steam dudes make good money out here,
I have a 10 unit apartment building, i`m constantly having issues with radiators not heating. I've replaced the vents with Maid o mist & Watts vent to no end there working for a day then the next day nothing. Checked the pitch, valves are all open what could be the problem ?
I own a 2 family home where I'm having a heating problem. It's a steam one pipe system. There's about 10 radiators in the house. One of the radiators gets hot some of the time. The others make heat except this one. The one in question is the first one coming from boiler.What should I look for to solve problem? Thanks for videos. Very helpful.
You might need to check or replace the air vent on your radiator with a Hoffman or a Gorton air vent, also check your cutoff valve to make sure its open all the way and make sure you radiator is properly pitched back to the cutoff valve.
I live in NYC and would appreciate it if you could recommend a plumbing supply that carries cast iron radiators setup for a one pipe steam system. Very nice restoration of your radiators.
I have a steam heating system too and get good heat but the radiator in one of my rooms don't work. It stays cold. I have changed the valve but it still doesn't get warm.
hi i have a question i have a one pipe system that it gives too much heat is there anything i could do or could i change the volume of the heat by installing a thermostatic valve?
I just replaced a 400,000 btu boiler in a one pipe counter flow system. The old boiler worked fine for 9 years. With the new boiler I am getting water hammer that shakes he entire house. The home is 3000 sq ft with radiators in every room. I suspect the secret is in the pressure settings t but I have no idea whether I should be se pressure higher or lower. Any suggestions?
Hi there I have HB SMITH 262.000 BTU steam BOILER and I installed a new feed water valve but it just kips feeding full boiler plus in to return line if I don't shut off the valve any tips thanks
Got big bang noise constantly whenever the steam is pushed into the radiator. Also, hear water draining. Situation is: 1) new IPS Angled Adjustable Steam Radiator Valve, set to 6 (1-8). 2) shut valve is all way open. 3). the radiator is tilting towards the shut valve (measured with level). Based on the situation, what do you think why the water is still trapped in the radiator and how to fix the situation? thanks.
How much do you recommend tilting the radiator with the washers ? I have a radiator in one of my rooms that never gets hot across the entire radiator & stays the coldest room on the house could that be my problem ( tilting the radiator . I've even tried not putting a valve on the radiator to see if the seam would reach all the way across but still no luck ! What would you recommend me doing ? Do these radiators go bad to the point that they just won't wrk any more ?
What are you running for pressure? You seem to get it, I am a heating mechanic and I love these old column rads and the cast convection rads Gordon's maid-o-mist best valves. Pressure should be half a pound cut in boiler pound and a half cut out. Steam is better and more efficient at the lowest pressure you can run. Fast main vents and slow adjustable rad vents.
Hi I have a radiator that doesn't have an air valve just a bleeding valve (not sure what else to call it) . The radiator takes a long time to get hot and isn't very efficient. How do I fix this? do I just replace this bleeding valve? could that be why it isn't heating properly? Thank You for sharing your knowledge. Bernard
I have been an electrician for 42 years and I have had many occasions to teach and be taught. You are a good teacher and have a good gift to teach folks.Keep up the good videos and keep cultivating your gift.
your right
Great job. I learned more in 17 minutes than I thought. I have a one pipe system that is banging, spraying water, hot/cold, etc. The most important thing I learned was not to mess with the handle that shuts the radiator off. I have been moving those up and down like mad. Thanks. I feel smarter now! You rock! Mike
I love steam heat radiators. The heat is moist and even when the furnace shuts off, it still radiates heat. The hissing sound you hear at times is just so comforting.
My son just bought a house with one pipe steam and we didn't understand how it worked. Thanks for a great explanation.
Awsome video. Smart ideas. Have a 1947 Sun Coal converted steam boiler, there are about 12 radiators. Mom had 8 shut off at valve for 40 years. She passed I cleraned valves changed air bleeders and got intermitent heat from 4 of them A friend came over and noticed the return to the rear of boiler wasnt getting warm or hot, although I still got good heat in most rooms. Now zero heat Alot of rust
If you ever plan to refurbish the radiators. Paint removal with something like Peel-away or burn-off, use a torch and wax to loosen all fittings (not the valve, but complete disassembly). Brush all the rust away, Cast Iron you can season like a pan (you’ll need a huge BBQ or kiln room to 450˚F and seasoning oil) or use metallic paint that’s heat-proof. The shiny, the better. Dull holds heat, shiny emits more.
I have watched this video several times and shared it with many. Thank you!
Great job I'm a Stationary Engineer and learned plenty from your class
I managed a private Estate with 37 night/day stats all controlled by pneumatic air pressure..We had commercial timers to switch over both stats and swap boilers on a 12 schedule..We had 2 burners that rarely if ever broke down.. Our HVAC mechanic who not only knew his stuff, he was happy to teach me all I asked..Thank you Floy at Colonie Mechanical for making my job easier..
Thanks for your helpful info. I know some about steam heat but am learning a lot more. For the cooling, I've seen radiated cooling only once before (on forced hot water systems NOT steam). There was a chiller put on to push cold water through the pipes which did work by putting out some cold air radiating from the radiator, but there were several modifications made as condensation forms on the cooled radiators and will drip dramatically so you need to drain it or it will go all over the floor
LOVE your knowledge on these things. I feel so stupid right now. I live in a very small studio in the Bronx and the heat is driving me crazy and I have no idea how to turn it off which is why I found your video. :-) I like how knowledgeable you are on these things. Keep it up man.
Very nice video. Love your passion for the one pipe steam radiators. I have much more understanding and appreciation for the radiators in my 160+ year old house.
Finally a video that actually explains the heating system I have thank you
@100PercentGreen) The average pressure inside any steam radiator is normally 3 to 5 psi but steam heating systems dont go any higher than 15 psi. if the air vent works propperly then you get no moisture condensation on the window from the air vent. hot water systems operate anywhere from 0 psi to 45 or 50 psi.
I had to replace an air vent yesterday on an old radiator and when I purchased the new valve I thought it might be best to purchase a nipple extractor and 1/8 tap tool in case the valve broke when removing. It did. It was great having everything I needed without having to run back out to the store. I never used an extractor or had to tap new threads but it worked out great. I learned from videos like this, I watched maybe 50 different videos this week on one pipe steam heating systems and appreciate every single one of them, so thank you for doing these and showing us weekend warriors how to do what we need to. Thumbs up! BTW, I’m assuming you live somewhere in NY. I’m in Brooklyn where steam heat rules, and haven’t seen any radiators with designs on them. I like! 😀
Very thorough video. Well done. Now I know what I have to do with my two radiators that are spewing out water like a river. Open the valve and tip away from the relief! Thank you!
Because my boiler is on the same floor level as the rest of my apartment and since I decided to build a one pipe steam heating system I had no other choice but to elevate the radiators off the floor so the condensation can make its way back into the boiler.
Cool. Last winter I got a lot of banging. I think my valves don't fully close and it causes the bang. I was searching for replacements and came across your video. I will follow your suggestion and look for "Gordon".... Thanks
Currently working in 2187 and previously at 2156. I wished I could have met you and learn a few things from you.
Your information about steam heating is incredibly informative. I grew up in a home where the house was heated by a wood stove. After doing a good deal of research about how to heat me home most efficiently. The university where I was a student and now work, still uses steam heat to keep most of the campus warm. The physical plant which heats the water is about a half mile from my building. And my office is always warm during the winter even when the temperature dips below zero. I am interested in using steam steam heat in my home and your videos have been very informative. If I can find a way to use steam heat, I will let you know how it goes.
You can buy a steel element convector and a cast iron convectore at a plumbing supply store or a radiator refurbish store. I would you a lager air vent to get the steam in your bathroom radiator, for self standing cast iron radiators use a Gorton No.D air vent, for a convector use a Gorton No.1 air vent and that dosnt work then use smaller vents on the faster heated radiators and larger vents on the slower heated radiators, your best vents to use are Gorton air vents.
Quite possibly the best video for one pipe steam heat out here on UA-cam. Lots of potential too. Maybe reshoot with a tripod? And also explain the furnace itself like explain pressuretrols and maintain for summer
Broooo I just got into a 1 feed steam system. Glad to find this channel although there aren’t many
That is a beautiful radiator. I love the art nouveau design of the floral embellishments in the castings.
Got 'em thru my whole (100+ year old) condo, and they are gorgeous. Shame some folks cover them up with radiator covers, but if you have young children, having them exposed can be a burn hazard, they really heat up, so for some it's a safety issue.
hey thanks for making this video it's very informative! I don't really see any other types of media that actually shows and reviews steam heating system stuff and it's really useful to see options and what we need to find to fix old heating systems!
You can put nice tables on top of the radiators, you need to rest them on spacers though, but it can limit the convection a little bit.
I went through an old factory once and they had really nice cast iron radiators just lying around, I may go back and salvage them. One pipe steam heat is coming back in a big way thanks to natural gas heating.
Good call on the valve adjustments, either need them on 100% or 0% otherwise its gonna be loud as hell all throughout your system.
Well if its the cut off valve then you will mostlikely need a plumber because if its been their for a while it will need to be cut out with an electric saw saw. the cut off valve is the conection that comes out the floor and supplie the radiator with steam.
Great video. In my area steam radiators are very rare. As an hvac tech it is hard get good understanding of them.
nice video love the history of steam heat. the dead men were very smart. they differently have my respect
Hello, amazing video. Learned quite a bit. I live in a 3 floor house(3rd floor is a converted attic apartment). When I moved in here, the radiators at the top floor did not work. I had them a long with the piping removed, and put in some electric baseboard heaters. I assumed since they were basically a hundred years old, the electric baseboards would be more efficient. I was wrong and wish I did more research before I had pies ripped out of the house. I had two radiators on the second floor(one for each bedroom), which I moved downstairs to replace ones that broke on the first floor, I learned my lesson though and left and capped the pipes. Second floor is still comfortable because enough heat rises that I have no complaints there. What I would like to do is get more back in the third floor apartment. My problem is this, I would have to run more piping and the house has basically been remodeled so I don't want to have to destroying ceilings again if it could be avoided. My head for the third floor was, to take the one pipe on the second floor, uncap and extend it to the third floor. This is where, ive been unable to find any information, once the pipe is on the third floor, can I split it and do two radiators? Its a single pipe steam system exactly like yours.
PT1. Ok the first thing I need to know is do u control your heat? next do you have access to the boiler? and if so how much steam pressure is the system using? you should be operating at about 2-1/2 PSI cut out, and a cut in at no less than 1 to 1-1/2 PSI. I also recommend using smaller vents on the radiator that heat up fastest and larger vents on the radiators that take longer to heat up, HOFFMAN adjustable air vents and GORTON air vents dont use MAID O MIST.
part #1) thanks for the video and tips...I have a steam one pipe system @ my 4th floor apartment (approx. 150 feet from boiler) .. with large floor mount radiators .. most steam headers/supply pipe are about 80 yrs old .. bedroom radiator using maid-o-mist adjustable angle air vents.. cut off valve 30+ yrs old...... @ beginning of heat cycle the air vent blows steady like normal .. as steam gets closer to radiator the air flow @ vent begins to sputter & cough with air flow not steady
I use a paint called rustoleum its a hight heat resistant paint made for radiators, ovens, etc its a very good paint for high heat applications.
Excellent video! Thanks so much. I now know how to operate my cast iron steam radiator, and I appreciate it much more too. LOVE my radiator! I really like your straight ahead style too. Keep it comin'.
Your knowledge is impeccable wow nice job brother
Working steam pressure for this system is 7psi. I could lower the steam pressure to 2-1/2 psi but I don't pay for the heat. I would recommend 2-1/2 psi cut out and 1psi cut in if your using cast iron radiators because #1. they take longer to fill with steam and #2. 1/2 psi cut out your heating system will completely lose steam pressure by the time the burner decides to cut back in at 1/2psi. I always like to no less then 1-1/2psi in the system while the heating cycle is running.
Great video! Thanks again, as I'm really learning a lot! I know it's time consuming, but hopefully you can keep your hydronic heat system videos coming! Especially with the cast iron radiators!
based on the videos on his channel now, it seems like he turned into a train buff.
Ty for all the info.. my home is 112 years old with all different size steam radiators and i can never seem to get it right btw i use nickles instead of washers lol big gaps
Well I have my radiators mounted on the wall because my boiler is on the same level as the ground and anyone who knows about one pipe steam heating systems knows the system cant funtion properly that way. Now where Im from in New York radiator can be found in most biuldings and even private houses but in newly biuld construction use hot water heating systems and mainly use baseboard or steel convector radiators wich are more commen on hot water systems.
I think thermostatic radiator valves are a good idea and a great way to save money there just a little exspensive but help save money.
I have viewed your videos. You do a wonderful presentation and are very knowledgable! You are a master operating engineer! I
You can try tightening the nut on the radiator cut off valve but if that doesn't work then you might have to replace the cut off valve.
I have the same one pipe heating system in my home. All the radiators have air valves and they are working. My radiators have a total of 7 fins and only 3 of them gets hot and the other 4 remains cold. Also the one in the bathroom does not get hot at all unless I turn my heat up to about 80. Please give some sugestions
Excellent video. You are a very good teacher. I have learned a lot from your videos. Keep it up.
You would need some type of heat exchanger some what like a scotch marine boiler and some how fit it into your woodburning stove but it all depends on how big you wood stove is and how big the space your trying to heat, you might end up having to build a wood boiler from scratch.
Good question, i live in houston so cool weather is a pleasant surprise. There should be a valve to regulate flow through the radiator so turning it clockwise should restrict steam flow through the radiator thus lowering the temperature. I would anticipate when you turn the valve to close it (especially up north) it will leak a bit so tighten up the packing if you need. Hope this was helpful and good vid by akwesi pls like.
I've got a single radiator on my single pipe steam system that may have been added to my house after the rest of the system was installed. It has a separate pipe leading from the boiler to the radiator that's much smaller in diameter (1.25" O.D.) than the rest of the pipes (1.75" O.D.). This radiator doesn't drain correctly. It has been rebalanced to improve drainage, and while it's better, it never drains completely. So when it heats up, you can hear water inside the radiator gurgling.
For the last two days, I started draining the pipes of the system near the boiler in an attempt to drain this radiator. It may have improved the situation somewhat, but it's not fully resolved. This may be compounded because the pipe for this radiator runs along the basement floor until it heads up to the second floor radiator, and the drainage valve in the basement is about 15" above the floor. I can continue to test draining the water from the pipes daily, but I'm also considering installing a drain valve on this pipe near floor level in the basement. Any thoughts about these or other fixes? How often should the pipes be drained? I drain down the boiler weekly to clean out the sludge from the system. Thanks!
It sounds like the problem your having is the pipe size going into the additionally added radiator is to small and most likely not pitched properly.
Thanks for your reply. The radiator is pitched properly, but despite this, it doesn't drain fully. I'm thinking it must be because the line runs down along the basement floor and then up several inches to the drain valve, so there's really no way to fully drain this line. All the other pipes remain above the drain valve level, so they drain fully. Seems like I'd need to install both a drain valve in the pipe along the basement floor and some type of pump to completely remove the water from this pipe to solve the problem. That's probably not going to happen unless I can figure out a cheap pump. I also have my eye on ductless mini-split systems to replace both heating and cooling systems in my house. It's a $25,000 (!) all-electric solution, but once I add a few more solar panels, it's free to operate. I'm paying up to $200/month to heat a few hours a day about 4-5 months a year, and less for cooling, probably at least $1,000/year total.
Im glad I was able to help.
Not if the radiator is properly pitched and the cut off valve is is completely open the air valve will work fine. The lowest point of the radiator is the best way to vent the radiator.
Got it. The rod running thru the top INDICATES that the steam only travels along the bottom
horizontally.
A steam vent release that is adjustable by room temperature?
Is there a risk when putting the air-valve low on a one pipe system that the the valve will be filled by water and not function properly?
This is great to know! I live in a Victorian building with steam radiators
Did you change the air valve or the cut off valve and do you have control over the heat? and if so what operating steam pressure is your boiler using?
Thanks for sharing your neat old radiators
Thanks for the video! I learn more more you than all the rest.
Very helpful, thank you for making this video. Now I know that water was coming out of the vent because i had the cut off valve half closed.
It sounds to me like you have a hot water heating system because you dont manually bleed out a steam systems, Gortons air valves automaticly vent themselve, my questions are do you live in a house or building? do you control your own heat? does your boiler have a water sight glass? do you have 1 or 2 pipe going in the radiator? and do the other radiators get hot in your house? these answers can help me better understand your situation so I can more accurately help solve your problem.
Good video! I have a problem with one of my radiators on my one pipe steam system. This one radiator in the system is cold to the touch. I cleaned out the Varivalve air vent by soaking it in hot vinegar as per the manufacturer recommendation on their website. That failed to address the issue and I'm wondering if the air vent is bad or if the shutoff valve is bad or if their is a blackage. The knob on the shutoff valve moves freely. The rest of the radiators in the system are fine. What should I look at next? I was thinking to just replace the air vent since they are relatively cheap.
PT2. Also make sure your cutoff valves are completely open and make sure your radiators and steam mains are properly pitch back to the boiler, and if you added another radiator to your system then you might have to let your boiler run a litte long to bring up that steam pressure. let me know how you make out?
Do you have a one pipe steam heating system with air vents at the end of the radiators or is it a two pipe heating system? do you have steam heat or hot water? and do you have cast iron radiators, steel convectors that are recessed in the wall or baseboard heating? I'm trying to get an idea of how your system is set up.
The building has a one pipe steam system but since I'm in the basement the people who lived in the apartment before me removed all the radiators so I had to install my own system from scratch.
TheBrotherOfLogic AndCommonSense Thank you very much for all your videos and comments regarding one pipe heating system.Please,how to contact you? Dan.
Thanks for the demonstration. I'm having a hard time with my system. It is always asking for water, most of the radiators won't get warm. Those that do get warm only halfway. I've changed the vents, I've bleed the system. I've shut down all but one and still, the steam is very weak. I'm thinking that I have clogs in the system. If you can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.
It also just chills the air and doesn't take the humidity out as an air conditioner does, but it did work okay.
I know your busy. I would love to see you repair or refurbished an old radiator. What plumbing supply in the Bronx, refurbishes old radiators. I’m always trying to find old books on steam heat.
Get a Gorton air release valve with a larger orifice. It will vent the air faster and your radiator will get hot faster and more completely.
GREAT ADVICE! Now, how would you handle this, apartment building, steam heat, 6 apartments (3 on each side) , but the apartments on the far side of the boiler receive less heat in the radiators than the apartments that are situated just above the boiler. By the time the boiler sends up the heat (steam) to the far side of the building it shuts off. Thank You!
I don’t know about the timing of the system, but, I wonder if on the far side, there may be end of the run risers that the relief valves are painted over. If that’s the case, then the system may be filled with compressed air on that side. So the steam never reached because it’s not vented out.
I always use a pant brush and rust oleum paint.
part #2)... .. I can feel the cutoff valve become red hot with steam as well .. maybe one or two sections receive partial steam.. it is at this point the air vent STOPS venting outward and begins a vacuum inward... the radiator never completely fills with steam
.. this happens every heat cycle .. btw, 2 add'l radiators about 20-30 feet away (same apartment) work 100% of the time ...
any advice would be helpful, thanks from NYC
Well she didnt tell me what part of the radiator was leaking, if its just the packing on the spindle of the cutoff then thats an easy fix, the union on the cutoff valve is a little different if the valve is relatively new then tightening it should do it but older valves the threads usually get warped and the union wont fit back in place in these cases you would end up having to install a hole new cutoff valve.
So I'm working at a place that has a steam system, and there's two pipes connected to each radiator at the bottom through a Y connection. It's not at opposite ends like you would expect. And there's a circulator pump also, you can't pump steam correct? How does this system operate?
Thanks for the tips! I just purchased a cast iron baseboard unit for lack of space in a small bathroom. I was told by the hardware store that it would work in my one pipe steam sys. The radiator has two 3/4” ports on each end. My biggest concern now after some more research is that the 3/4” port is not big enough. The plumbing in the floor is still the same but will i have a problem after reducing it to 3/4? Obviously steam goes in and condensation comes back out the same port. Please let me know what you think.
@ Sir Sebastian, I would go with Heat-Timer varivalve which allows for the most air to exit the radiator in the shortest amount of time. Price is about $19 each but so much better made then Gordon or Hoffman. The second but more expensive way is go with a thermostatic radiator valve which you can set the room temperature for each radiator making each room its own zone but you will spend about $60 each. Change your valves every couple of years
I would rebuild your steam system or if you don't wish to go with steam then use hot water heat, I don't recommend baseboard radiators or forced hot air because neither of these systems hold heat once the boiler shuts down.
I have one of those old cast iron radiators (though not as pretty as yours), and it's spraying water out of one of the fittings by the valve. I'd really like to fix it myself instead of paying a plumber if it's simple enough to do. The leak is at the connection closest to the actual radiator. Can you help?
Great and informative video, nice work!!
Hello Sir, I’m planning on removing a cast iron radiator in my bathroom. This is for three purposes: 1. To have the radiator clean and painted 2. to address the wall behind the radiator and 3. to tile the floor beneath the radiator.
I was wondering if turning off and plug in the local radiator valve is sufficient and would it be safe to run the steam back on for the entire house?
the burner motor (newer Beckett) wont turn. Is it possible the low water shutroff is clogged so much to prevent pwer to burner? Any way to clean float and also the rusty return lines. Peace Andy
Just viewed your video and now I'm keeping all valves OPEN! Here is my question, I have 2 floors to my home with 1 zone heating. My upstairs rooms get the majority of the heat and my first floors do get heated when the system turns on but they don't get as hot as the rooms upstairs. What if anything can be done?
Hello, I have a one pipe steam system and I keep hearing an occasional bang on one of the pipes that appears to be in the wall, I was wondering what do you think it could be, and if there is anything one can do to prevent that from happening? thanks again for your videos, I'm in the chicago area, and i can tell you steam dudes make good money out here,
I have a 10 unit apartment building, i`m constantly having issues with radiators not heating. I've replaced the vents with Maid o mist & Watts vent to no end there working for a day then the next day nothing. Checked the pitch, valves are all open what could be the problem ?
I own a 2 family home where I'm having a heating problem. It's a steam one pipe system. There's about 10 radiators in the house. One of the radiators gets hot some of the time. The others make heat except this one. The one in question is the first one coming from boiler.What should I look for to solve problem?
Thanks for videos. Very helpful.
You might need to check or replace the air vent on your radiator with a Hoffman or a Gorton air vent, also check your cutoff valve to make sure its open all the way and make sure you radiator is properly pitched back to the cutoff valve.
Do you boiler cleaners and do recommend them banging pipes / radiators going crazy from noise
I live in NYC and would appreciate it if you could recommend a plumbing supply that carries cast iron radiators setup for a one pipe steam system. Very nice restoration of your radiators.
I need to know if its a 1 pipe steam system or 2 pipe steam or hot water system?
Love my Weil Mc Lane EG 45 one pipe system with full three inch header.
I have a steam heating system too and get good heat but the radiator in one of my rooms don't work. It stays cold. I have changed the valve but it still doesn't get warm.
I wish I had your knowledge on steam systems. I have a pipe that bangs. I always thought is was the radiator but I turned it off and it still bangs.
hi i have a question i have a one pipe system that it gives too much heat is there anything i could do or could i change the volume of the heat by installing a thermostatic valve?
I just replaced a 400,000 btu boiler in a one pipe counter flow system. The old boiler worked fine for 9 years. With the new boiler I am getting water hammer that shakes he entire house. The home is 3000 sq ft with radiators in every room. I suspect the secret is in the pressure settings t but I have no idea whether I should be se pressure higher or lower. Any suggestions?
Hi there I have HB SMITH 262.000 BTU steam BOILER and I installed a new feed water valve but it just kips feeding full boiler plus in to return line if I don't shut off the valve any tips thanks
Got big bang noise constantly whenever the steam is pushed into the radiator. Also, hear water draining. Situation is: 1) new IPS Angled Adjustable Steam Radiator Valve, set to 6 (1-8). 2) shut valve is all way open. 3). the radiator is tilting towards the shut valve (measured with level). Based on the situation, what do you think why the water is still trapped in the radiator and how to fix the situation? thanks.
How much do you recommend tilting the radiator with the washers ? I have a radiator in one of my rooms that never gets hot across the entire radiator & stays the coldest room on the house could that be my problem ( tilting the radiator . I've even tried not putting a valve on the radiator to see if the seam would reach all the way across but still no luck ! What would you recommend me doing ? Do these radiators go bad to the point that they just won't wrk any more ?
thoughts on trv vs adjustable air vents for adjusting the heat output of individual radiators?
@dannyg40) ill post a video on boilers and that should help you out somewhat.
Brother logic i have one question when water is coming out of the air vent should i replace the air valve.
Oh, and how do you feel about thermostatic radiator valves?
What are you running for pressure? You seem to get it, I am a heating mechanic and I love these old column rads and the cast convection rads Gordon's maid-o-mist best valves. Pressure should be half a pound cut in boiler pound and a half cut out. Steam is better and more efficient at the lowest pressure you can run. Fast main vents and slow adjustable rad vents.
Hi I have a radiator that doesn't have an air valve just a bleeding valve (not sure what else to call it) . The radiator takes a long time to get hot and isn't very efficient. How do I fix this? do I just replace this bleeding valve? could that be why it isn't heating properly? Thank You for sharing your knowledge. Bernard
Hello
How do I control the amount of heat of the radiator?
Thank you
What a pro!!!! Great video