Steam Radiator Valve Leaking

Steam Radiator Valve Leaking? You're not alone, here in N.Y.C Steam country valves can be found leaking in all types of buildings both commercial and residential. I got a call from this customer stating that there was a leak inside of a closet next to her workstation in the finished basement.

When I arrived, her husband stated that it only seemed to leak when the heat was running and it filled up about a cup of water. I took a look inside the closet, the pipes were well insulated but I could see some light from above. I asked "is there a radiator above"? and bingo, he replied yes.

I turned up the heat, and about 15 minutes later the valve was streaming water right down to the basement. This video is my process for changing out a steam radiator valve and it's served me well over the years with minimal damage to the pipes below the floor

There are differing opinions on how to go about this. One is taking a two or three or four-foot wrench to the valve trying to screw it off. I'm here to tell you if you do this you run the risk of snapping the fittings below the floor resulting in a very EXPENSIVE repair.

Steam Radiator Valve Leaking, check out the video, my way may seem like a lot of work, but once you get the technique down, you can replace a valve in 20 minutes or less and save yourself a boatload of cash by not damaging your steam pipes.

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Happy Plumbing!
Bob

[GlenS]

Using your technique few years now, no more big pipe wrenches for me! Thanks for tip!

[williamdyckman]

Bob, thanks for sharing your technique on how to remove those valves. The advice on just moving radiator back and forth while tightening valve is so helpful. You have many years of experience and I appreciate your knowledge.

[mikev.]

I’m glad to see you doing a actual video and not just pictures. 👍

[walter.bellini]

Nice video and technique
It would have been nice to clean up the mess created by all this work with a vacuum first before putting everything back together.

[michaeljaworski]

nice procedure, I've used it before on rusted nuts, also liked the hint of using the wrench handle to screw in the new spud. Like a mechanic that can think on his feet.

[eddiew.]

Growing up on the North Shore of LI, those convectors were very popular. As kids growing up, after a day out playing in the snow 🏂 we would take off all our wet outerwear and carefully place it over the top of those convevtors . An hour later, all dry!😀

[Taino]

I have in fact used this method, Just be patient and remember This radiator is very old. Darn nice work. I’m in the industry 36 years….. and I love it. I use a spud wrench to install the new valve. Thank goodness no issues.

[shaundonovan]

That's how it's done! This is gold to a plumber or steamfitter anywhere they have steam. Thanks for sharing.

[nextphase]

That is a great technique to deal with those steam valves (like I have!). Bob, thank you very much for going through all the details. I am now ready for the next one!

[harrisoncaldwell]

Skilled surgical hands, need to know when to stop cutting. Great job

[richardgarcia]

Excellent job! You know your stuff. There’s just no substitute for experience. Thanks for your video.

[nickcollins]

Very nice job and one very happy customer. Could have gone wrong in so many ways with someone who didn't know what they were really doing. Luckily they called you👍

[jcaleca]

I don't have that fancy oscillating SAW I just used my Reciprocating so for everything with the Lennox blade

[DannyOhana]

Hi Bob, I wanted to thank you for teaching me this technique for removing valves and spuds by cutting them out, it is a SUPERPOWER! Since watching this video I was able to successfully remove two steam pipe fittings, and one radiator valve in my home, all of which would have been impossible for me if I didn't learn this technique from you. Your videos are making a difference in lots of people's lives.

[thejflores]

Bob you are a genius, you make those brass male threads on radiators look so easy. I’m fight this issue on cast iron.

[dogbone]

Thx for the video. Just did one. Exactly how you said to do it. Took much longer than you. But I was worried I’d hit the threads. Either I turned the valve on the threads one more turn or the pipe dropped a little, it was hard to get the spud in. Picked up the back end and that helped slip it in.

[johnm]

You do have to watch on the imported valves ! When you put the spud in with your wrench * or spud wrench < The 2 little dimples inside the spud will break on the importes * Great technic from 1 plumber to another retired plumber ! I will subscribe! Peace !

[XBKLYN]

Nice wrench trick for tightening....thank you!

[philipsmiley]

Love Bobswork. I work on tons of heating systems and this is the best way to remove the old fittings

[ephraimsilberberg]

I would love to see how you do a stuck steam pipe that won't move.