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Heating & Air Conditioning

Radiator Spitting Water from Shut-Off Valve

7 years ago

Hello,
I live in an apartment in NYC. I have often had loud radiators and even ones that spit from the floater before but this is new - my radiator spits water from the shut-off valve by the ground. I wouldn't care but when the water touches the boiling hot pipe it hisses and there is always a cloud of steam. I know this can happen after you close it while it is on but this is when it is fully open and the radiator is running.
Now, I know my building runs the heat full on and almost constantly so maybe it's just the way it is but is there a chance I can fix it so the hissing and steam don't drive my wild?

Comments (3)

armoured
7 years ago
You're probably not going to like this, but get a plumber or the building super to take care of it. Yes, it should be possible to fix. But it may require shutting off somewhere else (before your shut-off). And there's a possibility it's a steam (not hot water) system and may be a bit tricky.
sokkat thanked armoured
mike_home
7 years ago
Where exactly is it leaking? If it is at the stem of the shut off valve the you could try tightening the packing nut. Be gentle and don't force it. If leak does not stop you might be able to replace the valve packing. Otherwise the valve will need to be replaced.

If it is coupling between the valve and the radiator then you can also try to tighten it. If it continues to leak you will have to disconnect it and put in thread and pipe dope to make a better seal. There may be material specifically for steam piping but I'm not sure what it's called. Don't forget to shut off the valve if you disconnect the radiator.
sokkat thanked mike_home
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If you tell the apartment manager about a water leak, I am betting they will get someone on it fast for you. If not, then I guess they don't care about the continuous damage it causes.

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