Steam radiator leak in co-op

[HeadnSouth]

Originally Posted by sw1015

Re: Rubber band a paper towel or 2 ~ Will that block the function of the radiator's air vent?

No, it should not. Just wrap the towel over the top and the band on the sides. I would also give it a little room at the top. I really don't think its critical because of the pressure in the heating system. Its doubtful a PT will stop the escaping air/water.

[HayZee518]

get a piece of white filter media and use that. paper towel may be too restrictive.

[sw1015]

Thanks for guys' information.

[sw1015]

Hi! guys,

The property manager finally brought in the plumber and found out "hot air" came out from the valve which will build up moisture and then turn into water. So he changed a new valve (see 12-15-2008 file).

However, when I stopped by 12-17-2008, new water stain showed up and you can see how rusty of the new valve. Can u tell me why? I am very frustrated! The plumber said he fixed it and what is the next step I should tell the management office? I am going to walk into the management office tomorrow. Need advice about how do deal with it in the nice way?

[HeadnSouth]

Not sure what to tell you. But the valve is not shutting off. I'd print out the picture and show it to the management company.

[HayZee518]

ok, your steam lines are just black pipe, not galvanized. when water or vapor ladened steam contacts the inside of the pipe it starts to rust the pipe. no need to worry tho - it'll take a very long time to rust through. boiler manufacturers make an additive you add to the boiler water to lessen the effects of rust inside the pipe. if you had a two pipe system then the steam would pass through the radiator, heat the radiator and the condensate would return to the boiler to be re-heated. but because of the one pipe system, your radiator is condensating the steam into water where it rusts the pipe. there's no way around it. you will get sputtering rusty water or vapor out of the air valve.

[sw1015]

Dear guys,

The same plumber came back on Jan. 18 for 2nd time, put on a new valve (air vent) and installed what they claimed "brand new heat steam radiator" but it looked rusty to me.

Over the weekend, I spent a few hours there and spotted "water spit out from the air vent" whenever the heat was travelling up to my apt, NOT just one or two drops. I know you guys have suggested I put paper towel on the top of air vent to see what is happening. But I am afraid of messing up. Now I am wondering if that be the leveling problem that the water cannot go back to the one pipe system? I am sorry about the duplicate questions but I really don't know what to do with it.