How to Efficiently Operate Home Steam Radiators
- 1). Clean the outer parts of your radiator to eliminate dust. Fill a small tub with soap and water. Dip a rag in the soapy water and use it to wipe off the radiator.
- 2). Ensure that your steam radiator has a small slope towards the steam inlet pipe, which is the tall steel pipe that comes out from the floor of the wall, connecting to your radiator, with the heat level adjustment knob on top. If the slope is absent, add a quarter inch of wedge wood under the feet of your radiator at the end of the vent. This will prevent the clanging or knocking sound a radiator may make.
- 3). Look for paint, rust or other substances that may block the vent. These can interfere with, or prevent, proper air escape and steam circulation into your home.
- 4). Clean all air vents if you see rust or dirt on them. As the US Department of Energy recommends, use a solution of boiled water and vinegar.
- 5). Replace the vent altogether if the damage is too severe for cleaning to fix. Take the measurements of your radiator and then go to your local hardware store and purchase the appropriate part.
- 6). Examine caps and valve nuts for leaking. If you see leakage emanating from cap nuts, use a wrench or a pair of channel locks to fix the leak. Tighten the nuts without making them so tight that they will warp.
- 7). Perform the same leak test on the valve handle. If you see leakage from there, take off the inlet valve head. Tighten the gland nut, using wrenches or channel locks. Refill your radiator with water.
- 8). Have a professional come out to inspect your radiator. The Magnolia website suggests that this test should take place annually.
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