Taking Care Of Various Radiator Problems
To replace a cracked handle, just remove the screw in the top and lift it off. Take it to a plumbing-supply store or home center for a replacement. If the stem is damaged, sometimes the screw hole gets ripped or if you cannot find an exact replacement, buy a retrofit handle designed to clamp onto any stem.
If a radiator or convector isn’t heating well, make sure that valve is open all the way. Also check that air can flow freely into the bottom and out the top. Window coverings and furniture placed too soon to the unit are often a problem. On a convector, blocking air intake at the bottom in particular will dramatically cut its heat output as will bent fins which can be straightened with a putty knife. A unit that doesn’t get as hot as others may have trapped air that needs bleeding. To increase a radiator’s efficiency, insert an insulated reflector between the radiator and the wall. To make your own reflector, cover rigid insulation or poster board with aluminum foil.
If a leak develops around the packing nut, located just below the handle, close the valve and gently tighten the nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Open the valve and if the leak persists have a plumber replace the packing or the valve. The plumber may have to shut down and drain the system. Before calling a plumber to fix a leak around the joint in the pipe that enters the radiator, try tightening the nuts using two pipe wrenches.
No Comments »
No comments yet.
Leave a comment