Radiant Heat Systems

• Share
• Email
• Sharebar

• Share
• Email

With no moving parts and no visible heat outlets, a radiant system usually had few problems and requires little maintenance. Like a conventional hot-water system however, a hot-water radiant system has a boiler that you should have serviced each year. Never drill or poke holes in a floor, wall or ceiling that contains electric cables or water lines. If a section stops producing heat, call for repair. If a water line leaks, shut off the water where it exits the boiler and call for repair. If a water line leaks, shut off the water where it exits the boiler and call for repair. If an electrical radiant system fails check your main service panel for a tripped circuit breaker.

A Better Air-Vent Valve

To control the heat on a one-pipe steam radiator, install an adjustable air vent valve.

• With the heat off and the radiator cool, remove the air vent valve with an adjustable wrench or a pipe wrench.
• Take the air vent valve to a plumbing or heating supplier and buy a compatible valve and plumbing joint compound for use in steam radiators.
• To install the new vent, apply joint compound to the threads, screw it into place and tighten it with a wrench. To adjust settings, most vents have a screwdriver slot.