3 More DIY Methods for Radiator Repair
When you are a homeowner for many years, you begin to learn a lot of different skills in regard to home repairs, installations and the regular maintenance issues that are commonly associated with a residential home. From things like painting and minor electrical work to more everyday skills like plumbing and heating repair and maintenance. The latter of which, plumbing and heating are some of the most valuable skills any homeowner can possess, especially when you are living in a place like New York City and Long Island, as the congestion, high population, and the extreme variation in weather can wreak havoc on these systemS. Plus, when you have summers that top out at 100 degrees or more, and winters that fall into the single digits on a regular basis, with tons of snow, you must make sure that your heating system is always functioning well. In many instances, according to the team at Elite Plumbing & HVAC, home of the Best Licensed Plumber Suffolk County has to offer, the fact that are heating systems go completely unused during the spring, summer, and much of the fall months, can often cause issues with our radiators, boilers and more. And for larger issues such as a boiler or thermostat upgrade Long Island residents are recommended to call a larger company such as Elite, home of the best licensed plumber Suffolk County has to offer, to handle such issues, but for simpler tasks you should definitely learn to handle things yourself. In order to better help you with this, here are a few important DIY tasks to learn for your radiator system now.
· Figure Out Which Radiators You Have
Before doing anything else, it’s important to understand what type of a radiator you have in your home. This is important for all aspects of your heating system, whether you are replacing a boiler or thermostat upgrade Long Island residents need to know what type of radiator they have, hot water or steam. In a steam system, steam quickly heats the radiator when the boiler fires. In a hot water system, heated water continuously circulates through the radiators. A steam radiator has a small air vent near the top that emits bursts of steam when the radiator heats. Steam systems cycle between hot and cold. Most are connected to only one pipe at the floor, but some have two. When working with a steam system you might need help from a team like Elite Plumbing, home of the best licensed plumber Suffolk County has to offer, as it can be far more difficult due to the high heat causing the joints to seize up.
· How to Install a New Valve
Hot water radiators are connected to two pipes at the floor. They maintain a constant warmth, rather than cycling between hot and cold. And this system requires a valve in order for it to function properly. Whether you are a novice or master plumber Rocky Point residents should be able to easily replace a non-functioning valve in no time at all, using these simple steps below.
o Tighten the Nuts: First, if water is leaking from the handle, you might need to turn down the temperature and let the radiator cool. If it doesn’t cool, you might need a thermostat upgrade Long Island experts at Elite Plumbing are much better equipped to handle this. Once cool however, tighten the packing nut with pliers, and tighten the larger union nut using a pipe wrench.
o Drain the Radiator: Because it is a hot water system, water must be drained. Again, turn down the temperature, attach a hose to the boiler’s drain valve and drain it, either into a bucket or into a floor drain. Then open all the bleeder valves of each radiator in the house.
o Wrap the Stem: Unscrew the packing nut and remove the stem, first by unscrewing and then by pulling it out. If the leak originates just under the handle, wrap the stem with strand packing and reinstall.
o Replace Valve: Unscrew the union nut that attaches the valve to the radiator, then unscrew the valve from the pipe. Whether you are a novice or master plumber Rocky Point residents won’t be able to find the right valve without some help. Simply take the old valve to a plumbing and heating supply store to find an exact replacement; look carefully to be sure it will fit.
· How to Maximize Air Flow
To improve a radiator’s performance, move furniture and other obstructions out of the way. Air should flow freely under and above the radiator. A sheet of aluminum or reflective insulation placed behind the radiator directs more heat into the room.
For more information on all your plumbing and heating needs, be sure to contact Elite Plumbing & HVAC today.
