Posted by Bill Westfall on January 02, 2000 at 18:59:32:
Just bought a 140 year old house with oil steam heat and new to a steam heating system. The furnace is supposed to be in good condition but it seems that most, if not all, of the connections and valve stems at the radiators are leaking (down through the ceilings below). The furnace doesn't seem to shut down either. There is a "main vent" on the large pipe near the furnace that is constantly shooting steam as are most of the radiator vents. I had to get an emergency delivery of fuel (15 gallons that lasted about 6 hours at a cost of $60.00 "rip?")
Now for a few questions:
1. Should the "main vent" be replaced or cleaned somehow?
2. If there is a leak in the system, does this stop the furnace from shutting down?
3. What can I use to seal the joints?
4. Should I replace the vents on the rads?
5. Can I repair the rads if leaking from underneath? I felt under the bottom and my hand came back wet with a rusty color on it. How is a rad put together?
etc...etc...etc...
and any other help you can give me.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Bill