Posted by jtown on November 16, 2001 at 05:49:25:
In Reply to: Re: steam radiators and valves posted by tim on November 15, 2001 at 17:15:43:
You can be at the list of messages and search downward for keywords like "packing" Many people don't know it. It can save a lot of typing. If the radiators are off, I'd try a short piece of wood with a c-clamp to close the valve. There should be minimal pressure. Duct tape should even work. If you can keep the air from getting out, it won't get steam and heat. Since one-pipe valves should stay wide open and you can usually shut the system off for most work, it could be another eighty years before you need the scrap of wood. If you have them off you are better off doing the work outside. I just wouldn't pull them to strip etc. With the liability of lead painted woodwork (and asbestos insulation, I'd do it all at once. If you need disks, you might have to cut them out of gasket material or replace the valves.