How to Troubleshoot a Steam Radiator That's Not Getting Hot

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
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Updated on 08/08/23
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
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How to troubleshoot a steam radiator that's not working

The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20 to $50

Radiators for steam boiler heating systems can be prone to behavioral problems. Fortunately, many of these problems are quite easy to fix, with no need to call a heating system technician. On single-pipe steam systems, many of the problems can be traced to the air vent fitting.

How Steam Radiators Work

If your heating system uses a boiler, it can be of two different types: hot water or steam. It is not always easy to know which type of system you have.

Hot Water System

In hot water boiler systems, the radiators will always have two pipes attached at opposite ends of the radiator. One pipe delivers hot water to the radiator from the boiler, and the other pipe carries cooled water back to the boiler for reheating. You can generally identify a hot water system by the presence of an expansion tank, usually located near the boiler itself. There will also be an electric water pump connected to the boiler.

Steam System

In a steam system, on the other hand, the pipes carry gaseous steam vapor rather than hot water to the radiators. A steam radiator can look quite similar to a hot water radiator but with a steam system, the boiler doesn't require an expansion tank, nor does the system require a water pump.

Steam systems can be one-pipe or two-pipe systems. In two-pipe systems, each room radiator will have two pipes attached to it, one at each end. One pipe delivers gaseous steam to the radiator, while the other carries condensed water back to the boiler. If you have a one-pipe system, the same pipe that delivers steam to the radiator also carries condensed water back to the boiler. If you see only one pipe attached to your radiators, you can be assured you have a one-pipe steam system.

In one-pipe systems, you should find an air vent fitting on one end of the radiator. This air vent is often the source of problems in a steam radiator.

The air vent on a steam radiator allows air in the cooled radiator to be pushed out to make room for the incoming steam as the heating cycle begins. The hissing sound of the air venting from the valve is a sign of normal operation, but the noise should stop once the radiator comes up to temperature and the vent closes, thereby retaining steam in the radiator so it can give up its heat and condense back into water.

The troubleshooting steps below will help you decide which of these supplies you'll need. 

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Wrench
  • Room temperature gauge

Materials

  • New supply valve
  • New vent
  • Wood shims
  • Vinegar

Instructions

Materials needed to troubleshoot a steam radiator

The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

Fixing a Gurgling Radiator

If a steam radiator makes gurgling noises, either from the air vent or from the radiator itself, it's usually a sign that condensed water is being trapped in the radiator rather than draining back down to the boiler. This can be the result of problems with the radiator itself, the control valve, or the air vent.

  1. Check the Supply Valve

    Make sure the supply valve is fully open (turned counterclockwise all the way) and that it operates properly. If this valve isn't fully open in a one-pipe system, it may be preventing condensed water from draining out of the radiator, If the valve is corroded or stuck, repair or replace the valve.

    Checking the supply valve

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

  2. Ensure the Proper Slope

    Check the radiator's slope. In a one-pipe system, the radiator should slope slightly toward the end with the supply valve. Shim under the feet of the radiator as needed to achieve a proper pitch of 1 inch for every 10 feet toward the supply valve. With two-pipe systems, make sure the radiator is sloped in the opposite direction, toward the return pipe.

    Ensuring the proper radiator slope

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

  3. Examine the Air Vent

    In one-pipe systems, make sure the air vent is positioned vertically. Make sure it is not pointing upside down, diagonally, or sideways. Usually, you can simply rotate the valve clockwise to the vertical position (it's threaded into the radiator).

    Inspect the air vent to check for obstructions caused by mineral deposits or other debris. Try to clean the vent with vinegar. If you can't blow air through the vent after cleaning, replace the vent.

    Examining the air vent

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

Fixing a Radiator That Doesn't Heat

If the radiator doesn't heat up, it often indicates that the air valve is stuck shut, blocking cold air inside the radiator and preventing steam from entering.

  1. Open the Valve

    Make sure the supply valve is fully open (turned counterclockwise all the way). Use a wrench if the valve is resistant to turning.

    Opening the supply valve

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

  2. Check the Thermostat

    Check to see if the thermostat in the room (as applicable) is set too low. Confirm that the thermostat is set above the current room temperature.

    Checking the thermostat

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

  3. Ensure the Proper Slope

    Check to see if the radiator is sloped properly. On one-pipe systems, it should slope slightly toward the end of the radiator with the supply valve and pipe. Shim under the feet of the radiator as needed to achieve a proper pitch of 1 inch for every 10 feet toward the supply valve. On two-pipe systems, the radiators should slope away from the supply valve and toward the return pipe.

    Ensuring the proper radiator slope

    The Spruce / Tessa Cooper

Fixing a Leaking or Hissing Radiator


A constant hissing sound throughout the heating cycle usually means the air vent is not closing at the right time and is failing to trap the steam inside the radiator.

An air vent that's spitting or leaking water may be partially obstructed with mineral deposits or other debris.

For either of these issues, try a good cleaning with vinegar. If that doesn't solve the problem, replace the valve or vent.

FAQ
  • Why is my steam radiator not getting hot?

    A steam radiator that is cold can indicate that the air valve is stuck shut or clogged. Double-check that the thermostat is set at a warm temperature.

  • How do I know if my steam radiator is clogged?

    A clogged steam radiator might make gurgling noises. A hissing sound or a radiator that spits or leaks water also can be a sign that debris or mineral deposits are clogging the system.

  • How do I know if my radiator valves are bad?

    A radiator that isn’t heating properly can be an indicator that a valve is bad. If you’re not able to clean a valve with vinegar to remove corrosion, that might mean it’s time for a replacement. Also, if turning a valve knob doesn’t appear to move the valve itself, that can mean the stem is broken and the part needs replacing.