Building Hardware Resource

Mentioning heating the building in winter, the majority of older homes and some new homes still prefer radiator to warm air thanks to its reliability and convenience and low cost to maintain it. Yet the radiators need to be checked up regularly to permit continuous work all the cold winter. Here we can learn some ideas about how to keep the hot water radiator working properly from Murray Anderson

Bleed the system

Air is likely to get into the closed water system during its off-season. Once it occurs, the space taken up may lead the hot water not to circulate providing as much warmth as intended. To get rid of the air, you can bleed the system during fall.

Start with the radiator at the highest point in the system (i.e. the top floor) or the radiator furthest away from the boiler bleed air out of the system. Make sure all the water supply valves were turned back on, then turn the heat on and wait for the system to heat up. On the top end of the radiator is small air vent (bleed valve) put there so you can get trapped air out of the system. Hold a small cup or a sponge under the valve and open it, either with a screwdriver, a radiator key or perhaps by just turning the handle. Any air trapped in the system will come hissing out, followed by hot water. Once the water starts to come out, close the valve up again.

Check the supply valves for leaking

The ‘packing’ around older pipe connections can wear out or the valve connection may just get a little loose over time. If you see any signs of moisture near the supply valve, first try tightening the valve using an adjustable wrench or slip lock pliers.

If there is still moisture coming out of the valve you can replace the packing (looks like string, and available at home and hardware stores). You should first turn off the supply valve then loosen the connecting nut. Next wrap the new packing tightly around the threads and retighten the connecting nut.

Look for loose pipes

Pipes filled with water will expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. This expansion will cause movement in an unsecured pipe and can cause moaning and groaning sounds or even bangs and crashes from your heating system. The usual causes of these sounds are pipes that have come loose or renovations that have put walls or framing close to pipes.

You can cast off these annoying noises by checking to see that your heating pipes are firmly attached and there is clearance between or around pipes and structures.

Secure any pipes that have come loose and pack insulation around pipes running through holes in studs and joists.

 Besides, most building hardware needs to be checked regularly and maintained well. Thus the home can always make you feel comfy and cozy.