Services / Steam boilers & radiators
Steam heat, fixed at the cause
A cold radiator is rarely a radiator problem. We inspect the whole system (boiler, traps, vents and distribution pipes) to find out why steam isn’t getting where it should.
1Boiler
Heats water until it turns to steam. The steam rises out of the top on its own. There is no pump.
Watch forWater on the floor, or a boiler that keeps shutting off.
2Gauge glass
Shows the water level inside the boiler. It should sit around the middle of the glass.
Watch forA level that is too low, too high, dirty, or bouncing hard.
3Low-water cutoff
Shuts the burner off if the water level drops too low, so the boiler can’t fire dry.
Watch forA boiler that won’t fire, or needs water added often.
4Pressure control
Turns the burner off when steam pressure reaches its setting. Steam heat runs at very low pressure.
Watch forShort cycling, hissing vents, or pressure climbing on the gauge.
5Steam main
The large pipe that carries steam from the boiler across the basement to the risers.
Watch forBanging when the heat comes on. That is usually water sitting in a pipe.
6Main vent
Lets air out of the main so steam can reach every riser quickly.
Watch forRadiators far from the boiler that heat last, or not at all.
7Radiator & air vent
Steam fills the radiator and gives off its heat. The small air vent lets air out, then closes when steam arrives.
Watch forA radiator that stays cold, or a vent that hisses or spits water.
8Condensate return
As steam cools it turns back into water and drains to the boiler to be heated again.
Watch forLeaks along the return line, or a boiler that keeps losing water.
The problems we see most
No heat
Failed steam traps, blocked air vents, incorrect water level or a control failure.
Banging radiators
Trapped water, improperly pitched pipes or faulty traps. Fixed with trap replacement, re-pitching or rebalancing.
Leaks
Corroded sections, failed gaskets, loose fittings or a cracked heat exchanger. Located, repaired and pressure tested.
Frequent cycling
Incorrect pressure settings, a faulty pressuretrol or blocked near-boiler piping.
Only some radiators heating
Air-bound radiators, failed vents, closed valves or an unbalanced system.
Replacement & annual service
Annual inspection and cleaning, or a properly sized new boiler with the NYC permits handled.
Questions
Steam boilers & radiators: common questions
Why is my steam boiler running but the radiators are cold?
Typically failed steam traps or clogged air vents. Steam can’t circulate properly, so the boiler runs while the radiators stay cold. We replace faulty traps and vents to restore even heat.
Why is my steam radiator making noise?
Banging or knocking is water hammer: steam hitting trapped condensate in the pipes. It’s usually fixed by replacing a steam trap or re-pitching the pipe.
Why is my steam boiler leaking?
Corroded sections, worn gaskets, faulty pressure relief valves or loose pipe connections. Turn off the boiler and call us right away. Leaks can get worse quickly and are a safety concern.
What is a steam trap and why does it matter?
A valve that lets condensate leave the system while keeping steam in. When a trap fails open, steam is wasted. When it fails closed, condensate backs up and causes banging, poor heating and potential damage.
How often should a steam boiler be serviced?
Once a year, ideally before heating season. Steam systems need more attention than hot-water systems because of their pressure components and steam traps.
Can you replace my old steam boiler?
Yes. We handle the full job: removing the old unit, sizing the new one for your building, installation and all required NYC permits.