Steam Radiator Operation

It is important that you understand how the heating system in your building works. Water is heated in a boiler until steam forms. The steam rises through the pipes to the radiators and produces heat. As the steam cools, it condenses back into water. The water flows back through the same pipes back to the boiler where it is reheated and the cycle is repeated.

The radiator is there to radiate or give off heat. The valves on the radiators are simply for servicing the radiators.

The radiator valve is not an "on/off" valve.

Radiator valves, even though they have a handle, are not meant to be closed or half-open. Closing or opening the valve partially, will not control the heat coming from your radiator.

Steam radiator valves must remain fully open at all times.

The noisy banging and clanging heard throughout the building is because there is water trapped in the radiators, this is due to the fact that people close or partially close the valves. Once water is trapped in the unit there is a possibility that water may spray from the air vent potentially causing damage to the walls or floors if the valve is turned off or only partially open.

ALL VALVES ON ALL RADIATORS, ARE TO BE LEFT FULLY AND COMPLETELY OPEN AT ALL TIMES

There is only one boiler in the building to supply heat for everyone's heating needs. In consideration of the fact that we do not all have the same needs for heat, many may be warm and others may be cold. If it gets too hot for you, then be creative in trying to cool down - open your windows or takeoff your sweater. But please do not turn off your radiator valves.

People in “steam country” — WATCH THIS VIDEO