radiated heating system problem

worthspending · 02-20-2010, 06:03 AM

I have a friend with an "In home" daycare. This is an old home built in 1901. It has a radiated heating system. One of the radiators will not heat. In fact, she claims she has been in the house for over 10 years and it has never worked. I have tried bleeding it. Not much air and the water will come out.

I have no idea where to start. What things should I check? Can a radiator be rebuilt? I was raised in a garage, so, I have some skills. But, no knowledge about these systems. Also, I'm doing this job as charity as it is a friend of my sister. Attached is a pic of the radiator.

I would deeply appreciate any direction.

Thanks

**beenthere** · 02-20-2010, 07:33 AM

Could be the valve isn't opening.
Also could be that the circulator was changed out more then 10 years ago to too small of one, and it can't move enough water against the head pressure.

NHMaster · 02-20-2010, 08:32 AM

I see that it's piped with steel pipe and may have rust and mud clogging the valve and or radiator itself in which case it needs to be removed and flushed. Probably the whole system needs to be flushed as well.