First World Problems...

Steam heating systems are robust...they last forever, in part because they are so simple. But they also need some maintenance, and bleeding the air out of the system is one of those things that needs to be done.

Unless your bleed valve looks like mine! One side of the system (it's split into two parts) gurgles like a drunken hobo guzzling Mad Dog 20-20. And it's not the noise that's the worst part; obviously it isn't heating as efficiently, and since I am a cheap bastard, every gurgle is a reminder that my obscenely expensive heating costs (thanks to the leftists in NJ state government) will be just a bit more.

And to top it off, the radiator is behind a decorative panel with an access opening designed for someone with petite hands who can see in the dark.

My best option is probably to rip out the steam system, rip up the floors, install radiant heat, and install new hardwood floors. Or maybe do it the other way...rip out the ceilings and install radiant from underneath.

Or...of course...just burn it down and start over!

Posted by: CBD at 02:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 02:00 PM (Ia/+0)

2 2?

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 22, 2026 02:02 PM (1o8D5)

3 When you're hot, you're hot!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 22, 2026 02:02 PM (1o8D5)

4 (Our nation's decaying infrastructure)

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:03 PM (Qa1ZC)

5 CBD answered hos own question

Found yesterday had a big maple branch down across my compost bin, my fence and neighbors fence. Emergency chainsawing then.

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 02:04 PM (Ia/+0)

6 7!

Posted by: LASue at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (mFhj8)

7 7!

Posted by: LASue at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (mFhj8)

8 My best option is probably to rip out the steam system, rip up the floors, install radiant heat, and install new hardwood floors.
==

People who have it like radiant heating. It's great in bathrooms and under tile. Especially to curl up for a nap on warm tile after purging.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (RIvkX)

9 All infrastructure everywhere is always decaying. Always working to stay one step ahead.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (Qa1ZC)

10 6 7!

Posted by: LASue at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (mFhj

4
-

No!

Please!

Not that!!!!

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (1o8D5)

11 I have heard of this "steam heat", but where I live, radiators are in our trucks, and our hands are manly.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2026 02:06 PM (vFG9F)

12 People who have it like radiant heating.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (RIvkX)

I have radiant heat in part of the house (an addition).

It's fantastic, although it responds very slowly to thermostat changes, so it isn't perfect.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:06 PM (n9ltV)

13 Pretty fond of the wood stoves...nice to back up to when coming in from the cold...lots more work, though ..

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:06 PM (Qa1ZC)

14 It's 83 here right now. Not warm enough to start shedding shirts yet, but fine for those who wish to remain pantless.

Posted by: fd at March 22, 2026 02:08 PM (vFG9F)

15 And Thursday had septic system pumped but being 1970s technology it can't be cleaned as a 2000 technology, so guy suggested digging it up and changing a 6 in to a 24 " cleanout.
So digging is in my near future.

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 02:08 PM (Ia/+0)

16 I have radiant heat in part of the house (an addition).

It's fantastic, although it responds very slowly to thermostat changes, so it isn't perfect.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo

Radiant heat is definitely for setting your base indoor temperature.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at March 22, 2026 02:08 PM (HZLgH)

17 Time to sell.

Posted by: Always the default answer at March 22, 2026 02:09 PM (2Ez/1)

18 9 All infrastructure everywhere is always decaying. Always working to stay one step ahead.
Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM

I never sleep!

Posted by: The Second Law of Thermodynamics at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (2Ez/1)

19 When the hobo moves to Night train is when you have to worry.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (zZu0s)

20 8 People who have it like radiant heating. It's great in bathrooms and under tile. Especially to curl up for a nap on warm tile after purging.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (RIvkX)

... after purging ...?

Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (+YA9H)

21 Time to sell.

Posted by: Always the default answer at March 22, 2026 02:09 PM (2Ez/1)

Nope.

"Fire" is always the default!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:11 PM (n9ltV)

22 Housing and transportation are costs, not assets.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:11 PM (Qa1ZC)

23 Just finished baking. Now the place smells like warm brownies. A nice FWP to have.

Posted by: Tuna at March 22, 2026 02:12 PM (lJ0H4)

24 Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (RIvkX)

... after purging ...?
Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (+YA9H)

San Fran is a 16 year old girl watching her weight who has not gotten her parents to spring for Ozempic. Old ways.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:12 PM (zZu0s)

25 the radiator is behind a decorative panel with an access opening designed for someone with petite hands who can see in the dark.
------------
Access panel soon to be suggested access panel.

Posted by: scampydog at March 22, 2026 02:13 PM (41CYW)

26 >>Pretty fond of the wood stoves...nice to back up to when coming in from the cold...lots more work, though ..

My dad was a wood stove fanatic. They had 2 in their Vermont home and my dad wasn't content unless it was ridiculously hot in the house. Like Africa hot.

Fortunately for him he had a reliable source of labor to split wood. Me.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 22, 2026 02:14 PM (viF8m)

27 24 Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM (RIvkX)

... after purging ...?
Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (+YA9H)

San Fran is a 16 year old girl watching her weight who has not gotten her parents to spring for Ozempic. Old ways.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:12 PM (zZu0s)

ewww

Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:14 PM (+YA9H)

28 Time to sell.
Posted by: Always the default answer at March 22, 2026 02:09 PM (2Ez/1)
=====
I saw a video by a local realtor who reports there is so much cash flooding into residential real estate here from AI industry people that most home purchases are now cash only and that prices here are very inelastic to interest rates. Prices are up on average 12% YOY for single family homes.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:14 PM (RIvkX)

29 cleaned as a 2000 technology
_-_
Unfamiliar with that, Skip. What do they do, powerwash the inside? Digging out a septic sure sounds like a shitty job(There. somebody was gonna say it.)

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:14 PM (Qa1ZC)

30 Don't rip out that system!!!
Heatinghelp dot com
Dan Holohan and friends ( clammy, steamhead, hotrod et al.) will steer you straight.
Your patience will be rewarded, espically during the shoulder seasons.
1. Steam
2. Hot water radiant- hydronic
3. Scorched Air

Posted by: Honest Abe at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (zyVyG)

31 CBD, I don't see a valve here at all. I see a small slotted plug, and a huge hex-headed plug. Presume "cracking" either one would let air escape. Both appear to be real crusty, and locked up solid.

My suggestion? let the system cool to relieve pressure, and drill and tap the middle of the big plug for a 1/8" National Pipe thread. Screw in a short 1/8" nipple, and attach a nice little 1/8" brass and stainless ball valve. Maybe 20 bucks for the whole schmear at your local big-box store. Throw in a small tube of pipe joint compound, too. Put an elbow and nipple on the outlet of the valve, so you can hang a catch can for all the crap that blasts out when you bleed it.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (8zz6B)

32 Access panel soon to be suggested access panel.

Posted by: scampydog at March 22, 2026 02:13 PM (41CYW)

It would be a big mess to remove and replace. I am going to try to wiggle my hand in with a short screwdriver and hope that the slotted fitting on the left is the purge valve.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (n9ltV)

33
I have a cast iron Vogalzang wood stove I use for my sauna; I can count on it getting a 6 x 10 area really hot in a half hour.

Wood cabin heating with a small stove is a different matter; requiring what seems like constant attention.

Posted by: Auspex at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (Y8DZL)

34 San Fran is a 16 year old girl watching her weight who has not gotten her parents to spring for Ozempic.
=====
I don't feel pretty.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:16 PM (RIvkX)

35 Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (8zz6B)

That makes sense, but access is the issue. I took that photo with my phone stuck inside a 4" wide opening.

I really don't want to remove the panel to get at the radiator. That requires finish carpentry to reinstall...or probably just replace.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:17 PM (n9ltV)

36 Decades ago I looked at a house that was heated by coal. There was a set of doors outside that opened up to a chute that ran down into the basement were the furnace was. The coal was deposited into a large bin with a trap door that fed a mechanical "belt" that deposited the coal into the furnace.

Very messy. Did not buy the house.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at March 22, 2026 02:18 PM (AkEZC)

37 32 Access panel soon to be suggested access panel.

Posted by: scampydog at March 22, 2026 02:13 PM (41CYW)

It would be a big mess to remove and replace. I am going to try to wiggle my hand in with a short screwdriver and hope that the slotted fitting on the left is the purge valve.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:15 PM (n9ltV)

Error code 403: access denied.

Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:18 PM (+YA9H)

38 Fortunately for him he had a reliable source of labor to split wood. Me.
_-_
Yeah, my family is way more cheerful when we've been out cutting firewood than when they sit inside. Seems to be good for them overall.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:18 PM (Qa1ZC)

39 Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:16 PM (RIvkX)

I'm heading out to my local Chabad to pick up my Matzah Shmurah. I feel so virtuous!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:18 PM (n9ltV)

40
My suggestion? let the system cool to relieve pressure, and drill and tap the middle of the big plug for a 1/8" National Pipe thread. Screw in a short 1/8" nipple, and attach a nice little 1/8" brass and stainless ball valve. Maybe 20 bucks for the whole schmear at your local big-box store. Throw in a small tube of pipe joint compound, too. Put an elbow and nipple on the outlet of the valve, so you can hang a catch can for all the crap that blasts out when you bleed it.

Where's the fun in that. Put a big valve with a lever to open it on there, and then, when it's time to bleed it, you can pretend you're firing torpedoes. What's life without imagination?

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 02:19 PM (Riz8t)

41 What AOP said: My suggestion? let the system cool to relieve pressure, and drill and tap the middle of the big plug for a 1/8" National Pipe thread. Screw in a short 1/8" nipple, and attach a nice little 1/8" brass and stainless ball valve. Maybe 20 bucks for the whole schmear at your local big-box store. Throw in a small tube of pipe joint compound, too. Put an elbow and nipple on the outlet of the valve, so you can hang a catch can for all the crap that blasts out when you bleed it.

What will happen: the drill goes through both sides of the pipe. The pipe bends and rips off its fittings and twists around the bit. No nipple, no ball valve, no catch can and all the crap blasts out on the walls and floor.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:19 PM (RIvkX)

42 Problem he says is trying to get to all parts of a tank, 4 feet down through a 6 inch pipe. One can't maneuver the end around..

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 02:19 PM (Ia/+0)

43 I'm heading out to my local Chabad to pick up my Matzah Shmurah. I feel so virtuous!

I feel ya, brother. I'm heading to Wegman's to pick up some sesame paste.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 02:20 PM (Riz8t)

44 I’ve never lived with a steam heating system, because I don’t think any place south of the mason Dixon line has them.

I can see their benefits, but also their minuses; remember reading of one town in Siberia for which the Soviets had built one large steam plant to supply every building in town. What could go wrong?

Posted by: Tom Servo at March 22, 2026 02:21 PM (M1V8X)

45 I'm heading out to my local Chabad to pick up my Matzah Shmurah. I feel so virtuous!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:18 PM (n9ltV)
=====

OK keep an eye on those people. Because, well, you know.
*looks over top rims of glasses*

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:21 PM (RIvkX)

46 Wood cabin heating with a small stove is a different matter; requiring what seems like constant attention.
_-_
Yeah, not the best thing for above-ground living. My place is concrete and half-buried. Mucho thermal mass.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:21 PM (Qa1ZC)

47 And this last two weeks truck had its rear parts all replaced
It was a expensive week

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 02:22 PM (Ia/+0)

48 "I am going to try to wiggle my hand in with a short screwdriver and hope that the slotted fitting on the left is the purge valve."

+++
Perhaps soak it with a penetrant such as PB Blaster first.

Posted by: The Second Law of Thermodynamics at March 22, 2026 02:22 PM (2Ez/1)

49 the Soviets had built one large steam plant to supply every building in town.

Posted by: Tom Servo at March 22, 2026 02:21 PM (M1V8X)

NYC still has a central steam system, I think only in Manhattan. Supposedly it works well.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:22 PM (n9ltV)

50 And this last two weeks truck had its rear parts all replaced

That...sounds awful!

Posted by: Pete Buttigieg at March 22, 2026 02:22 PM (Riz8t)

51 I'm still hoping to whine up a brisket for seder. Mrs. F. is insisting on chicken for some reason.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:23 PM (RIvkX)

52 Mucho thermal mass.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:21 PM (Qa1ZC)

Perfect for radiant!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:23 PM (n9ltV)

53 Perhaps soak it with a penetrant such as PB Blaster first.

That...sounds delightful.

Posted by: Pete Buttigieg at March 22, 2026 02:24 PM (Riz8t)

54 I'm still hoping to whine up a brisket for seder. Mrs. F. is insisting on chicken for some reason.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:23 PM (RIvkX)

Check Wild Fork Foods. They have deals, they ship, and their whole trimmed brisket is excellent. That's what I'm making, but then I am a real Jew, unlike you SF Bay poseurs.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:24 PM (n9ltV)

55
Is it too early to ask Beserker how he likes his new heating system?

Posted by: BifBewalski - at March 22, 2026 02:24 PM (QVmho)

56 Perfect for radiant!
_-_
Sure would be. The place was half-built when I bought it, so I kept going the original direction. Also off-grid with a lot of dead piñon around - figured I have a lot of wood to remove one way or the other.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:26 PM (Qa1ZC)

57 CBD The last choice is your best bet!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at March 22, 2026 02:27 PM (MZJrA)

58
I live in a packing crate. I use a candle for both heat and light. What I'm saying is, that like you, I'm a homeowner. Let's compare notes on minimizing heating costs.

Posted by: Man About Town at March 22, 2026 02:28 PM (azNOR)

59 19 When the hobo moves to Night train is when you have to worry.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:10 PM (zZu0s)

This gave me a "Night Moves" earworm!

Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:29 PM (+YA9H)

60 earworm!
_-_
Ivermectin?

Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (Qa1ZC)

61 My best option is probably to rip out the steam system, rip up the floors, install radiant heat, and install new hardwood floors. Or maybe do it the other way...rip out the ceilings and install radiant from underneath.

Or...of course...just burn it down and start over!

FIRE CAN'T MELT CAST IRON STEAMPIPES! GOOGLE IT!!!

Posted by: Rosie O'Donut, Metallurgy Expert at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (TbWk/)

62 We have single pipe steam. Our radiators have a valve that vents the excess water as it warms up. HD sells them.
Check your steam layout, that 10$ part may be what’s missing

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (8jVAy)

63 I am going to try to wiggle my hand in with a short screwdriver and hope that the slotted fitting on the left is the purge valve.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
-----

A product called "PB Blaster" is your friend. Penetrating oil with a kick. Stinks but very effective. Spray & let soak a while before trying to turn the fitting.

Posted by: JQ at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (rdVOm)

64 I really don't want to remove the panel to get at the radiator. That requires finish carpentry to reinstall...or probably just replace.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:17 PM (n9ltV)

Well, your choice is live with the gurgles, or bite the bullet, and remove the access panel. Removing either one of those plugs is going to require massive force.

Now I can see one pretty sure way of removing the small plug. Find a hex nut that will kinda-sorta screw onto the exposed end of the plug. Clean the exposed end of the plug with a wire wheel, thread the nut onto it, and then use a MIG welder to weld that sucker on there. Have a water sprayer on hand, in case sparks start a fire; wouldn't hurt to have a wet towel on the floor under the work area, either. Have several nuts on hand, since the first weld will likely break. Repeated heat/cool cycles will break the rust bond between the plug and the radiator, and sooner or later, the plug will unscrew readily. Then you can install nipple of the right size and ball valve in the hole.

I would avoid trying to remove the large plug. It might be so stuck that the force needed to budge it would break one of the pipe connections.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (8zz6B)

65 Night Train in G&R

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:31 PM (8jVAy)

66 This gave me a "Night Moves" earworm!
Posted by: m at March 22, 2026 02:29 PM (+YA9H)

Is that the one where Bob Segar not only sings "She had points of her own, way up firm and high..." but also rhymes the word "soul" with..."soul"?

Posted by: Denny Crane - Not His Best! at March 22, 2026 02:32 PM (dmDsy)

67 34 San Fran is a 16 year old girl watching her weight who has not gotten her parents to spring for Ozempic.
=====
I don't feel pretty.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at March 22, 2026 02:16 PM (RIvkX)

What about witty? Or gay?

Posted by: West Side Psycho Story at March 22, 2026 02:32 PM (TbWk/)

68 Yes, *now* I see #48...

Posted by: JQ at March 22, 2026 02:32 PM (rdVOm)

69 Fire? Just make sure, really sure, that it looks like an accident.

My next door neighbor suffered a fire in the kitchen while they were not home.

They are blaming the cats.

Posted by: no one of any consquence at March 22, 2026 02:33 PM (qFwJc)

70 I feel ya, brother. I'm heading to Wegman's to pick up some sesame paste.
Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 02:20 PM

Had to do that recently. Cold garlic sesame noodles are a Lenten staple with me.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 22, 2026 02:34 PM (Wnv9h)

71 Instead of finish carpentry, you could just "hang" a Lucien Freud painting over the radiator.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:34 PM (8zz6B)

72 Ivermectin? Thanks for the reminder for me to take my regular dose.

Posted by: no one of any consquence at March 22, 2026 02:34 PM (qFwJc)

73 Heat is over rated.
*puts on another sweater*

Posted by: Diogenes at March 22, 2026 02:37 PM (2WIwB)

74 I don't believe that steam heat radiators A) operate under pressure or B) need to be bled. Only forced hot water radiators have these characteristics.

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/enuJ)

75 If you followed the O&M manual you would have been bleeding it yearly.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/lPRQ)

76 Huh. Amazon has a listing for 'Ivermectin tablets for person'.

Thats odd wording.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:39 PM (zZu0s)

77 75 If you followed the O&M manual you would have been bleeding it yearly.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/lPRQ)

Bleeding is required much more often to keep the humours in balance.

Posted by: Galen at March 22, 2026 02:39 PM (TbWk/)

78 Heat is over rated.
*puts on another sweater*
Posted by: Diogenes at March 22, 2026 02:37 PM (2WIwB)

80 degrees here. I am wearing shorts. I always feel odd in shorts.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 02:40 PM (zZu0s)

79 All infrastructure everywhere is always decaying. Posted by: Don in SoCo at March 22, 2026 02:05 PM

Except for me, of course.

Posted by: Minx 0.8 beta at March 22, 2026 02:40 PM (YZ4Rb)

80 If you followed the O&M manual you would have been bleeding it yearly.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/lPRQ)

Bleeding is required much more often to keep the humours in balance.

I'm a leeches guy, myself.

Posted by: Hippocrates at March 22, 2026 02:41 PM (Riz8t)

81 *puts on another sweater*
Posted by: Diogenes at March 22, 2026 02:37 PM

A man after my own heart.

Posted by: zombie Lana Turner at March 22, 2026 02:42 PM (YZ4Rb)

82 Radiator should be pitched so the water will head back to the boiler.

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:44 PM (8jVAy)

83 Our pressure relief valves are 8lbs.

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:45 PM (8jVAy)

84 and sooner or later
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM

love is gonna get 'cha.
Love is gonna win!

Posted by: Earl Everett at March 22, 2026 02:46 PM (YZ4Rb)

85 Check your steam layout, that 10$ part may be what’s missing

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:30 PM (8jVAy)

I have one on the other side of the system! And it works well. That's probably going to be the fix...installing one on the other side.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:46 PM (n9ltV)

86 The yearly maintenance for the Generac will be in April.

About $260 Canadian.
Yeah, that's a first world problem....

Posted by: Stateless at March 22, 2026 02:47 PM (Sco7b)

87 Probably. Google images of steam heat systems. Lots of info. I love our steam heat.

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 02:48 PM (8jVAy)

88 I don't believe that steam heat radiators A) operate under pressure or B) need to be bled.

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/enuJ)

How does the steam get to the second floor radiators?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 22, 2026 02:50 PM (n9ltV)

89 I second Heatinghelp dot com. Great help. Stream is pretty cool.

Posted by: Bob at March 22, 2026 02:51 PM (7KgT/)

90 >>How does the steam get to the second floor radiators?

Magnets.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 22, 2026 02:51 PM (viF8m)

91 Is steam a northeast type of thing?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 22, 2026 02:51 PM (Cqx++)

92 How does the steam get to the second floor radiators?

Transporters?

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 02:51 PM (Riz8t)

93 "my dad wasn't content unless it was ridiculously hot in the house"

My dad's favorite activity in winter at his condo overlooking DC was to sit in his living room in his boxers, watching it snow, while drinking scotch.

It wasn't until I was grown that I wondered if that was a result of a story he told me about service in the ETO in WW II (inc Battle of the Bulge) about going 22 days without washing or shaving, and sleeping outside.

The fact that he quite firmly declined all childhood attempts to get him to go camping ("I am NEVER going camping. The answer is NO") should have been a bigger clue, maybe?

Posted by: barbarausa at March 22, 2026 02:52 PM (enw9G)

94 Apropos:

https://youtu.be/r5aqXFR_MGg

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 02:52 PM (8zz6B)

95 Dildo, you're not making your own artisanal matzo? For shame!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 22, 2026 02:53 PM (kpS4V)

96 You people. With your steam and your Moby grape.

We had it figured out 2000 years ago!

Posted by: Roman Hypocausts at March 22, 2026 02:54 PM (zZu0s)

97 Steam Heat!

https://is.gd/GQbYyT

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at March 22, 2026 02:54 PM (ndZc7)

98 I like really need like gluten free matza. Also, is the soup going to be like vegan?

Posted by: Muffy Cuthbertson-Klein from Groton, CT at March 22, 2026 02:56 PM (RIvkX)

99 What AOP said.
or the cheap try WD40, brush the screw head clean, rig some kluge onto a screwdriver and play Turn me loose.

I've got a little socket wrench open hex driver that screw driver bits fit thru that does the implausible turns sometimes. IDK where I got it though.

Posted by: DaveA at March 22, 2026 02:58 PM (FhXTo)

100 Also, like that part of the story like about the like first born son? Yah like that rully upset Alois last year like maybe like we say like first born child? Yah.

Posted by: Muffy Cuthbertson-Klein from Groton, CT at March 22, 2026 02:58 PM (RIvkX)

101 Hakeem Jeffries, lowering the temperature. What a histrionic little maroon.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries just criticized Trump for sending in ICE to try to relieve the bottleneck at airports caused by the shutdown. He told CNN's Dana Bash that ICE may "brutalize or in some instances, kill" people at airports...

https://is.gd/EaYJ3e

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 02:58 PM (Riz8t)

102 This FWP has me steamed.

I could just burst

Posted by: First World Fish Puns at March 22, 2026 02:59 PM (eCt/m)

103 Many years ago I was renting a ground floor apartment with steam heat. The feeder line ruptured just next to the building (right beside my apartment). My bathroom tile heated up to the point that I would almost burn my feet getting to the shower. On the plus side, it was winter, and the bathroom was GREAT sauna for about a week until they could repair the feeder.

-SLV

Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at March 22, 2026 02:59 PM (7kJyR)

104 85 degrees here in Winston Salem -- running the AC in March.

Re. radiant heat in bathroom floors -- I disapprove, for one reason: When I'm Out on the Tiles (Led Zeppelin reference) first figuratively, and then later literally, I appreciate the nice cool tiles.

It's like a gentle ice pack, placed by a loving hand (the only such solace I'll usually receive in that situation, as the wife generally disapproves and rarely even offers a blanket as I pass out on the bathroom floor.)

Plus those evenings on the tiles are like indoor camping, and if you heat the tiles you'll lose the spirit of adventure.

Posted by: Pastafarian at March 22, 2026 02:59 PM (sifs3)

105 CBD, you know the answer.

Burn it down!!!!!!!

Posted by: Pete Bog at March 22, 2026 03:00 PM (eCt/m)

106 >>Is steam a northeast type of thing?

The island of Manhattan has, or at least had, the largest steam system in the world.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 22, 2026 03:00 PM (viF8m)

107 Radiant heat is definitely for setting your base indoor temperature.
Posted by: FeatherBlade

And it keeps the ground below the slab nice and toasty warm for the critters that burrow under the house. (if you have a SOG).

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 03:00 PM (/lPRQ)

108 Iran rejected President Trump threat to let the straight open

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 03:01 PM (Ia/+0)

109 It is a good point that ice might be able to catch illegals at airports.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 03:02 PM (zZu0s)

110 Temu Obama knows that his crazies will attack ICE in the airports.
My FWP is my daughter. She’s on the spectrum and loves to play with slime. She got a bucket of some yesterday and improved it with half a can of Barbasol. House smells like Barbasol.

Posted by: Accomack at March 22, 2026 03:02 PM (8jVAy)

111 This'll get Extreme Hakeem steamed.

Senate Votes to Require Members of Congress to Stand in TSA Security Lines Like Everyone Else

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at March 22, 2026 03:03 PM (ndZc7)

112 The NYC steam system, managed primarily by Con Edison, has been in operation since 1882, making it the oldest and largest district heating system in the United States. Originally started by the New York Steam Company, it merged with Consolidated Edison in 1954. The system was designed to provide centralized heating for Manhattan’s growing skyscrapers, using steam to efficiently transfer heat vertically within buildings. Today, it serves from Battery Park to 96th Street on the west side and 89th Street on the east side, with roughly 27 billion pounds of steam flowing annually.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 03:04 PM (zZu0s)

113 Ace can give you a reasonable quote on shelves.

Posted by: The Man from Athens at March 22, 2026 03:04 PM (6+bWn)

114 This'll get Extreme Hakeem steamed.

Senate Votes to Require Members of Congress to Stand in TSA Security Lines Like Everyone Else

Nice. Perhaps some of them are actually learning from Trump.

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 03:04 PM (Riz8t)

115 The NYC steam system is a centralized, high-pressure network that has been heating Manhattan for over a century. It combines historical engineering with modern efficiency upgrades, serving residential, commercial, and institutional buildings while offering opportunities for energy savings and carbon reduction through system modernization.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 03:05 PM (zZu0s)

116 Hello, Horde! 😊💕

What the neck is steam heat? Radiators?

In any event, "The Mushroom Factor" always comes into play on home improvement projects - no matter how small or easy or cheap the original project is, it always "mushrooms" into something bigger, harder, and more expensive than originally planned. That kitchen faucet replacement always ends up with new cabinets, if not a complete kitchen remodel....

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, AoSHQ's Plucky Wee One - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at March 22, 2026 03:06 PM (SRRAx)

117 I 'memember me those things from grammar skewel in N.O. … like the song's lyrics mimicked: "ssssssssssss-steam heat!" … thing is, they never kept anyone actually warm - or even 'warm'-ish … they sucked. And they smelled bad, too …

Posted by: Dr_No at March 22, 2026 03:06 PM (ayRl+)

118 Always cracks me up in the city ( Philadelphia) with steam grates in the sidewalks. Homeless sleep on them in the winter

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 03:08 PM (Ia/+0)

119 @ 112 The NYC steam system, managed primarily by Con Edison, has been in operation since 1882, making it the oldest and largest district heating system in the United States. Originally started by the New York Steam Company, it merged with Consolidated Edison in 1954. The system was designed to provide centralized heating for Manhattan’s growing skyscrapers, using steam to efficiently transfer heat vertically within buildings. Today, it serves from Battery Park to 96th Street on the west side and 89th Street on the east side, with roughly 27 billion pounds of steam flowing annually.
_________________________________________________

Yeah yeah yeah … let's see how long it holds up without routine maintenance and a skilled set of operators, etc under the brand-new Muzzificator 'mayor' of Noo Yawk … I'm thinkin' two years, max … scale builds up fast if it's not treated for …

Posted by: Dr_No at March 22, 2026 03:09 PM (ayRl+)

120 NYC still has a central steam system, I think only in Manhattan. Supposedly it works well.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo

They maintain it for the bums.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 03:10 PM (/lPRQ)

121 Mine is gas-fired boiler, hot water, with baseboard 'radiators'. Three, count 'em, three zones. Enough copper piping to restablish the penny. So many joints that I doubt that I could count them. Three circulator pumps to accomodate the zones.

Oh, and all of it almost 70 years old. I know that CBD's is older yet. At any rate, it all generates a cacophony of subtle noises. Those are generally not noticeable during the day, but in the deep silence of night, they are. I lie in bed and hold my breath hoping for no unusual squeaks, clicking, or circulating water noise. I visit the basement, and pray that there will be no unexplained puddles of water anywhere.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 22, 2026 03:11 PM (XeU6L)

122 Throughout the summary that bing provided, I noted the word coal did not appear once. They say a large proportion of it is natural gas, but say parts are 'dual fuel'. Well, what's the other fuel?

Bing scavenger that from some government website I am guessing which is why it is happy clappy.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 03:13 PM (zZu0s)

123 … scale builds up fast if it's not treated for …
Posted by: Dr_No at March 22, 2026 03:09 PM (ayRl+)

The malign influence of the Lizard People.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 03:13 PM (8zz6B)

124 Oh, and all of it almost 70 years old. I know that CBD's is older yet. At any rate, it all generates a cacophony of subtle noises. Those are generally not noticeable during the day, but in the deep silence of night, they are. I lie in bed and hold my breath hoping for no unusual squeaks, clicking, or circulating water noise. I visit the basement, and pray that there will be no unexplained puddles of water anywhere.

Wait, are we talking about steam heat or my body?

Posted by: Archimedes at March 22, 2026 03:14 PM (Riz8t)

125 I visit the basement, and pray that there will be no unexplained puddles of water anywhere.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 22, 2026 03:11 PM (XeU6L)

If you had a puppy, at least there would be an explanation...

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 22, 2026 03:15 PM (8zz6B)

126 My best option is probably to rip out the steam system, rip up the floors, install radiant heat, and install new hardwood floors. Or maybe do it the other way...rip out the ceilings and install radiant from underneath.

Or...of course...just burn it down and start over!

--
Move to the tropics

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at March 22, 2026 03:17 PM (znREB)

127 It is a good point that ice might be able to catch illegals at airports.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

There goes all the baggage handlers.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at March 22, 2026 03:18 PM (/lPRQ)

128 It’s gorgeous outside today - 73, sunny, little breeze. It’s our weekend of spring! 77 tomorrow. But the AC has been on already this year, we have a lot of humidity here. And right now pollen. It’s crazy.

Posted by: Piper at March 22, 2026 03:18 PM (hftzA)

129 Now that's idiot Tump screwed ups Iran place we needs Presdent Obana moor then ever to fix this probelim.

Posted by: Mary Cloggistein from Brattleboro, Vt at March 22, 2026 03:21 PM (PmsaC)

130 88 I don't believe that steam heat radiators A) operate under pressure or B) need to be bled.

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at March 22, 2026 02:38 PM (/enuJ)

How does the steam get to the second floor radiators?

I stand corrected, there is maybe 1.5 psi max pressure but the steam condenses and flows back to the boiler so there is no need to bleed the radiators.

Posted by: Admirale's Mate at March 22, 2026 03:21 PM (/enuJ)

131 It's Spring. Turn off the heat.

Posted by: Frugal Freda at March 22, 2026 03:22 PM (oftw2)

132 They're formin' in a straight line
They're goin' through a tight wind
The kids are losin' their minds
The Blitzkrieg Bop
They're pilin' in the back seat
They're generatin' steam heat
Pulsatin' to the backbeat
The Blitzkrieg Bop

My First World Problem du jour is bitching because I'm exhausted, hurting some, and pissing through a tube coming out of my dick, the reason for which is that a First World Doctor finished cutting out my cancer this week.

I'm grateful, but I could be just as grateful without that tube. It's supposed to come out by the end of the week...

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at March 22, 2026 03:27 PM (IG3/x)

133 It got to 70 here but not supported to see that again until Thursday

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 03:27 PM (Ia/+0)

134 I have to blow off excess pressure myself. I usually do it when no one else is in the room.

Posted by: Billy's Blow-Hole at March 22, 2026 03:28 PM (oftw2)

135 Tubi seems to be playing more commercials than I recall. About every 20 minutes or so during movies. Still a great service.

And the hamsters at CodePink's website seem to be taking Sunday off. I was hoping to catch up on their latest great victories and maybe see some pics of protest babes.

That's all my complaining. Back to picking up dog crap.

Posted by: Stateless at March 22, 2026 03:29 PM (Sco7b)

136 You should be able to run a sawmill off a steam system like that, or at least a rudimentary lathe.

Posted by: Handy Capable at March 22, 2026 03:30 PM (oftw2)

137 I'm grateful, but I could be just as grateful without that tube. It's supposed to come out by the end of the week...

Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at March 22, 2026 03:27 PM (IG3/

May recovery be quick and easier than you can imagine.

Posted by: Stateless at March 22, 2026 03:31 PM (Sco7b)

138 I learned yesterday that Tsa folks get free flights as a job perk with 20 hours/week of work. That's a pretty nice perk!

Posted by: LASue at March 22, 2026 03:31 PM (mFhj8)

139 I learned yesterday that Tsa folks get free flights as a job perk with 20 hours/week of work. That's a pretty nice perk!
Posted by: LASue at March 22, 2026 03:31 PM (mFhj

I dunno. Kind of seems like a punishment.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 22, 2026 03:32 PM (zZu0s)

140 Just got done watching 1944, a Estonian movie I presume. Very sad but well done.
Starts with Estonian troops on German side t hen after a fight with Estonian on Russian side switches following them.

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 03:36 PM (Ia/+0)

141 On Tubi

Posted by: Skip at March 22, 2026 03:37 PM (Ia/+0)

142
Steam heat can be used to run "absorption cycle" air conditioning. It has lower thermodynamic efficiency than the mechanical freon type, but if a cheap heat source is available, it makes sense to do it that way.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at March 22, 2026 03:37 PM (azNOR)

143 it always "mushrooms" into something bigger, harder, and more expensive than originally planned.
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth

The Paolo, he thought he was quite reasonably priced?

Posted by: Paolo at March 22, 2026 03:38 PM (VHUov)

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