manual valve on radiator

[lbowden]

We have old cast iron radiators with manual valves and this morning my husband tried to adjust one of them, and even though he used very little force, the valve stem seemed to have instantly broke in the "on" position, such that boiling water sprayed everywhere (until we drained the system.) See photo //www.diynot.com/network/lbowden/albums/

We are trying to figure out which part(s) of this system need replacing - The stem and cap? The whole fixture? (From what we've gathered online, I think its called the "tail" in the US.) Does anyone have a suggestion how to proceed other than calling a plumber - as its Sunday and the cost of this house is draining us!

 

[Bahco]

Can you not try tightening the stem where the water is leaking

 

[lbowden]

We tried but the stem spins with the knob itself - with zero resistance.

In the meantime, we've run out and purchased a new fitting which includes the stem and valve to replace that whole piece - on nothing but the hunch that a) this is something we complete neophytes can do ourselves and b) this will fix the problem. Any and all suggestions welcome.

 

[Bahco]

Turn off and drain down will apply but your systems are bound to be different so be careful what you are doing and may be cheaper to call someone out.