Steam heat

[EngTeach]

I have steam heat generated through oil. My one radiator bangs ridiculousy. The radiator is tipped towards the pipe. It also releases a tremedous amount of steam that turns to water. So much so that the carpet becomes very wet. It actually deposited an inch of water in a plastic storage bin I had near it ruining some Christmas presents. Can this be fixed or do I need a new radiator? The heat also is very uneven in the house: some rooms become stifling while others are actually cold. Thanks for any insight.

[carrust]

Does the radiator have one of these fitted to it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_trap

[EngTeach]

It has a silver valve that the steam escapes from, but is placed high and on the opposite end of the floor connection. I don't think it is the trap described on link.

[buildersmate]

I'm not clear what this is - is it domestic CH but fed to you via a District Heating System, whereby the central oil-fired boiler drives all the neighbours around?
Either way, I don't understand why there should be steam in the pipes. This implies a radiator surface at 100 degrees C and an instant skin burn if you touch it.
Please clarify.

[carrust]

After re-reading the post i'm a bit confused. If it's a domestic heating system the steam should go through a heat exchanger first (the steam heats water, then the water heats your house) If this is so, then I think you've got major problems. I'd call-in a heating engineer ASAP!

[EngTeach]

I have an oil tank that feeds the oil to the boiler that then distributes the heat. I am in U.S. , so perhaps the systems are a bit different. I will call the plumber/heating company. Just what I need 10 days before Christmas.

Thanks for answering

[Hard@it]

Sounds like you are in USA, and possibly have a steam vacuum system which requires a vacum trap. Your system probably works on a 1lb of steam and as it sounds it is in a permanent vacuum. Where are you, as there are very few of these systems in UK

[buildersmate]

Yup, the UK doesn't use these systems for domestic heating - doubt how they would meet Building Control Regulations.

[Hard@it]

Eng Teach, how about an answer !!