Replace the Packing

When Bessie's really got the water hot, the steam system is highly pressurized. She builds up so much pressure that steam will burst from any minor leak. The radiator in the guest room had a leak from the stem of the supply valve. I looked at this video for a repair demonstration. Pretty simple.

Remove the cap. Remove the packing nut. See that inside the nut the old gasket, packing or rubber seal is worn away. Replace the packing, winding it around the base of the stem. Press the nut down hard over the packing, then twist it tight. Screw the handle back into place.








PS
I realized today a supply valve has the shape of a mushroom.