Valve #1 - The plumber installed a brand new varivalve valve on the radiator in my son's room. It worked for about a week, and then there was no heat coming up.
Valve #2 - The plumber returned and replaced the clogged valve with another brand new varivalve. Same thing happened after about a week. We thought the valves might have been defective as this one was clogged too.
Valve #3 - The plumber replaced the 2nd varivalve with another brand valve (not adjustable). It worked for a short time and now this one is clogged too.

What should I do? Thanks for any help.

Hi View1NY:

Well, 3 valves can't be bad so I'm thinking that it could be possible that the steam system is SURGING and putting water up into the radiator which clogs the vent when the water hits the vent.

Is this radiator the closesest radiator to the boiler?

When was the last time the boiler got SKIMMED off (skimming means to float all the gunk off the top layer of water and drain it out iof the system... should be done yearly)?

When was the last time the boiler system was drained and then refilled?

Finally, does this or any other radiator make loud banging sounds when the heat comes on for awhile?

Let me know...

Mark

Thanks, massplumber2008 for your reply.

1. this radiator is the furthest from the boiler, not the closest.

2. the boiler has never been skimmed in the 3 years we've lived here. Our plumber told us that the only maintenance is weekly draining a bucket or 2 of dirty water, and letting it refill. We do this weekly.

3. there are no banging sounds when heat comes on from this or any other radiator

I'd appreciate hearing any ideas you might have.