Best Of
Re: soldering vs brazing of ac unit
Flux the pole not the hole.
Been using SB 8 for 40 years. No issues, easy component changes.
pecmsg
Re: Issues with steam system after work completed
@SarahFrazerEddy you are being bamboozled. Boiler additives will not make one one iota of a difference. There are many things that can cause water to leave the boiler. But having it not come back is unheard of. Even in the most perfect system, water, in the form of steam, will leave the boiler. But it is obviously supposed to come back. This is a major major mess up. You need a return and there's no two ways about it. There was a return there before, and there must be a way to put a return there now. There are many different ways to skin a cat, but skinning a hog is not one of them.
Can you post some pictures of your boiler piping and more importantly, the steam main?
Re: Why is my condensate tank pump coming when the boiler is not running
You probably have a bad check valve in the boiler feed pipe between the pump and the boiler. Even though the boiler is off some water is leaking from the boiler back into the condensate tank. The check valve is supposed to stop this backflow and its probably leaking by. When the water level in the boiler drops the control on the boiler starts the pump to replenish the boiler as it is supposed to do.
I can see the check valve in the picture. Coming off the pump you have a ball valve then a union then the pipe turns up into the check valve.
Re: Issues with steam system after work completed
As others have mentioned you plumber has no clue what he is doing. Sticking with him wouldn't be an option for me.
He is basically robbing you and should stick to sinks and toilets if he can even do that right. You need one of the contractors posted above. Every one of them is excellent.
If the returns leak of course the boiler will lose water and shut down.
The choices are to repipe the return above the floor and it is possible a pump may be needed.
You want to keep the steam your boiler is only 8 years old. If you switch to hot air you will probably regret it. This is a fixable situation
Re: Issues with steam system after work completed
" We were away while the work was done, so upon arrival, decision was made based on some of the existing set up, to vent the mains and not repipe a return. "
Not sure I follow the logic here. Vents and wet returns have two totally different purposes.
" Plumber still believes that something in the system is causing the water to leave the boiler. "
Sadly too funny, the Plumber is correct it is called steam. When water is heated to a boil the water leaves the boiler as steam. When the steam condenses (out in the system) it needs to return to the boiler, not sit out in the system.
" Was told this would work without issue. "
Yeah, they were Wrong and they proved it.
109A_5
Re: Issues with steam system after work completed
@SarahFrazerEddy , those guys are clueless. Where are you located? We might know someone…..
Re: calculating Nozzle flow rate
Every nozzle is +/- 10% from its stamped rating at 100 psi. Is that what you call a variable?
HVACNUT
Re: Gas valve/solenoid stuck open on old Janitrol boiler
Thanks, Ed. That was exactly the kind of info I was looking for. This boiler is built like a tank, and if all the parts that you mention could be replaced I bet it could last another 25 years and still be safe. I've been taking it apart for 25 years, cleaning it, and putting the burners back. Replaced the thermal couple and that gas shutoff valve with the tiny shutoff valve for the pilot. (I found a supply house that sold me a NOS replacement — he said that design is no longer code but the old one was leaking so it needed to be replaced) My initial inclination was to repair the boiler because a new one is never going to last as long as this one has. But I've come around to the idea that it's had a good run and it's time for a new one. (I may still ask contractors if they'd replace the parts with that kit for curiosity) I talked with one contractor on the phone who told me a 94% efficiency boiler needs lots of maintenance and only lasts 15 years and a new cast iron 84% will last 25 years. I don't know exactly how old this boiler is but it's at least 60 years old. New stuff isn't made to last like this anymore.
guitbox
Re: Propane Gas Boiler Replacement
Did any of the contactors do a heat loss calculation?
As far as clearances for exhaust, we don't know the models of the boilers offered. Or your basement layout.
If it was me, and I wasn't there frequently, I'd keep it simple with a CI block, spark ignition, chimney vent. Spark over standing pilot because I won't be there to light it, will I?
What's making the domestic hot water?
HVACNUT
Re: Gas valve/solenoid stuck open on old Janitrol boiler
If you have this information ready for an experienced gas heat technician, you can ask them what it might cost to remove the old standing ignition parts and install this electronic ignition kit to make the old boiler more reliable. Y8610U Kit
It will replace all the parts in this photo
There may also be a 1/4" aluminum pilot tube that comes from the manual shut off valve the will need to be removed and capped off. This is the Cadillac repair, however there are less expensive repairs available. Just remember the price you pay at SupplyHouse.com is the wholesale price and if the contractor provides you that kit. It will be marked up and include labor to install the parts. It is a time consuming job and will also need additional parts and fittings to make the piping connections. The professionals are entitled to make a profit on both the parts and labor they pay the technician. So don't be shocked at the total price. Safety with a guarantee is worth the cost in my opinion.
