Best Of

Well, I'd keep the old one as a spare. The newer versions have no user serviceable components (like relays in sockets). To me it is not about cost, it is about having heat where and when you need it. Spare relays are easy and they can be swapped around.

These installers need more schooling.

They don't need to know how to install a steam boiler they are not even at that stage yet.

They need to learn how to read

Poor piping practices that equalizer piping is something to behold . Zero swing joints ,sorry to say there ain't nothing there that someone some experience installing steam boiler would have done in such a manner. The side take off main is not helping a thing . Being you have 2 dry returns they should have been separated and each had a main vent added ad then dropped into the wet return . The lack of swing joints as other have said is a real deal breaker being anyone who has read the instructions and has any mech aptitude surely should no better. Over time it shall surely shorten the boilers block and stress it out .

You have a two pipe system so each and every trap should be check to ensure they are working properly ,i believe that any steam system that is 2 pipe when the boiler is being replaced that the customer should be advised that there traps may need new elements or new traps being nothing last forever and this way you aint doing them for free.

From the looks of the piping they did not a vast amount of experience or knowledge on proper steam piping nor following instruction . I guess now they should come back and install properly and do everything that a real steam installer would do like figure the edr of the radiators before just putting the same as was there and hoping the last guy was right ,not the smartest practice or one i would dare practice.

I really hate to say but i have rarely seen hvac companies do steam correctly maybe a few instances but at large i wish they would stick to the tin and leave the steel piping to those who have experience and knowledge being not every job is easy and brings money to the bank at least not when there issues and return visits . These type of mis piped job never happen w those who know exactly what they are doing and usually never by owner /operator 1 man companies being we cannot make mistakes at least not on something like piping a steam boiler correctly it truly is not hard not a giant brain required . This happens when there's only braves and no chiefs and by those who are more about $ then really doing top end quality work and as seen they cannot have to much steam smarts being there plenty of low hanging fruit that either they where un knowelable of but still got the job and did not do correctly .

If it was price shopping well you may have gotten a bargain but your left w a steam system which does not operate correctly and unless they come back and correct you have pooh and most likely have to find some one else to correct . I would not release a final payment for sure .

peace and good luck clammy

The manufacturer states the following relating to swing joints:

"Headers must be fitted with header offsets or swing joints, or be equipped with expansion joints, so that thermal expansion and contraction of the header will not damage the boiler. Headers shall not be welded."

Before I reach back out to the installation company, can you confirm that I do not have header offsets or expansion joints? I really appreciate your help on this, it's truly eye opening.

I can take more pictures tomorrow if it will help.

Your diagram shows a two supply tapping example while my steam boiler documentation refers to a one supply tapping design, is there a difference?

The purpose of the right angle swing joints circled above in red by 109A_5 is to allow expansion and contraction of the boiler. If bridled by a header without the ability to expand and contract, the sections can pry apart, causing leaks and premature boiler failure.

This is why the manufacturer recommends swing joints on the header.