main vent missing

paul_56

Hi,

New homeowner here; I have bought and read Dan's "We Got Steam Heat" book cover to cover. I have severe water hammer -- but only in the end of my line that was added on as an addition to my 80-year old house.

After reading this book, I know that:
- my pressuretrol is probably set too high (4)
- the pigtail coming off of it is wrong by 90 degrees
- a main for the addition to my house needs to be insulated

...but I cannot find a main vent on the system to save my life, and I know this is the first thing to check.

In the attached picture, I've circled where I think the main vent was replaced with a cap. Am I right?

The book says to go to the end of the mains, but other topics in the forum talk about them being "conveniently located near the boiler."

This is a two-pipe steam system. Interesting to note that the hammer only occurs loudest in the addition's radiators; the original house heats fine (it is the part that is insulated).

I just had this serviced for big bucks (cleaned drains, serviced blowdown, replaced new gauge glass, etc...) Why would the contractor fail to mention that I have no main vents?

Please help.

CHARLES_4

Capped vent

So many problems; so little time. No, you don't want a main line vent as indicated.
But you might want to do something about the double draft diverter shown with the reduced flue pipe. And what's with the chimney opening? Find out who did that and DON'T EVER CALL THEM AGAIN. However, leave their name prominently displayed near the boiler so your next of kin will know who to refer the attorneys to.
Get back to us when you get out of the hospital.

Ron Schroeder

Paul

That cap is on your header, follow the white pipe that goes toward the cieling and follow it to its end and you should find the vent or where it goes.