one pipe steam system

Deb Weinman

Help!

Our one pipe steam system is pouring water from downstairs radiator valves. Yes, everything is pitched correctly, pressure is @ 1 pound, but radiators keep filling up and leaking water. No one seems to be able to figure it out. Is anyone out there available to look at it as boiler is not very old and would like to repair , not replace system. Thank you

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I'd guess a malfunctioning automatic fill valve or perhaps a leaking manual fill valve.

If you've never had to "bother" with checking the water line and filling, it's almost certainly a malfunctioning automatic device. There should be a manual water shut-off valve. Turn it and the boiler off! If you regularly check the water level and manually fill, the fix is likely as simple as a washer in the fill valve.

I'd HIGHLY suggest you buy Dan's book (available here) titled, "So We've Got Steam Heat"! Would also suggest you call in a competent steam man to explain the proper "care, feeding and cleaning" of a steam system!

Steamhead (in transit)

Debbie, try the

Find a Professional page of this site. If you're in the Baltimore area, contact me.

Al Corelli

If you're in the Bronx, or Westchester County, Contact me.

Guy_6

Vents

Are the air vents on the radiator open? They not only let air out to allow steam in, but the opposite as well- breaking the vacuum so that the condensate can flow out.
I have also had cases of radiator shut offs in the closed position, that would allow steam in in small amounts, where it would condense and pool. The valve was not "tight" enough to stop the steam, but it would hold water on the top side.

Dale

Water

I worked on one last night that had the same problem. As much as you may not want to you need to get smart about what you have. Steam is not a furnace, you need to get involved. Get the "we got steam book" , pay someone competent to show you the boiler gage glass and how to be sure it's reading boiler level, and where the water line is and should be and then YOU have to get used to looking at it. That same person you're paying will also show you the most important part of the boiler, the low water cut off and show you how to flush it and or check if it's electronic and make sure it works. If your washer is in the basement look at the water line every time you do clothes. The way I fixed the one last night was to throw away the auto feeder and put 2 new valves in series in the fill line, one little ball valve upstream and a new globe valve downstream from that going to the boiler fill. (Showed the owner the water line, how to work the valves and gave the "look at this" lecture). This way you don't flood from the too cheap valves sold today. Good luck.

Steamhead (in transit)

I've cured washing-machine shockwaves

with simple air chambers made of 3/4" or 1" pipe 18" long. Two at the washing machine (one hot, one cold) and one at the boiler.

Don't forget the dishwasher, that has a solenoid valve too.