Main Vent Replacements

Steamhead (in transit)

that crusty vent wither. That's reason enough to replace it ;-) .

Use two Gorton #1 vents on each main. Second choice is two Hoffman #75 vents on each main (they're more expensive). Watch how well it works.

If needed, move that D vent to the top of the riser.

Jack W.

Main Vent Replacements

I’m trying to get my system (1 pipe steam) in shape for this winter, and am just about blind from all the reading I’ve done here and in Dan’s books. I checked my main vents, and one is sticking. I can’t tell what size it is, and I ‘m hoping you gurus can steer me in the right direction. I have two mains of 2” iron pipe.

North side of the house is 24’ with a main vent that is actually a few inches below the main, tapped into the return. Its currently a Gorton #1 that was replaced some time ago; I’m thinking I should put this on a nipple to get it above the main.

South side of the house is 30’ with a crusted up valve (pic attached) that I can’t identify.

If it matters, the last riser on the north side before the main vent is the longest in the house, going 6’ forward before it goes up to a second floor bathroom- previous owner had a standard 1/8” cheapo (maid o’ mist) D valve added on the riser where it passes through a first floor closet.

Recommendations on numbers and sizes of valves greatly appreciated.

Jack W.

Replacement Valves

By saying replace the D, do you mean the cheap Maid O' Mist drilled into the last riser, or the newer vent in my picture which I thought is a Gorton #1?

The riser currently has no nipple, just a 1/8" hole threaded directly into the side of the pipe, so I would have to call in a pro to update that- and the rad on that riser seems to do OK.

Steamhead (in transit)

You may not need the M-o-M D

with proper vents on each main. If this is the case, just remove it and put in a 1/8" plug.

But if you have to vent a riser, the best place to do it is at the top. That way the vent has access to all the air in the riser.