replacing wet return

Dave T

I would like to keep piping overhead, finished room, door ways, etc

David T

David T

Help replacing leaking wet returns in floor

We recently replaced a steam boiler in an old church. Upon completion it became clear that the wet return piping in the concrete floor is leaking. The basement is a finished activity hall with the concrete floor. It is unlikely that the piping will be dug up and repaired, but rather overhead returns will be used. This system is a one pipe system that heats only the church itself upstairs.

Half (4)of the returns pose little problem with both head room and proximity to the boiler room. However, the 4 -1" returns on the far end of the hall(about 70' from boiler returning approx a 200,000 btuh load) will be more obtrusive and I am wondering if a condensate reciever can be used to collect these 4 returns and pump back to the boiler?

Also, it has been my experience to connect seperate returns below the water line, is there a way to connect them to a common return and still keep them overhead?

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks David T

bob young

above grade wet

run new wet returns on the floor & paint or box in. case closed

Steamhead (in transit)

Use a water seal

to connect each return drip to the main dry return- except for one. This will maintain the "A" dimension back in the boiler room while preventing banging. A variation of this is to pipe each return drip down several feet into a horizontal pipe near floor level, then pipe this up several feet creating a giant water seal.

If you go with a condensate transfer pump, be prepared to trap every drip that goes into it.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

David T

Thanks Steamhead

I was hoping that it could be piped as you described, with a water seal created by dropping all the returns where they would connect, then pipe back up to the ceiling to run back to the boiler. Is it right to expect if the high point of the new overhead return is lower than the vents on the existing returns, that pushing water up one of the returns will not be a problem, or is there a distance I must have at these elevations?

I have read many of your posts and find your steam knowlege very impressive!

Thanks, David T