main steam valve how to test one if working

dan_45

Just bought a house that has steam heat. System dates to 1945.
On the main steam valves need to know how to test them also the raditors, and when should they be replace.

Also reading, So you got steam and it mentions cleaning the wet return.
when should this be done if at all if the system is running fine?

Big Ed_3

Vents

Bad vents are either plugged shut or they don't shut off . If you can't blow through them or they let steam pass they are broken ......

Tests.....Run the system up on steam pressure ......If the steam does not fill the radiator , check the radiator vents for blockage . If the steam does not reach the main vent , the radiators heat up one at a time , check the main vents for blockage .

Build up the system on pressure . If you hear hissing you have steam leaks . Could be packing , fittings , unions , vents or any thing else . Fix , repair or replace. A tight system saves you money . If a vent hisses and passes steam it needs to be replaced , Replace them with good quality vents .

Wet returns ? Running fine ? Let sleeping dogs lay .

dan_45

Thanks Big Ed
My heating company will not replace my valves unless their not working.

My contract is a gold which covers these items and they all have dates on them
with 1946. I'll test them.
Also check on replacing a total of 4 mains and 15 radiators total cost aprox $400.00.
would this be a good idea to do and forget my oil company.
for now?

Steamhead (in transit)

You also want to know

if those steam main vents are properly sized. If they're too small, the system will heat slowly and unevenly and use more fuel.

Measure the length and diameter of each steam main and tell us what vent is on it. We can tell you what you need.

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dan_45

Hi Steamhead

Here's what I have

28 feet of 2 inch with 6 inch stub with VSAV 1947 main valve. with 4 radiators on it..

18 feet of 2 inch with plug in it and 3 radiators on it.

24 feet of 2 inch with a 3 inch stub and VSAV 1947 main valve with 4 radiators on it.

30 feet 2 inch to a T and 20 feet to left with no main and 20 feet to right with Dole 1c for a main with 1 radiator at each end.

Steamhead (in transit)

Vent sizings

Main 1- 1 Gorton #2 vent

Main 2- 2 Gorton #1 vents

Main 3- 1 Gorton #2 vent

Main 4- 1 Gorton #2 vent at the end of each branch

These are all a bit oversized according to the chart, but all are oversized by about the same percentage. Trying to get closer matches got a bit tricky. You'll love the way the steam distributes with this setup though. With these sizings your mains will vent at about an ounce of steam pressure.

If you have trouble finding Gortons in your area, try State Supply's site, www.statesupply.com .

Regarding getting the sludge out- we prefer to flush the boiler and returns with a hose under street pressure. This avoids the use of chemicals. If the returns have sludge in them it will work its way back to the boiler, and if the boiler is sludged up it won't make good steam. A clean boiler is an efficient boiler.

Do NOT do this with the boiler hot! If you do it may crack. Let it cool down first.

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