Near boiler (steam) piping incorrect need advise

scottie_2

bruhl
I didn't see norm's response. I do appreciate the help that all have given, especially norms. I realize the price thing after I typed it, I should have just got quotes from people privately.
I just wanted to get some ideas before hiring someone so that if I needed to, I could tell them how I wanted it piped. I like doing things myself, as they get done the way I want them to. (usually the right way).
Thanks to all for replying.

scottie_2

Dear All
Thanks for looking at my post. I have a Burnham V73 steam boiler that was installed ~ 1998 or 1999, don't remember exactly. Thanks to the wonderful people on this site and Dan's books, I know it was installed wrong. I need some advice on designing the near boiler piping. I do not have much room to work with near the boiler so any advice it appreciated. From looking at literature from Burnham, my boiler is one of the smaller units they sell. Would it be beneficial to increase the header pipe to 3" instead of the manufacturer's spec of 2"? I also read from Dan's book that a bigger dia. equalizer pipe is favored. The spec states 1 1/2", should I go larger? Should the Hartford loop close nipple be located 2" below the cold boiler water line or the operating boiler line? Should I use an offset header(to prevent cracking boiler) or even a drop offset header? Is there any no-no's about piping the take-offs to the mains? I have two mains travelling in opposite directions from the boiler. I would like to find the optimal piping without wasting money on a bigger dia pipe or drop header if it is not going to be that much more beneficial to system operation.
I do get uneven heat from the current setup, it favors the short main (12" long, 2" dia) going to the left. The right main is 22" long 2" dia and the house is colder on that side. I know the main vents are piped wrong and need to move them back from the end of the "T" fitting.
I hoping with repiping the boiler correctly and relocating the main vents will result in even heating of the house.
Thank you all for the help.

GW

no header

I see this stuff all the time. The two supply pipes need to enter what's referred to as the header, then you take the two supplys off to connect to your old mains. I'm sure there is a pic in the manufacturer's literature.

Gary

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EBEBRATT-Ed

Too bad they didn't pipe it right although the piping is neat.

ED

scottie_2

average cost to repipe near boiler piping

If I find a "professional" to repipe this, on average how much would this cost?
Thanks for the responses guys, but I was looking for something more specific about the piping. I do have the manufacturer diagram, but know it could be improved upon.
Also, does anyone know of any good steam guys in the boston MA/south shore area?
Thanks again everyone.

Norm Harvey

Who ever installed that boiler was trying. It looks as if they have the drive for craftsmanship, they're just missing a little expertise with steam.

Your right about the main vent location.

The equalizer can be 2 inch and that's great. I haven't noticed a big difference from 1.5 and a 2 inch equalizer, so I use 1.5 inch for most installations.

A increasing to a 3 inch riser is great, I'm a big fan, but it looks as if you have plenty of height to stay with 2 inch, but if it were my job id go to 3 just because I like the massive and cavernous look. hehe.

The Hartford should be 2 inches below the standing water line.

As far as the dropped header. I would say you have more than enough "A" dimension that it isn't necessary (especially if your going to 3 inch risers)

As far as the offset header. Offsets are usually a thing to make the connections to the mains etc easier. if you have to offset, your creating swing joints, allowing the risers to travel a bit. If you offset make sure to allow 18 inches (burnham spec for offsets I believe) to allow for movement.

So to close the header topic if its easier for your connections to offset, do it if you can have a reasonable offset, and while your offsetting, its only another couple elbows to drop it.

Take offs to mains can be vertical, or angled. Just make sure your horizontal connection to the main is pitched in the direction of steam travel just like the mains themselves are.


Also on your below the waterline piping, make sure to put a tee with a drain valve on every elbow to allow for easy cleaning and flushing of the returns.

I would also consider re-piping the indirect DHW a bit more proper.

Again though, it looks like the installer was trying and had a lot of potential, just lacking a little know how.

bruhl

Hello Scottie, in all honesty, I was about to ask you, just what are you thinking when you ask for more specifics? After I read what Norm wrote in reply to you, I couldn't believe that you were asking people to be more specific. Norm spent a great deal of time writing what he did and providing super information. Gratis I might add. I am guessing here, but he probably types like me, three words a minute [small words], so that was a commitment to answer you.
Then I saw that the posts were probably seconds apart. So I am guessing you hadn't read his post when you made that comment. At least I hope so.
Lastly, please understand that no one is going to talk costs here. There are far too many variables and it just isn't done.
bruhl
just a HO

ed wallace

steam piping

Hi scottie your next step is to hire aSTEAM PRO TO REPIPE THE BOILER

ed wallace

steam piping

Scottie there are 2 ways to repipe the boiler the way the homeowner wants it and the way the manufacturer says to do it

Chuck_33

No Main Vent. Where should I put it?

I currently have a one-pipe steam system with no main vents. Where should the main vent be inserted into the system? Is there a rule on how many main vents there should be in a system? I'm new to this Steam gig and I'm not sure where it should go.

Furthermore, can anybody recommend a good brand, type and purchase place for a main vent?

Attached is a picture of my boiler. Please feel free to comment.

Thanks,

Chuck

Norm Harvey

That looks like a counter flow steam system Chuck, the vent should be located at the end of the main. can you post a picture of the end of the main for us?

Chuck_33

No Main Vent. Where should I put it?

Here is a picture of the end of my main. the 2 pipes coming off the end go to the kitchen and bathroom. The main is about 22 ft. long.

Thank you,

Chuck