New Steam Boiler, many new problems...

Unknown

Photos in postings?

How do you insert the photos in your posts? I have never seen anyone do it before on this site.

Doesn't really matter much, as the site format and hosting will be changing soon, but I am curious!

Michael P. Bourque

Mike,
I used html tags like this:

<IMG src="http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/productimages/109.gif">

nicholas bonham-carter

the big oicture

somehow your post now has a decent size to it. the picture is embedded in the text, and of a good size for the old eyes who are looking here! glad you got your problems solved! were you able to get the original installer to redo the piping, or did you have to find someone else?

one thing home-owners need is a sample contract, spelling out the necessity of proper piping in a boiler installation. some attention needs to be given also to: where does the contract stop in regard to the boiler installer's responsabilities with hidden pre-existing knuckle-headed problems, such as plugged/missing vents, badly pitched pipes,etc?

the other good thing about your story, is that you are now willing to share your newly acquired steam diagnostic skills with others. this certainly the case with many who visit here, including myself, and the "star" Rod[and many others-thanks to all].

now if we could just get washington, and the UN to work along the same lines.--nbc

Michael P. Bourque

Since I had seeked advice here before final payment to the installer, the installed was on the hook to resolve the issues. While he didn't agree at first, I had hired a steam pro to consult me and write up a doc that explains how and why to fix everything.

I read Dan's books, I spoke to Rod, and my steam consultant and we concluded a solution plan. I had to do some serious arm twisting, but I got it completely re-piped and reinstalled. Still though, I had to watch the installer and direct him. He made countless new mistakes during the reinstall. Mistakes like pipes pitching wrong, bull headed tee, sizing, etc). He even forgot to install a main vent on one of my returns. He also got careless and broke one of radiator supply valve because. He was too lazy to go upstairs and put an opposing wrench on the radiator valve. I offered to help him and he said no. When it broke - you shoudl have heard him swear and kick the ground.

I would say I had a perfect storm - but I think I was lucky.

Michael P. Bourque

Regarding a downloadable sample contract for homeowners

Nicholas,

I like your idea about a sample contract. It would have saved me a bit of grief and perhaps turn off the bad contractors. We must educated homeowners on this stuff as more and more steam systems will be converted to gas. More and more chances of another lazy incompetent installed screwing it up again and again.

Maybe we should talk to Dan about it?

Unknown

Got it!

But I guess you need to have an online site to store the image, unless you also attach the file and use that address in the HTML tag.

Kool Rod

Thanks Michael for the kind words. However the thanks should really go to Dan, and the steam pros, and others, on this board that were kind enough to share their knowledge with me and which I could then pass on to you.

The help freely given and the common sharing of information is what makes the "Wall" so great!

- Rod

Michael P. Bourque

No - You can first attach your image, then use that link in your image link reference.

This will all change when the new wall goes live.

Michael P. Bourque

More Progres and Pictures...

All,

I am still fine tuning my system. I ordered Gorton #2 main vents and will be installing them when the arrive. My steam expert recommended this great trick to protect the vents using a clever combination of tees & ells with swing joints. Here is how I did it.



Click for larger picture

I've also been insulating the header with 1" fiberglass and Zeston® 2000 fitting covers. I will be insulating the remainder of the mains with 1/2" insulation to save on $$$.



Click for larger picture



I have also ordered a low pressure gauge since my 0-30 doesn't move at all. Dan says a proper system should have between .5 and 2psi. I will be connecting this in a way that will let me keep the 0-30 since it is required by code. Also I will be using a pigtail to protect the gauge from steam heat.

Here are some more pictures.