Cost of Adding Main Air Vents

Unknown

the vents were installed 15" before the <i>turndown point</i>, but if you never had any before, anything would be an improvement.<BR>I would put them on at the elbow down(but nipple-up) at that point. :-) <BR><BR>Dave

NShak

Cost of Adding Main Air Vents

Homeowner Question

I need to add at least one main air vent at the end of each (2) steam mains. There are no vents there now and there isn't a plug where an old vent may have once been placed.

Got different quotes & different plans... Let me know what you think-

1) Drill & tap -> qouted $300 for each one.
2) Crack & remove the existing "elbow section" (where the main drops down to the wet return) and then replace that section with a vent attached -> quoted ~30 minutes ($50-75) per main.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

Unknown

Prices,

are generally not discussed here,, but what you mention is not unreasonable if they are the proper size, and installed in the right place. :-)

Dave

NShak

Sorry about the pricing issue... not that terribly important anyway.

But which option (drill & tap vs crack & replace) would you recommend? Does the main vent have to be 12 inches back from the drop off to the wet returns or can it be at the elbow? I think the vent needs to sit on a stalk 12 inches above the main to minimize water/steam damage?

If the elbow is OK, then I suppose I could start with the drill & tap and if it cracks the elbow, then that would force me (my pro) to finishing cracking it off and replacing it.

nicholas bonham-carter

main vents

somewhere here, there is a picture of a vent, mounted on the vertical pipe [down from the elbow] in the upper wet return. this location may be more accessible for installing a vent for the first time.

wherever located, it should not be in a straight shot of a slug of water firing directly into the vent, and destroying the innards. the velocity of the water-hammer slug is quite high.--nbc

MikeyB

Vent Tree

I believe Brad White posted this some time last year, I have the attatchment but I am unable to attatch it to this post, might want to try to search for it or you can e-mail me and I will send it over

Unknown

Here is Brad White's drawing. Note the thoughtful use of the pipe union. This allows you to do the makeup & repair on your work bench and then connect it all easily to the main with one fitting.

- Rod

NShak

Great diagram! Thanks.

I will probably have to go with the lower (antler) arrangement.

Will check the "Find a Pro" section for someone near central NJ.

Unknown

You might also want to take a look at Gerry Gill's website.

http://www.gwgillplumbingandheating.com/

He's one of the super steam pros and has some really good pictures on main venting on his website.