steam system venting

MDsteven

I have an all steam system. Does my boiler need to be vented to a chimney?

Unknown

Steam System

Hi - We need  little more information about your steam system. What type of steam system do you have? Basically steam systems are identified by the number of pipes going to each radiator. A "1 pipe system" has 1 pipe and a "2 pipe system" has 2 pipes going to each radiator. what is the fuel?



I'm not sure quite what you are asking in your question. On a steam system, the burner needs to be vented to the outside of the building as you don't want to breath combustion gases. This is usually done with a chimney.  The boiler itself and the piping needs to be vented so that air can escape from the pipes and radiators and allow steam to move into them. The air can be vented into the house.



Steam systems are actually quite simple and easy to learn. If you want more information on steam heating there are some very good books in the "Shop" section of this website.  For homeowners there is a very good book called "We Got Steam Heat"

http://www.heatinghelp.com/products/Books/5/61/We-Got-Steam-Heat-A-Homeowners-Guide-to-Peaceful-Coexistence

It's easy reading, humorous, packed with  facts and diagrams, and is a few evenings reading you'll know all about your steam heating system.



I hope that is of help to you. If you have a specific question you need answered it is a big help if you provide a photo of your system.

- Rod