Incorrect pitch? Incorrect pressuretrol?

Johnnyripout

I have a couple of upstairs rads that are not heating properly or at all. The furthest one from the boiler is not heating at all and is an add on from an extension before my time. I changed out the rad to a larger one. both longer and wider. had to use fittings to bring it off. It gets locked up with water. The system is a one pipe and all rads are pitched towards the shut off valve. which direction should the main steam line be pitched in as it seems to be sagging. Also not sure who to believe what the pressuretrol should be set at...slomins says one thing and a plumber friend says another. please help! I think I am more qualified than half the plumbers out there who claim to know steam systems. lol. calling me would be great....516 351 6202 John.

nicholas bonham-carter

what setting for the pressuretrol

any pressure higher than 3 psi=toasted vents [nice paperweights when polished up!]

higher than 1.5 psi=slow steam.

higher than 12 ounces=wasted energy.

on my 55 rad system, the main vents have let all the air out at 3 ounces, and only on a long burn in very cold weather, does it get up to the 8 ounce cut-out.

if you have "the lost art of steam-heating" available from the shop here, there is a description of 2 types of 1-pipe steam: parallel flow, and counter-flow; along with the direction of slope for each.--nbc

Jamie Hall

The steam main

can pitch either way.  If it pitches back to the boiler, it's counterflow.  If it pitches to the far end, it's parallel flow.  Either way, it has to have a pipe returning low (wet) to the boiler to take the condensate back to the boiler.



And either way, the pitch has to be consistent throughout the length.  Sags are an real no-no.  If you even think you have a sag, check the whole length of the line with a good level (eyeball simply won't do it) and correct it so that it pitches consistently one way or the other.



A sag could easily explain why some radiators -- beyond the sag -- get little or no heat.  Nothing like a puddle of water to kill the steam...