Eddie G and I find the main vent location

Steamhead

Spent today with Eddie G in Southern MD. We were scoping out a one-pipe steam system in a house whose original portion dated to the 1700s. The steam system was installed in the early 1930s. The boiler room is in the newer section, and the main runs to the older parts in a crawlspace. In the pic, the newer part of the house is in the foreground. 



Access to the end of the 75-foot long 3-inch steam main is through a VERY tiny hatchway in the rear porch. When I got down there, I found a 3/4" pipe that went up through the floor by the fireplace. That pipe had been capped level with the floor. Here we see the pipe after we pulled it up.

Steamhead

Four Gorton #2s

went into the closet after we extended the pipe thru the wall, at the owners' request. Eddie built the "tree" of piping. Nice work!

Steamhead

Back in the boiler room

we found what we believe to be the original Ideal Water Tube boiler. The asbestos was removed years ago, replaced with fiberglass. We tuned it as best we could, at least we got zero smoke. We also vented the two shorter mains.



We hope the owner will decide to install a modern boiler soon, to enjoy the full benefit of his updated system.



Good to see you again, Eddie!

EddieG

Going.....

Going back out Friday to repipe the water feed, Frank discovered it was stopped up. Causing burner to short cycle, LWCO doing it's job. It was good to see you as well Frank! Learned quite a bit from you the other day. I will let you know how it goes Friday. Will be meeting homeowner and Spacepak rep. also. For the final design on the first time A/C job. He will end up with a new system one piece at a time if necessary!