How Do I Replace Main Vents?

wanttolearn

Hi-

Based on what I am reading on this site, I want to replace my main vents on my main pipe.  I currently have old Groton # 1 vents and want to replace them with Groton # 2 vents.

I have never done this before, and had a few questions:

1. Is this as simple as screwing off the old vent and screwing on the new one, or is it more complicated than that?

2. If the old vent is rusted and stuck, how do I go about unscrewing it?  Do I spray it with WD-40?

3. Can I do the replacement while the pipe is hot and the system is running, or will this cause steam to shoot our of the pipe opening once the old vent is unscrewed?  If I have to turn the system off beforehand, when do I know that it is safe to remove the old vent?

4. Anything else I need to know?



Thanks for your help!

BobC

Replacing a vent

Assuming the old vents were installed with teflon tape or pipe sealant it should just unscrew with a pipe wrench and a little effort. If it is stuck, use two wrenches, one to hold the pipe nipple and the other to unscrew the old vent. I  removed my 12 year old vent with no trouble at all a few years back.



Are you sure a single Gorton #2 will be enough? Let us know the length and diameter of the pipe and we can tell you how much volume your dealing with.



You want to do this when yje system is off and the pipe is cold or just warm. You don't want to be removing a vent from a pipe with live steam in it.



Bob

nicholas bonham-carter

replacing gortons

the boiler should have been off at least 30 minutes to allow any pressure to subside, and condensate to drain.

measure the clearance above the tapping now used for the old vent,and make sure when you order the new vent, that it is not too tall, as the #2 is a little taller. it is best to make an antler, which would protect the vent from any water-hammered slugs of condensate shooting up the pipe. if you do a search here for antler, you will find many pictures. the antler will also enable you to have more than 1 vent on a line [i have 4]!

if you need to use any penetrating oil, "pb blaster" is best, and wipe off any excess just before the last turn of loosening to keep it out of the pipe. do not use a pipe wrench, but instead a good adjustable crescent wrench.

try to give your old vents an hour's soak in some vinegar, so that you can re-use them. get a copy of "the lost art of steam heating" here and you will be able to diagnose other problems as well.  --nbc

wanttolearn

follow up question

Thanks for the helpful comments.   I have downloaded a picture of an "antler" and will try to do that!

Does it matter what kind of material I use for the piping?  Copper?  Galvanized steel? Cast Iron?  Black?  If it does not really matter, which material is least expensive? 

Rod

Black Iron

Hi-  Use black iron as it is usually the cheapest. Galvanized has a tendency to flake off and these little bits can plug the vent holes.  Be sure to use the pipe union on the "antler" as this allows you to easily attach /remove the vents for maintenance.

As NBC mentioned, there are some very good books on residential steam heating available on this website. Take a look in the Shop section at the top of this page. I'd recommend starting out with "We Got Steam Heat!"

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

You can also get this book in a package with other steam books such as  "The Lost Art of Steam Heating"

- Rod