What do you think of this installation?

Charlie from wmass

I cut the photo to keep the identity of the installers unknown. These guys installed this as volunteers and did it from the kindness of there hearts. I do not begrudge them for helping out their fellow man. I simply question if it was a favor they did installing the boiler as they did. This photo was posted in a trade magazine recently which is how I got it. It took me a bit to realize it is a steam boiler.

Steamhead

This showed up on OTT

you can see my letter to the editor there. 

Charlie from wmass

I see it's not just me who does not like the installation.

this post was edited to be less callous.

Ironman

Bang Bang, Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang

Whoever the recipient of this good deed is, they will be constantly reminded of it by the noise and other issues that come from it.



Why is it that so many installers won't read the directions?

Charlie from wmass

Ironman I am not sure

of course as long as boilers get installed like this I will have work repairing them. It is nicer to be the first one in the door. I like that for a change.

DanHolohan

For your consideration

First a disclaimer: Judy Garber and I started Oil Heat Cares on a train ride to Boston some years back, and If you don't know what that charity does, you can learn about it here: http://oilheatcares.com/



We've helped a lot of people, and all the men and woman who work on these projects are all unpaid volunteers. Much of the work gets done on the weekends, and during the winter (think about last winter).



Each project gets $2,500 from OHC. All else is up to the volunteer installers. Consider that these jobs are nearly all emergencies. It's winter and the people have no heat and little hope. Often, there are children involved. Many of the recipients are the ill, the elderly, and the spouses of our military serving in wars. We do what we can.



I know this job isn't perfect, but ask yourself if you could replace a steam boiler, and all that's around it, for just $2,500. Do this on a frigid day, and do it for no reward other than knowing you made someone's life a bit better than it was yesterday.



It's not perfect, guys, but it sure is better than the righteous talk I'm hearing here.

Charlie from wmass

Dan I am not being righteous I assure you

but I also started with the statement I know these things are done for what I thought was free. I think asking to install the vents back from the ends and thread a bit of iron is not asking a lot. To be honest I think they are costing themselves money doing it in copper. I have done many free service calls or simply charged for parts at cost but I never cut a corner even when I do my work for free. If they can not afford to change the boiler how will they afford to fix it later?

Ron Jr._3

I really don't see a problem

If the copper is cleaned well and solder used that's stronger than 60/40 , I don't understand the criticism . We all have come across steamers with copper headers that have been leak free for decades . I agree the dry return vents aren't in the most optimal of places . But it sure looks like they took the extra effort to drop them to the ground before teeing them in .   No one is perfect . Certainly not me . EVERY boiler install has room for improvement . But this install ?  Hell , I've seen ALOT worse from guys who boasted they replaced hundreds of steamers .........  I'll bet with a proper skim and purge this sytem will work efficent and silent for decades ........ The thread at OilTechTalk is called " Copper piping a steam boiler ? "  My response was before I knew it was an Oil Heat Cares project . Wouldn't change a word     Proud helper on 3 OHCs so far . I'm just as proud of the pros who donated their precious time to this steamer !  

Charlie from wmass

Ron no I have not.

I have never seen a copper steamer that did not have leaks. Maybe the installers did not clean and solder properly, I do not know as I have never used copper on steam. Also the Audel books say you need to increase pipe size if you use copper as opposed to iron. The issue is also the placement of the main vents.