WEBSTER TYPE R SYSTEM

Bubblehead

I have a customer with a Webster type R system that bangs on sometimes and spits steam and water out of the top of the vent trap. Any suggestions for this problem or would like to replace with something else. For example would a F&T

trap and air vent work?

nicholas bonham-carter

Webster system problems

I would try to find out what has changed to make such a well-designed system (when first installed) suddenly start to misbehave.

One possible cause could be the malfunction of the vaporstat/pressuretrol which has allowed the pressure to exceed the several ounces needed for this system to operate properly. If you replace the control, get a 0-16 ounce pressuretrol and good low-pressure gauge (0-15 ounce, gaugestore.com).

Make sure the air can get out easily, as the pressure may have been turned up to compensate for bad main venting.

Information on the Webster system can be found on this site by searching.--nbc

Jamie Hall

Kindly don't

start throwing parts at a Webster until, as Nicholas said, you find out what has changed to make it not work right.



Check all your traps and vents; there you can throw parts -- if they aren't working, fix them.



Check your pressure -- a Webster operating over about 8 ounces is not going to be a happy camper. 



You don't mention a new boiler having been installed, or changes in near boiler piping -- may we assume that neither has happened?  Because if they have happened, there are a lot of places where things could have gone amiss.