Problem with Air Vents on Radiators in One Pipe Steam System

Chris_Williams

Hi Guys,



My sister just bought a house and we're turning on the heating system for the first time. One of the vents on one of the radiators seems to be broken. It never closes and will just let our air/steam for 10 - 15 minutes before the boilers turns off. Here's the video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rof3w2I0b4Q&feature=plcp">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rof3w2I0b4Q&feature=plcp</a>



My guess is these vents need to be replaced often. Does this look like it's broken? Can I just buy another one a local plumbing place and replace it?



Thanks,



Chris

nicholas bonham-carter

Vent ready for takeoff

Check the pressuretrol on the boiler, and the gauge. I suspect the pressure is much too high, and should be adjusted lower (1.5 psi max.)

If you do a search here for those terms you will see how to adjust.

Why not get your sister some of the steam books from the shop here for Christmas so she can become more familiar with steam, and learn how to do her own maintenance.--NBC

Chris_Williams

Pressuretool and Gauge

NBC,



Good point. I checked the pressuretrol and it's set to cut in at .5PSI which is good. The gauge seemed to be running in negative numbers, about - 11. See second screen shot.



Can you give me a hint where I would find a place to adjust the cut off pressure?



We're in the process of insulating all the pipes which should decrease the pressure and increase the efficiency of the system and evenness of the heating.



I would buy her a book...but, we don't celebrate xmas! haha, and we're going to be replacing the system with a daikin air to water heat pump and solar PV to eliminate our heating bills in the next 3 months.....I hate spending money on oil.



Chris

Hap_Hazzard

Cut out adjustment

To adjust the cut out point you open it up and adjust the differential. The cut out is the sum of the cut in and differential.



A better question would be, is it working? There should be a steam trap under the pressuretrol to protect the diaphragm from direct contact with the steam. I don't see one. Does the boiler appear to be cycling on pressure at all?



Obviously the gauge can't be trusted. Does it even move?

Steamhead

If you hate oil

put in a gas boiler. No heat pump will ever produce the comfort level of a properly-functioning steam system.