is this the correct near boiler piping for burnham independence boiler

plumbergirl1

I recently had installed burnham indepence pin4 steam boiler.Near boiler piping had to be changed numerous times (even failed inspection) Having a banging noise (suspect water hammer)which contractor can't seem to help with, I have had all radiator vents changed, shimmed radiators, opened all radiator valves. Can anyone tell me if the near boiler piping is correct? I questioned if the tee off the 2 mains is correct, and if the hartford loop is correct I'm desperate for help!,,,

KC_Jones

Just a homeowner but....

The one thing that jumps out at me is the Tee where it ties into the mains.  Those mains should be brought all the way to the header independently not the way it is done there.  That setup is asking the steam to go in 2 different directions at once which never works the greatest.  Not sure what issues that would cause you though since like I said just a homeowner.   Also maybe it's just the angle of the picture, but the slope on the one main looks weird to me.  The height difference between the far main and it's return doesn't look like enough.  The mains should slope away from boiler and the returns towards the boiler just something you could double check.  All slopes should be 1" in 20'  Was there any issues before the new boiler was installed?  If not then I would suspect something with the new install is causing the problems.  Is that some kind of flex hose on the gas line at the top?  I am no gas expert, but if it is a "hose" I think that's a huge no no.  Also and I am sure a pro could clarify this, the pipe sizes look weird on the hartford loop.  It looks like the pipe gets smaller when it connects to the equalizer which I didn't think was correct. 

Bio

Looks

like your missing the rpz also

Steamhead

I've seen a LOT worse

but as others have said, that bull-headed tee is not good.



Also make sure there is a backflow preventer (the RPZ) in the water line feeding the boiler. Its job is to keep boiler water from being drawn back into the house water piping. It may be installed in a part of the line we can't see, but if there is none, install it. It's relatively cheap insurance against water supply contamination.



I'm told some parts of the country don't require backflow preventers on residential boilers, but it's still a good idea to use one.

plumbergirl1

what is rpz

What is rpz? If the flex hose is connected to gas pipe is that a safety issue? Would the bullhead tee be causing wet steam?

plumbergirl1

what is rpz

What is rpz? If the flex hose is connected to gas pipe is that a safety issue? Would the bullhead tee be causing wet steam?

Steamhead

It means

"reduced pressure zone" which describes a type of backflow preventer.



The bullheaded tee can cause steam to bounce off the back of the tee, sending pulsations back into the boiler which can make the water surge up and down. See chapter 4 of "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" for a detailed explanation.

KC_Jones

flex line

My reference to the flex gas line was that it looks like a black hose of some sort in the picture.  I have seen flexible gas line that is usually yellow and it is corrugated stainless steel line not really a "hose".  If it's the corrugated stuff I think it's ok, but I am not a pro.  If it's some sort of rubber "hose" I don't think it's ok.  Maybe one of the pros can chime in on that one.  I am no code expert, just know some of what my grandfather taught me about gas fitting.

Fred

Can't see much

I can't see much of it but it looks like a black steel elbow, off of a tee, to me.

KC_Jones

follow it up

towards the ceiling, it's either something flexible or that guy figured out a way to bend black pipe.  Looks like a bunch of adapter fittings up there which led me to the hose conclusion.

Fred

oooh

I see what you are talking about. I was looking at the gas line going into the boiler. It does look like some kind of rubber pipe. Can't meet code!

KC_Jones

lol

You mean the location you would usually see someone cutting corners with a flex line.  I don't think I have ever seen someone cut a corner in that manner, it's usually at the appliance when one is replaced to make the final connection easier.  I think I once saw a corrugated stainless steel with a black covering?!  Perhaps it's that, but I still question if it's acceptable.  Again I am just a humble homeowner, but with gas I wouldn't want that in my house, especially with all those adapters.  The more fittings the more chances for leaks.  Maybe a pro who is more up on codes could comment on that one...perhaps if Tim sees this?

JeffM

Counterstrike

I believe that Counterstrike stainless gas flex line has a black outer jacket. I've got some in my house, connecting a the older hard gas lines to a new gas burner. That looks like what I see in the photos. Properly installed (and grounded when required) these are fine products.

plumbergirl1

thanks for help identifying the gas line

Jeff you are correct it is a stainless gas flex line with a black covering. Been told it doesn't need grounding.Hope they are correct.Just a quick question I been told that if the header is not exactly 24 inches from water line, an inch or 2 less it is ok. Everything I have read stated that it should be minium 24 inches.Any comments on this? Can not get the contractor to see this as a problem.