1 pipe system

BoardPrez

1950 multi family building 7 stories with original steam traps that have never been cleaned/replaced, etc. When steam cycle starts the water hammer can wake the dead. Do we start at the traps, check radiator pitch or look at air vent on side or radiator? Help!

KC_Jones

Where are you located? Are you working with a contractor or trying to do this all yourself? On a system that size the place to start is a full evaluation of the entire system and a comprehensive plan of attack for repairs. If you are working with a contractor they should be able to do this...IF THEY KNOW STEAM. If you are doing this yourself the first step would be to become familiar with steam heat in general. Have you looked into buying Dan's books? Even if you are going to use a contractor I would suggest getting them so you have some base knowledge. To directly address your questions. If you have a 2 pipe system with traps, there shouldn't be any air vents on the radiators at all. If vents were added it usually means there is a failed trap or multiple failed traps. You may need to start by removing all those vents, then locating the failed traps and repairing all of them, but as I said a full system evaluation should be the first step. There could be boiler piping issues trap issues main venting (if it has any) issues, too high of pressure issue (2 pipe generally runs VERY low. The list goes on. If you tell us where you are located we may be able to recommend a good steam contractor that can help you.

nicholas bonham-carter

When this system was first installed, it would have been silent, evenly balanced, and economical.
First, while you are looking for professional steam help,
1. Get a good 0-3 psi gauge, and put it on the boiler, so you know what the pressure is. Later, you will put on a 0-15 ounce gauge, with a 0-16 ounce vaporstat.
2. Using that pressure information, get the pressure down to mere ounces. Short-cycling indicates air removal problems.
3. Examine the suystem, as it runs, and find out how the air gets out. See what can be done to speed up that air escape.
4. Any cold radiators will indicate trap repair/replacement.--NBC

BoardPrez

1 pipe system in Yonkers NY

Jamie Hall

To add to Nicholas' comments: if you are getting water hammer, somewhere water is getting trapped. Go over every single inch of pipe in the system and see if all the pipes have adequate pitch to drain the condensate which gets in them.

ChicagoCooperator

BoardPrez said:

1 pipe system in Yonkers NY

If you've got traps you don't have 1-pipe or if you have 1-pipe you shouldn't have traps...