Old School /New Boiler Install

NYC007

Queens, NY, 2013 -1 Pipe -Old Boiler Cracks in November- I call a Supposed heating contractor, someone I know (Bad Move) -to install a new boiler in multi-family unit. Job is done -Since then it takes 1 1/2 to heat up building-5 contractors later everyone has different views how to fix or make it better. This past December, I'm in the Boiler room, talking to the boiler- sitting and staring at the unit and question pops up -My grandmother used some fandangle pressure cooker for something, I used to stare at the thingy on top wiggle as steam came out,WHY isnt this Boiler piped from the Top ? Im by no means a Heating guy, but learning fast. I call SMITH and ask , "Why do you guys make a boiler with a pipe out of the side-They reply "WE DON'T" , thats for a water Jacket" -HOLY !%#@$^^!% was I pissed ! How could this Heating contractor do this -The guy has been plumbing for 20 years!!! and got paid- Well i called him to look at it and casually told him it was done wrong if he could fix, a "mechanic" a helper (who couldn't even pipe dope a fitting) and myself - Not only do they create a 15" Steam pipe to the Header because "They didn't have room, but soon after he wanted $1000.00 for the job -I bought all material ($1800.00) - Well now I get heat 15-30 minutes later -The intense Surging on the sight glass is done-I couldn't even hook the secondary low water cut off on, because the water would vanish and kill the boiler-Thinking back I went through 3 relays, from on off on off on off on the burner. To date he can't admit he ___cked up, and "No problem we'll fix it", he wants his $$ -and adamant about it and WANTS CASH payment lol... He did say to me "This is why I don't do work for friends", I replied "YES, I SEE WHY ITS BECAUSE YOU LOSE EM ALL-- I did say I would cover his expense for his workers, the supposed friendship is shot at this point, Your opinion ? This poor Boiler btw -Smith voided is warranty

KC_Jones

According to their website that unit can be used for steam.
http://www.smithboiler.com/html/19he-heating-boiler.asp
Why did they void the warranty? If you are looking for help on how to fix what you have post some pictures from a little further back so we can see all the piping. Is this a one pipe or 2 pipe system?

Jamie Hall

Oh wonderful. If it cheers you up any, that is not the first time I've seen a boiler which can be used either for water or steam, depending on how it is piped and controlled, piped as though it was for hot water but installed on a steam system. It didn't work any better the last time I saw it, either.

It's just. plain. wrong. And, piped as it is, you will never get it to work properly.

NYC007

Yes, it can be used for Steam or Hot Water -In that Picture they pipped from a 4" cap that is used for Hot Water Application, not for Steam Application-The Steam is from the Top of the Boiler

NYC007

Is This Low Water Cut Off Correct ? Thoughts ? *KC-Jones Yes I will get more Pics -Thank you !

JStar

What exact model is the boiler? How many sections? You may be able to swap out one or two sections to include top tappings to be used for steam.

NYC007

I will let you know and show updated pictures Joe I believe its 4 section HB Smith -Again, they did cap off that 4" port and pipe 3" from the Top-pics coming soon~