Neglected Crown BSI steam boiler

jope

Hi all,
Just purchased a home but the boiler, which is a crown BSI steam boiler, seems very neglected. I called a heat contractor and he said we need to order a pilot system, thermo, glass water measure, and some other parts, that to me seems like needs replacing. He also suggested that I should upgrade to hot water solution as well, and scrap the steam as he is afraid of what other damages can pop up.

The crown has a date on it of 2001.

Should I replace it with hot water system? Also, I know we shouldn't talk about pricing but his quote seems very high.

Please advise, I am just learning all of this.

Jamie Hall

First, there is no need to scrap steam. It's easy (and cheap) to fix, and the reason your heat contractor is afraid of other damages is that he doesn't understand steam, doesn't want to understand steam, and is quite rightly afraid that he will mess it up.

Find another contractor who does understand steam. You'll be way ahead.

The Crown isn't that old, though it is possible it might be better to replace it rather than repair it. Can't tell without looking. A good steam man though will know right away and, if it does need replacement will be able to size and properly install a new boiler.

Where are you? We may know a good contractor nearby.

KC_Jones

Post some pictures of your boiler and associated piping so we can see what you are working with. Then we can give better recommendations. I will also give a +1 to everything Jamie said...especially the part about finding another contractor.

jope

Hi,
Thanks for replying. I can take pictures if it helps.

I live in North Bergen, NJ. 07047.. North Jersey.

Thanks again,
Jope

KC_Jones

https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc
Call Dave @Dave0176

Dave0176

Any contractor that tells you to scrap the steam heat, should immediatly be fired. He is telling you this because he doesn't know what he's looking at.

jope

I guess the hunt for a good contractor is on.

Pics coming soon.

jope

Here are the pics. It seems the left side release safe valve is cracked off? Missing burners?! Etc..

Dave0176

All my contact info is in my signature.

Dave0176

jope said:

Here are the pics. It seems the left side release safe valve is cracked off? Missing burners?! Etc..

Might be time to replace that boiler and have it piped right, No COPPER.....

Looks like sombody beat that thing up on purpose, no other reason why all that stuff is so beat on a 14 year old boiler.

KC_Jones

Call Dave you won't regret it. I agree someone messed that up on purpose. Was the house a foreclosure or a former rental property perhaps?

jope

Tenants stopped paying the rent and were forced out after 11 months. The entire property was neglected and or damaged.

Dave, I will call you soon.

Thanks all!!

KC_Jones

That explains it. I never understand a person's logic on that. Don't pay, then get mad when they kick you out. Destroy the property. Then the owner just sells it and now it's your problem. Makes zero sense. I think people like that are the reason we have shoes without laces. Keep us posted on how it goes!

jope

Is the boiler really in that bad of a condition that I need to replace it? It just seems some maintenence and or replacement parts....

JUGHNE

Reminds me of a car my college kid and I looked at. It was a Repo from a couple that had a bad divorce. Every knob/lever inside was broke off. We didn't buy it.

The vandalism is obvious but where are the burners?
And was the gas valve & controls ever under water?
Dave the pro will know.

KC_Jones

jope said:

Is the boiler really in that bad of a condition that I need to replace it? It just seems some maintenence and or replacement parts....

In addition to the damage, the copper really needs to go. Copper is not the proper material for steam piping. If you recycle the copper you might be able to finance some of the work. lol As was said get Dave in there and he will give you options.

jope

I don't see any water damages to the boiler but I will let Dave be the expert on that.