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WHY WOULD THERE BE A STEAM PIPING BLOWING OUTSIDE

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PaulStraface_2
PaulStraface_2 Member Posts: 5
in Strictly Steam
A 2" STEAM PIPE RAN FROM MAIN IN BASEMENT THREW ATTIC AND BLOWS STEAM OFF OUTSIDE.
ANYONE SEE THIS BEFORE??

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  • Pumpguy
    Pumpguy Member Posts: 663
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    Possibly a vent line routed outside rather than venting off in the basement.

    Need more information for better answer; type of system and pictures of near boiler piping would help a lot.
    Dennis Pataki. Former Service Manager and Heating Pump Product Manager for Nash Engineering Company. Phone: 1-888 853 9963
    Website: www.nashjenningspumps.com

    The first step in solving any problem is TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,419
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    My bet is that it isn't a steam pipe, but the vent from the dry return(s). Not that uncommon in some of the vapour systems, and works very well. Provided, of course, that the rest of the system is working properly! Very low pressure. Traps or orifices all good. That sort of thing...
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    PaulStraface_2
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,741
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    Jamie Hall said:

    My bet is that it isn't a steam pipe, but the vent from the dry return(s). Not that uncommon in some of the vapour systems, and works very well. Provided, of course, that the rest of the system is working properly! Very low pressure. Traps or orifices all good. That sort of thing...

    In other words, steam shouldn't come out of the pipe correct?
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,419
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    KC_Jones said:

    Jamie Hall said:

    My bet is that it isn't a steam pipe, but the vent from the dry return(s). Not that uncommon in some of the vapour systems, and works very well. Provided, of course, that the rest of the system is working properly! Very low pressure. Traps or orifices all good. That sort of thing...

    In other words, steam shouldn't come out of the pipe correct?
    Good grief, no!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Pumpguy
    Pumpguy Member Posts: 663
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    Keep in mind that when venting, the air will be quite saturated, so what you are seeing may be the saturated air condensing due to the contact with colder air, and not really steam , but condensing vapor.
    Dennis Pataki. Former Service Manager and Heating Pump Product Manager for Nash Engineering Company. Phone: 1-888 853 9963
    Website: www.nashjenningspumps.com

    The first step in solving any problem is TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,767
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    Let's not forget the post about the guy that had a main vent that the plumber "moved out side for safety reasons" rather than replace the vent.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    KC_Jones
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,074
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    Does that pipe look as old as the rest of the system?
    There were some early 2 pipe systems that utilized the masonary chimney to assist in drawing the air out of the dry returns. Do you still have a brick chimney or has it been replaced by a "B" vent (if gas).

    However I can't imagine someone recently (20-30 years)installing a new vent and adding that pipe up to the attic.

    If we could see where in the basement it is connected then the reason might be figured out.

    And if it was venting humid air in cold weather it could look like your clothes dryer vent does. IMHO
    PaulStraface_2

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