Help with system in erie pa

steamhouse

Hello all. I need help with radiator not getting hot, and plumbing that does not look correct. Are there any steam experts near Erie Pa. I looked in Find a contractor section, however no one was close.
Thanks all

nicholas bonham-carter

While you are looking for a local pro, maybe you could post pictures of the near boiler piping, for us to see.
Make a list of the symptoms as well.--NBC

steamhouse

Thanks Nick, I will try to post pictures soon. The system has been worked on for years by some unknown plumbers. However I see radiator vent valves on only some of the radiators. It seems to me that was and is only a band-aid. I was just wondering if some of you knew any old-timers in the Erie Pa. Area that would be able to restore the system to its original working order. From this site I have asked some plumbers who fail some rudimentary questioning and I am apprehensive to have an unqualified person work/replace it.

nicholas bonham-carter

Is this a one-pipe, or two-pipe system?
Contact the wholesalers in your area, to find out who sells boilers. Ask for any names of steam installers they may know.
Having a stocking distributor nearby would be a real plus. Each one may have a different name.
Start this by measuring the radiators for their EDR, so you will know if you are oversized.
When you finally find a good pro, encourage him to advertise on this website, (for less than the cost of a coffee a day!).--NBC

nicholas bonham-carter

I was thinking cheap coffee!

http://www.trumbull.com/prod_heatcool.html

Is in Erie, and seem to have some brand buzzwords we like.--NBC

Paul48

Gerry Gill is about an hour and a half away. If he will take the ride, you get a top-notch craftsman.

steamhouse

Great! Tried calling him. Hopefully he will call back. Is he a member on here? Btw it is a two pipe system, that's what got me thinking the previous owner did not understand the system. (Air vents are seen on only some of the radiators). They obviously do not belong on them.

Paul48

He posts on here, from time to time. Your system has been "Knuckle-headed". That's the term that's used when things like that have been done. It would mean a lot of driving for him. You could get a system that is perfect, with his assistance. He is among the best in the country.

gerry gill

road trip, should be interesting

Paul48

If the client agrees....keep us posted.

steamhouse

some pictures of my system.

Steamhead

Looks like a Webster. See if you can find that name on any radiator valves or traps, or on any devices in the piping like we see in the second pic.

The system probably has some bad traps, which is why the knucklehead added the air vents.

steamhouse

Steamhead

Thought so. The trap is probably a 502 or 512, and easily rebuildable. The valve will depend on what's inside.

Gerry can fix you up.

steamhouse

Wanted to say thank you to Gerry and to all on heatinghelp. He was a gentleman and a scholar. He really knows his stuff!!!

Steamhead

And of course the system is running much better................