Barometric damper

STEAM DOCTOR

Damper in the chimney.

STEVEusaPA

Well that's just a cleanout....or a critter 'doggie door'

Paul S_3

i love the steam piping....its a shame....i see far too many installations similar to this one by us in nyc....then someone comes and rips it out to install a forced air system....

Steamhead

Not the first time I've seen a baro installed like that, but it's not a great location. I'd put a smokepipe cap there as a cleanout, and put the baro in the usual place.

ChrisJ

So much for "as close to the appliance as possible".

STEAM DOCTOR

I was in the house for something else. Didn't mention to the homeowner. You need to know your customers. This particular customer is the "it's worked fine for many years" type of customer.
@Paul S. Correct on the steam piping. They have the equalizer function of the header without the drain function of the header.

billtwocase

Tell them they are heating the outside rather than the water. That usually works. Leave that one as a base clean out, install a Tee and draft regulator

rick in Alaska

Tell them to clean out around the boiler also! Storage is always at a premium, no?
Looks like most of the ones I have to deal with. Never enough room around it to work on it.
Rick

ChrisJ

The T&P on the water heater could seriously hurt someone too.

It's clear some really skilled individual does most of her work.
Yeah, the "it works fine" person who basically calls you a liar when you tell them it could work a lot better or safer.