Convector Rads not heating all the way across. Newbie to steam, but love it.

Jquest

I am a newbie to all of this, bear with me! (issue) >> Gas fired Steam heat can't keep up with temps under 10-15°F. Convectors are not heating up fully in any temp. Pressure runs up to 5-7 lbs psi, seems to take longer to come down after replacing 2 air valves.

I recently purchased a 1942 home @ 1500 sq. living space with Gas fired Steam heat. I The boiler is a 9-10 years old Utica PEG150CIDE. I think this is a 2 pipe steam heat system? Pics of boiler https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZUyNFyICY8Bj0mY72. I'll add wider pics and a video later on tonight to help see piping better.

It's our first year at the home and our first cold heating season. Most convectors only heat on lower left side, near intake. In extreme cold (10-15°F under) the heat won't go above 65°F.

Setup of convectors and cast iron radiators >>>

• 2 convectors, 1st floor (no air vent) Heat partial.
  
• +1 cast iron, 1st floor (with air vent) Works great.
  

• 4 convectors 2nd floor (no air vent) Heat partial.
  
• +1 convector 2nd floor (I think with air vent) Works great.
  

(Recent History) I had 2 broken air valves replaced (by 80 year old HVAC tech) 1 day before the extreme cold hit. . I am not sure if the valves getting replaced are related to current heating issues or if it was extreme cold. We are back up to 40°F today, convectors with issues still partial heat.

(Recent History continued..) I called my HVAC tech about 1 month ago. An air valve (north side right) was releasing steam into cellar ceiling weakening the kitchen wood floor above. He replaced a broken air valve with a Gorton Air Eliminator No.1 V .

• (north side right) https://photos.app.goo.gl/gJTUiPRQtsYy2zQ12 >> with new Gorton Air Eliminator No. 1.
  
• (East side) >> https://photos.app.goo.gl/MBgp6WOKv90pH4sm1 >> still has working air valve. Same type as replaced air valve (east side)
  
• At boiler this was replaced. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QJFZjXQ6SUIOAwNx2 >> New (Gorton Air Eliminator No. 1) Don't remember what was here before.

Here are some pics of north side pipes. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5KXEki7IVVDYsQu92 The encased asbestos pipes are the feed (I think) and go to Convector 1 on first floor, and Convector on 2nd floor. You can see the convector on 1st floor, above right set of pipes in basement https://photos.app.goo.gl/EszXGPJnnmzUOSOT2.

I've heard a couple different theories of what to do to get my heat working better. My HVAC old timer says add air vents to the returns of the convectors. Worried the replaced air vent is what started this. I dunno.

What are my next steps? Suggestions ?

nicholas bonham-carter

Are there 2 pipes at the convectors?
If this is basically a one pipe system, the returns need large main vents. These vents will do all the heavy lifting of air removal which the rad vents cannot, without enriching the fuel supplier.
Measure up the supply and return pipes, and their diameters, so we can tell you what to get. If your, pipes are long, you may get sticker shock at the expense, but it is an investment, instead, as you will reduce your fuel bill considerably.—NBC

BobC

Did he place an air vent where there was none before or did he just replace an existing air vent.

There are different types of two pipe steam systems. Did he mention anything about traps? If you have failed closed traps the convectors won't heat right. Give us a picture of a convector, shoot it down low so we can see how both pipes tie into the convector.

Bob

Jquest

Thanks for the quick responses BobC and NBC. btw -

"Are there 2 pipes at the convectors?"

Yes there are. I am now 99.9% certain now the system is 2 pipe. (to note there is 1 small cast iron rad w 1 pipe in, and a vent. That works great)

"Did he place an air vent where there was none before or did he just replace an existing air vent."

Replaced an existing vent (on "the main") that was stuck on.

"Did he mention anything about traps" No, He hasn't mentioned anything about traps.

I'll get you better pics of the convectors, and take a walk around vid showing setup. Hopefully can update tonight.

- Tnx

Paul48

The "guts" of the steam traps are replaceable, and Barnes&Jones can help with that. Your system should operate on ounces of pressure, not pounds. If you have failed traps, running at a higher pressure does nothing but increase your fuel bill. The guys can help you reset your pressuretrol.

Jquest

Paul48, NBC , BobC . - Sorry if this sounds dumb. Where would the traps be located ? (or should be located) In the pics below do you guys see 'traps'?

Pictures of the setup, piping, including a video, and a really MS paint style drawing of basic layout. https://photos.app.goo.gl/qsYbGMMdcvJch53n2

(Photo descriptions) In the photo with basement window in background (white spray paint on the beams) it shows the basement ceiling under the convector. The insulated pipe next to window is feed for convector 1st floor above. The non-insulated is return for convector on 1st floor above. The outer set goes to 2nd floor.

Paul48

I don't see them. It's possible that they used orifice plates. They are basically a disc with a small hole in them that restricts the amount of steam that gets into the convector.

Jquest

Any suggestions or comments about the piping on my system ? Thoughts on what's next ? I assume its gonna be installing air vents and checking out steam traps for possible install ?

Fred

That convector looks pretty level. It needs to have a little pitch so that water can run out the return side of the convector. Also, you mention the system pressure gets up to about 7 PSI. A steam boiler should not run more that about 1.5PSI. What is your Pressuretrol set at? It should be set at .5 PSI cut-in and the white wheel inside the Pressuretrol should be set at "1". If it is set correctly, it is very possible the pigtail (looped pipe) that the Pressuretrol is mounted on is clogged and needs to be taken off and cleaned. high pressures will do all kinds of strange things to your heating system.

Jquest

I will check this out , clean the pressure troll pigtail, and then post my results

nicholas bonham-carter

A diagram would make it easier to follow the piping.
I would start with the pressure-reduce it. Then install a bigger main vent, or two, such as a Gorton #2 along side what you already have. It looks like you have the boiler piped improperly with no equalizer, so you may have wet steam, therefore a big mouth vent might spray out some water. Some vents will not operate properly at pressures higher than 2 psi, and without venting the air out, the steam cannot get into the radiators.—NBC

Jquest

I will update you all soon. Sorry for the delay

Gordo

If this is a two pipe system, there should be an air vent somewhere on the "dry return" very shortly before it drips into the "wet" return.