Trying to find a good steam guy

moldbandit

Need to replace a very old steam boiler in my home, probably some near boiler piping. Having a hard time finding a knowledgeable steam person/company. Can anybody point me in the right direction or recommendations? I live in western Suffolk county, Long Island, NY

Steamhead

I know many good steam guys in that area. Click on the Find a Contractor link at the top of this page and follow the directions to find one.

Danny Scully

Where exactly in western Suffolk county? I operate Scully’s Plumbing with my brother and father in the Nassau County area, but our license reciprocates in certain Suffolk county areas.

TMcGroy

ME TOO - but in Wells River, VT. The only guy on "Find a Contractor" within 50 miles is On Time Mechanical. I've sent a couple of emails to which he hasn't replied.

There are few licensed plumber/heating guys in eastern VT to begin with and they say they're too busy (or don't want) to take on installing a new steam system with cast-iron radiators in 30 rooms having 16 ft ceilings, 10 ft windows and built in 1874. The only estimate I've gotten so far is $98K. Since it was VERBAL, with no breakdown of time & materials, I'm hoping that was just a ball-park exaggeration designed to scare me off. It worked.

See the building at Oldvillageschool.com.

I'd like to go with a new steam boiler and radiators in every heated space. The current system is a patchwork of oil-fired baseboard & propane space-heaters. I want to restore one system to heat the entire building - just like it did 50 years ago.

I also want to start a discussion about steam v. hydronic for corrosion and longevity of piping. I've been told by the only plumber (30 something) in the area willing to consider installing steam that steam corrodes pipes & radiators faster than hot water. But he doesn't say how much faster. Is it even a consideration in a system that I won't need for more than 30 years (God willing)? I don't care if it works after I'm gone...

Thanks.

JohnNY

I highly recommend Danny Scully.

nicholas bonham-carter

Steam has no corrosive properties that I can think of, but he may be referring to condensate grooving, which is caused by steam sysrems which operate at higher than needed pressures, (+1.5 psi).
Check with some of the boiler manufactures to find the names of their wholesalers, and the find out from them the names of local pros who buy the boilers.
Switching a steam system to hot water can have many problems.—NBC

AMservices

@TMcGroy
I wish you where closer to Boston. My favorite jobs are making old systems work like new.
How many radiators are there?
How many are you trying to put back?
Any pictures of boiler and radiators?

lchmb

wonder if I can talk my company into sending me to Vt..that would be a blast.

Danny Scully

Unfortunately I don’t service his area of Long Island, but hopefully I can offer advice throughout the project.

TMcGroy

Old Village School -
I've been told there are 30 heated spaces right now. The big issue is the original 16 foot ceilings. The building was cut-up into apartments & offices, with dropped ceilings, for income from previous owners. I want to remove the dropped ceilings and install the most efficient and least expensive method of heating those rooms. I'm thinking STEAM, but would welcome professional thoughts on alternatives.

I can't get a new steam boiler until I know what size is required. I won't know that until all the rooms are measured. I have no radiators at present. I'm planning to get from architectural salvage - when I find one in Vermont. I've been told cost of shipping from other areas would be outrageous.

I've been advised I can pay for a design from an ENGINEER - which would include all the specs. Then it's just about plumbing.

Any recommendations for one?

Canucker

@JohnNY could possibly help you.

Danny Scully

@TMcGroy I would start your own thread.