2-Pipe Vapor

seeking_advice

Seeking contracting advice, trusted contractors of this cool forum. Here's the gist.

Last year we moved into a cape cod in NJ. Oddly enough, this 1930-something house has what has been explained to me as "strange to see this in a non-mansions". It hasn't been maintained incorrectly and has resulted in an astronomical heating bill last winter. My luck, right?

Anyway, it's 2-pipe vapor system. Top of the line in 1930, but not maintained as such. Missing traps, most-likely long rotted away bearings in originals, a radiator that's completely bi-passed for unknown reasons and a return line that is coming back to the boiler above the water line.

Here's where I would like your advice:

My first plumbing pro, old school guy who seems to know his stuff, growing up on these things, quoted ...7k... but I seem to have offended him when I asked for that number to be broken down... 'cause he's "the only guy who knows this stuff." I was definitely not prepared for it. Then, there's the young pro who our contractor uses, has worked on a couple of these quoted an initial 500, suggesting not to change too much at once and monitor, then change more. He always breaks down the work. I fully appreciate that you got to pay someone for knowing which button to press more than pressing a button, but I have a hard time swallowing a 6k+ difference in estimate.

Any advice appreciated. I checked your site for NJ contractors but couldn't tell who had this specialty experience.

Steamhead

First off, we do not discuss pricing on this forum. Click on "Here" in the yellow bar above to see this and other FAQs.

As for Joisey-based steam guys, check out @Dave0176, @EzzyT or @JohnNY . Can't go wrong with any of them.

nicholas bonham-carter

You could always make the repairs, undo the inappropriate changes yourself. Buy the several steam books in the library here, along with the needed tools, and maybe some occasional helpers, and you are good to go.
Repairing all the traps, and perhaps repiping the boiler is within the ability of anyone who can read, and that would be a start.
First job would be making an accurate diagram of the layout of the system, and making note of how the air escapes from the pipes as steam begins to rise.
Second job would be the installation of a low pressure gauge, (0-3 psi, valworx.com), and maybe a vaporstat.
While you are at it, calculate the EDR of the radiators, so that you know whether your boiler is oversized or not.
At the end of the project, you will have an immense feeling of accomplishment, and an understanding of why things cost what they do.
Post some pictures of your boiler piping, and radiators for more advice.—NBC

JohnNY

I like to approach these things as a restoration project. You seem to understand what you've got there: a top-of-the-line steam heating system that someone paid well for and at some point felt like they got what they paid for. My job is to get you back to that condition and help you reap the lasting benefits of this elevated installation. Give me a call if you'd like. I've got a shop in Orange (07050).