1936 Two Pipe Steam System - Stamford CT

YE_79

Hello, looking for recommendations for a reliable and trustworthy mechanic/technician/diagnostician in the area for a 1935/36 two pipe steam system. Just closed on the home and am undertaking a significant renovation. Any steam-heads in this neck of the woods? Thank you.

JUGHNE

While you wait, you could post some pictures.
From what you might learn here you are prepared to vet any potential steam contractors.

nicholas bonham-carter

Where is your neck of the woods?—NBC
Edit-now I see!!- Connecticut

Jamie Hall

Step one would be to order the book "We Got Steam Heat" -- a good place to start.

YE_79

I will try to post some pics, but thought you all might get a kick out of the attached/uploaded original specs for the heating system. We were fortunate enough to find the original 1935 architectural drawings and specifications during clean-out and demo. Any ideas for technicians in the area? Fairfield County, Ct.

Jamie Hall

Ah. Originally a Webster vapour system, I see. A very fine steam system. Unfortunately, also very subject to knuckleheads.

You might try Charles Garrity ( @Charlie from wmass ) -- I think he has been known to get that far. One of the best.

In the meantime, make sure that the system cutout pressure is less than a pound -- probably more like 8 ounces. You'll need a vapourstat to do that.

STEVEusaPA

Nice piece of history you have there.

Charlie from wmass

@Jamie Hall I was just working on a Webster system yesterday I Ascutney VT. They are quite particular about keeping the pressure on the low side.

PMJ

Anyone notice the boiler size in the spec compared to the radiation?

Fred

PMJ said:

Anyone notice the boiler size in the spec compared to the radiation?

I did, in fact. It looks like when you factor in another 33% piping and pick-up to the Radiation the boiler is still about 25% larger than the connected radiation and this was an oil system so coal wasn't a factor.
Although the contract does say the Contractor is obligated to verify all measurements/sizes and that the specifications are a general guide. Can't say what was actually installed?

Charlie from wmass

Remember the boiler rating may not have had a pickup factor like we do now. Also they were factoring in for the domestic water production with the taco sidearm.

PMJ

Weren't the controls actually more sophisticated than a simple pressure stop? As discussed before it doesn't take a lot more control than that to turn extra boiler into an asset.