What Piping Configuration is this

bud_h

I am hoping someone can help me with what this system layout is called (assuming it is called anything... maybe it is just a butchered mess). The steam leaves the boiler and once the piping reaches the ceiling, it is sloped down to each end of the basement, where it then pitches back towards the boiler as a return. Before dropping down to the boiler, there is an air vent, one on each (dry?) return.

What I would like understand, in addition to what this piping layout is called, is 1- Why is there no hartford loop, 2- I am about to replace the air vents on all the radiators. When I do that, based on everything I have read, it sounds like I should replace the main vents as well. What vent should I be installing on each of those return lines ?

Thank you !

Steamhead

That's a parallel-flow system with dry returns. Whoever put that boiler in didn't bother to read the instructions, which is why there's no Hartford Loop.

How long are the steam mains?

bud_h

The longest steam main is probably 45' or so, the other main is maybe 15' and just hits one radiator.

Steamhead

Put a Gorton #2 on the long main and a Gorton #1 on the short one, and they should balance pretty well.

bud_h

Thank you very much !. Should I be concerned about the lack of hartford loop or the configuration of the header ?

Jamie Hall

not really, on the Hartford Loop, since there are no wet returns (at least that I can see). The riser/header piping is a long way from ideal-- but if it isn't hammering and is otherwise heating OK, I'd leave it be until -- if an when -- a new boiler is needed.

bud_h

It seems to heat well. It takes a long time (10-15 minutes) from the thermostat call to the radiators warming up, but I think thats the nature of the beast.

If I do gorton #1 and #2 for the respective main vents, what should I be using on the radiators as vents ? The house only has 7 radiators and I think there are 6 different styles of vents, I presume replacing them all at the same time is probably wise ?

KC_Jones

bud_h said:

It seems to heat well. It takes a long time (10-15 minutes) from the thermostat call to the radiators warming up, but I think thats the nature of the beast.

No it's not the nature of the beast. With proper main venting and a 45' main you should get steam to the rads in 5 minutes or less, that is from header to end of main timing. Thermostat call could be a little longer, but with a warm boiler not much longer.

You want to make sure you vent both mains independently so you can balance them, the idea is to get steam to all the rads at about the same time.

BTW I only see 1 main in that picture, where is the other main?

EBEBRATT-Ed

10-15 min to get steam to the rads may be good or bad......it depends on the boiler temperature and how long between the last time it called for heat.

I would change the vents as @Steamhead mentioned. I also agree with @Jamie Hall if it works reasonably well leave the piping alone until you change the boiler.......then make sure the install follows the MFG piping instructions for the new boiler when the time comes

bud_h

Thanks all for the advice. @KC_Jones if you look closely right behind the control transformer, the main branches up into the joist bay where it heads to the other side of the basement. The main that continues below the joists goes to feed just one radiator then immediately returns.

I’ll time it again once I replace all the vents. Maybe it took less time than it seemed.