Dunham system fast venting questions

mstrbill

I question how that little vent atop the dunham return trap can vent the whole house fast ? The system has a peerless oil steamer , large 5 bedroom home , original dunham componants , vapor- stat set correctly . Should i change the vent to a couple of gorton -2 s and will this help the entire system vent and then steam up quick ? Can you vent a vapor system too quick ? I always welcome your suggestions steamers !

Jamie Hall

No, you really can't vent a vapour system too fast -- but vents aren't cheap, so there's no point in going overboard. In your case, though, it may be that a bigger vent may help. Or vents. Try a Gorton #2 there and see what happens. While you are at it, check all the traps -- particularly the crossovers -- to make sure they are really working properly.

The Steam Whisperer

If the system is set up for naturally induced vacuum, you really don't need much venting since once the air is pushed out, just a little bit comes back in through leaks. I'd set it up with a check valve and a Big Mouth if it doesn't already have a check valve in the vent.

PMJ

The Steam Whisperer said:

If the system is set up for naturally induced vacuum, you really don't need much venting since once the air is pushed out, just a little bit comes back in through leaks. I'd set it up with a check valve and a Big Mouth if it doesn't already have a check valve in the vent.

Right. A very small vent gets it done then. You want quiet, fast and efficient response .... just get the air out once and keep it out.