Piper on boiler - Question

steam2pipe

We have a Weil McLain boiler and the plumber today said he doesn't see the manifold or equalizer and the piping is incorrect (too small should be 3" and not what it is). Can you look at this photo of the boiler and let me know if you agree and/or have other suggestions? Thanks.

Jamie Hall

Can't see enough in that one photo -- can you take a couple of more, somewhat further back so we can see all the piping?

EBEBRATT-Ed

If they plumber is asking those questions he probably knows what he is doing.

Do yourself a favor. Get the model # off the boiler and go to the Weil McLain website and download the install manual (if you don't have the one the installer used) and compare the piping you have to what Weil McLain wants.

Then you will know what the plunmber is talking about

steam2pipe

I'll take some photos tomorrow and see if that helps. Thanks.

steam2pipe

Jamie - I found this photo on file tonight if that helps

ethicalpaul

The plumber is correctly concerned

steam2pipe

Do you base that on the photo that I just uploaded? I am concerned, too, if these parts are not there and am not sure how the boiler could run now if they are missing. I appreciate your expertise and am trying to learn as much as I can so that I can advise the other owners and make a good decision especially if it was incorrectly installed to begin with. I have the manual and am trying to understand it all, too.

mattmia2

how big is the building that is heating? That boiler is huge.

It will usually work sort of with incorrect piping, but you will get problems like banging and spitting vents and parts that don't heat.

steam2pipe

The building is a 3 story built in 1870, 12 units (10 steam heated, 2 hot water pipes basement units). We do have lots of banging and floors that have trouble getting heat though some main vents in the boiler room helped last year with that. Right now the boiler shuts down and has to be manually reset too often, and we are concerned because we had no idea there was no manifold (header) or equalizer today and that was the first anyone ever said this. It is concerning.

steam2pipe

I just found this article on this site and it is very informative. https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/the-importance-of-near-boiler-piping/

nicholas bonham-carter

The part of the piping which is missing is the “header”, and maybe a second required riser out of the boiler.
This information booklet from Peerless boilers is quite informative with its illustrations:

https://www.peerlessboilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/OnePipeSteam.pdf

I suspect the resetting you are doing is on the secondary pressuretrol, indicating your pressure is too high.
Is this building new to you, and was it inspected before purchase?—NBC

ethicalpaul

steam2pipe said:

Do you base that on the photo that I just uploaded? I am concerned, too, if these parts are not there and am not sure how the boiler could run now if they are missing. I appreciate your expertise and am trying to learn as much as I can so that I can advise the other owners and make a good decision especially if it was incorrectly installed to begin with. I have the manual and am trying to understand it all, too.

Yes, I stated that because of the picture. The boiler was not piped according to manufacturer instructions—not even close. 

dopey27177

see the simplified near boiler piping. The sizes may not be the same for your boiler.

Jake

Ironman

Take a look at this one that was just done by one of the pro's on here and then look at yours. See the differences?

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/181002/steam-replacement-beechwood-nj#latest

steam2pipe

Thanks for this link and photos. I do see the difference. What do you think the 2 risers on our boiler are connecting to? I don't see the Header which was pointed out in this discussion is missing. I also don't see the Equalizer.

steam2pipe

Thanks, also, to everyone who has commented on this. I really appreciate all that you share and how much I am learning in the process.

ethicalpaul

I assume they are connected directly to the steam mains.

steam2pipe

Ok, thanks. I'm concerned about one more thing. When the boiler shuts down and doesn't respond to the thermostat, we were told to push the 'reset' button that then fires up the boiler and turns on until it goes off again. It shuts down too often. Is resetting dangerous? Also,is it possible that the boiler is getting too much water on the return (if there is no header or equalizer just straight piping to the steam mains) and when it condensates, overfillls, and then blows out the boiler pilot light after over-working?

nicholas bonham-carter

Can you take a picture of the reset button?--NBC

steam2pipe

Attached are two photos which are the best I can get right now given how dark the boiler room is. Please let me know if you can see where I am pointing to the reset button. It is supposedly on an auto feeder that is disconnected. See my other notes on the larger photo. Thanks very much.

steam2pipe

PS The VXT meter is new (2019) and I just read the print on it and it says 'programmable water feeder' . I am not sure who or how it is programmed. The other feeder where the 'reset' button is has been disengaged per the last plumber who saw this.

steam2pipe

Also, the reset button is wired to the programmable water feeder that is reading 000. That number never changes so I am not sure how it is programmed. Sorry about how dark the photo above is.