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3rd boiler in 10 years!
FreddyMac
Member Posts: 2
I have a new client with a Burnham steam boiler which has rotted at the top of the sections. His 50 year old boiler was replaced 10 years ago with a burnham, which rotted after 5 years, then replaced it with another burnham which is now rotted 5 years later.
Can the near boiler piping cause this? I checked the ph level and it was about 8. Thanks
Can the near boiler piping cause this? I checked the ph level and it was about 8. Thanks
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Comments
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It isn’t piped correctly, but I don’t see that causing it to rot.
How much makeup water is it using?
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Burnham's have issues.
But it isn't piped right. I would be sick and tired of paying for boilers. Hopefully it get's done right. Amazing being done 3 times and still not piped right Surprised it hasen't been converted to scorched air0 -
I just had a leak in a radiator union and it was a quart every two or three days. It was very noticeable to me as a drop of 1/4” on my gauge glass per quart (but my boiler is only 3 sections and a larger boiler’s level won’t move as dramatically). I have graduated marks on my gauge glass.
since I fixed it a couple weeks ago I have lost an almost immeasurably small amount.
Some people lose a gallon per day or more from a hole in the boiler.
Maybe they should try a peerless or Weil-McClain next time?? Just a suggestion!NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el3 -
FreddyMac said:@KC_Jones not sure how much make up water they are using, but how much is too much?
When you replace it I strongly recommend the VXT water feeder that has a digital meter, monitoring water usage is important.2 -
It’s a V series. Forget them with steam, even Burnham recommends to use the Megasteam now. I’ve pulled probably 50 V8 series Burnhams all rotted just like that. It’s seems unfortunate but none of those boilers lasted more than 15 years.DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc
https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter
I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......2 -
Forget about using Burnham. They are known for their quality issues, especially the V7 and V8 series. I'm with @ethicalpaul, go with a Peerless or Weil Mclain and correct the piping.1
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Retired and loving it.2
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I'm drawing a blank at the moment but doesn't the leak being above the water line narrow down the failure options?Contact John "JohnNY" Cataneo, NYC Master Plumber, Lic 1784
Consulting & Troubleshooting
Heating in NYC or NJ.
Classes0 -
it does. That system has a leak somewhere. Check for leaks at radiator unions, bad vents, buried return lines.JohnNY said:I'm drawing a blank at the moment but doesn't the leak being above the water line narrow down the failure options?
it also helps on a V7 or V8 boiler if you can down-fire the burner a bit, so the iron doesn't run as hot.All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting2 -
The culprit is fresh water. Find the leak. Then install a MegsSteam.New England SteamWorks
Service, Installation, & Restoration of Steam Heating Systems
newenglandsteamworks.com1 -
What pressure is it running at? If it has plenty of main venting and slow radiator vents and isn’t oversized, it should run under 8oz. If it regularly hits over 1psi, leaks are far, far worse.0
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Says when you see a boiler piped wrong the way it is. All they had to do was shift the first header down and move the 2nd take off up to switch the order. Upsizing to 3” would just be a bonus.0
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