Do I have a steam or water radiator system?

ie01

I recently moved into a 1916 home in a cold climate (it's -10F now) and know absolutely nothing about heating systems. From what little I've gleaned from internet searches, I believe I have a gravity hot water boiler and hot water radiators (based on no sight gauge, two-pipe radiators, and residential norms in my area). However, my home inspector identified it as a steam system based on some other unknown factors (he seemed surprised by some things I don't remember), so I am seeking more opinions. I appreciate anything you can tell me about what I have, and where I can learn more about what maintenance is required. I've included a number of photos and I thank you in advance for your help.

mattmia2

Hot water. Still set up for gravity unless there is a circulator somewhere you didn't show us.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Yup

nicholas bonham-carter

You appear to know more than your home inspector, as it is a gravity hot water system, with special “Revereware Humidifier” I wonder if he overlooked something else in the house inspection.
It may even have a power pile gas valve setup, which will function without power.
Use the find a contractor button here to find someone local to you, capable of servicing the system, which may require annual expansion tank draining. I’m having trouble reading the tridicator gauge to see if the pressure looks right.—NBC

WMno57

You have a very robust and simple gravity hot water system. Beautiful radiators!

The large steel tank in the rafters is an old style compression tank. They occasionlly become waterlogged and require draining. That can be a DIY project.

Since your inspector didn't know what he was looking at, It might be a good idea to have someone knowledgeable come in and look over the system. Hire someone who has a combustion analyzer, and knows how to use it.

You can't buy these systems anymore. They are less efficient, but have a much higher mean time between failure due to their simplicity. It would be a shame to replace it because the combustion was off and it rusted out.

JohnNY

Home Inspectors. Funny people.

Jamie Hall

Wonder what else the "home inspector" missed... or got wrong... Oy.

pecmsg

Inform the Home Inspector you will be demanding a Full Refund! Your state will have a governing body that you can file a complaint with. He clearly needs more training or a career change.

My house had an old Thatcher gravity H W System. I will admit the most comfortable heat but the oil fuel bills were thru the roof. Within 1 year I replaced that thatcher with a Well McLain NG fired and 1/2 the capacity. Zoned the 1st & 2nd floors. The risers and radiators remain just the head banging pipes were replaced.

pecmsg

Youngplumber said:

I always thought home inspector would be a great side scam. 

For Some it is!

Its all in how its worded........................"From the ground level the roof appears fine"

I use an inspector because the Bank required it. Have since made friends with him. Hes not bad but the problem and he admits it is They cant know everything!

Pumpguy

pecmsg said:

Youngplumber said:

I always thought home inspector would be a great side scam. 

For Some it is!

Its all in how its worded........................"From the ground level the roof appears fine"

I use an inspector because the Bank required it. Have since made friends with him. Hes not bad but the problem and he admits it is They cant know everything!

Yeah, but THEY GOTTA KNOW THE BASICS, jeez!.

@WMno57 Couldn't agree more. I helped my dad install a similar system in the mid 1950s. In the late 90s the circulating pump locked up, but wasn't noticed for several months. Kept on working on just gravity circulation.

Steamhead

Love the American Rococo radiators!

bucksnort

You didn't hire a home inspector. You hired a scam artist.