Near Boiler Smell - Basement Reno

Ryan91

Hi everyone,

First, I would like to thank everyone for their experience and willingness to help on this forum. I am a new homeowner with a single pipe steam system and I have used this forum numerous times to troubleshoot and fix my system.

I currently have a strong smell (I would call it oily?) originating near the boiler, at least that is where it is most severe. As the boiler/piping heats up, the basement is immediately filled with the smell and starts to creep upstairs.

Now, a couple of things have changed since the boiler was really last used that I suspect is causing the problem.

1) All steam piping in the basement had to be abated during my basement renovation. Once the asbestos insulation was removed, the abatement contractor used Rustoleum high heat brush on paint on exposed piping in order to encapsulate any fibers that may have been embedded in the piping. I know from this forum, that all piping must be reinsulated, so don't worry I will do that (min 1" thickness) on all piping. Side question on insulation: Do I insulate all the way back to the boiler where piping connects inside? Or just above starting at the straight main?

2) The wet return behind our finished wall was replaced, approximately 30' of straight pipe and 3 elbows. The install follows an identical path to the original piping, just raised approximately 3/4" off the floor just so it is not in direct contact with the concrete. The contractor did not skim the boiler after the install, however, I have not noticed a dancing water line/surging occuring during the heating cycle.

Of these two changes, do you suspect that one, or maybe both can be contributing to the strong odor? In regards to the skimming, if I do not notice any drastic movement on the water line, is it necessary?

I have had a combustion analysis performed (twice) and have not had any CO sensors go off so I think its safe to rule that out.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

EzzyT

Was the boiler recently installed and do you know if it was skimmed to rid it off all the oil due to manufacturing and installation?
Yes all the piping all the way to the boiler needs to be insulated. 

Jamie Hall

The Rustoleum. Great paint, but takes forever to fully cure... And the insulation goes all the way back to the boiler -- anything with steam in it -- within reason (don't get too frantic about odd fittings -- not worth it).

Ryan91

EzzyT said:

Was the boiler recently installed and do you know if it was skimmed to rid it off all the oil due to manufacturing and installation?
Yes all the piping all the way to the boiler needs to be insulated. 

Hi Ezzy,

Boiler is about 7 years old. Not sure if it has been skimmed, but our previous winter we ran our system and it worked fine with no smell.

Ryan91

Jamie Hall said:

The Rustoleum. Great paint, but takes forever to fully cure... And the insulation goes all the way back to the boiler -- anything with steam in it -- within reason (don't get too frantic about odd fittings -- not worth it).

Hi Jamie,

You think the paint is what could be giving off such a strong smell when heated? How long are we talking for "forever"?

In regards, to insulating, I went a little overboard and purchased every PVC fitting with insulation.

Jamie Hall

Not forever -- but it could easily be months, from time to time.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Ryan91

How long ago was the basement renovation done? Days,weeks, months?

When they renovated the basement did they cut off/down the amount of combustion air the boiler has access to? You say oily smell, are you burning gas or oil?

I agree the paint could be the issue but I must disagree with @Jamie Hall if the steam pipes are hot the paint should cure quickly i would think

Ryan91

@EBEBRATT-Ed

The renovation is currently in progress. Everything is demo'd and wet return replacement and abatement happened about 2-3 weeks ago. So, no have I have not cut down on air for combustion, if anything it may have been increased. Boiler is oil fired. I have had 2 combustion tests performed and both contractors have said that everything is working as it is supposed to.

JUGHNE

Nothing to do with the smell, but with the insulation off, it is a good time to check the pitch of the pipes.

Insulation abatement can disrupt pipe hangers.

Often old pipe gets a "belly" in a long section just with age.
May need an additional hanger or so.

Very difficult to check pitch after new insulation.

Everything needs to drain to somewhere and back again. FWIW

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Ryan91

I guess I would give it a little more time and see if the smell abates