No Local Help

WithrowPlace

Dear all, I own a 100 year old house in Virginia's New River Valley. That's southwest of Roanoke, Dublin, VA 24084. I am having trouble getting my steam heat system fixed. The only companies near me will not work with residential customers. Thanks in advance. Jim Bell.

PS The only problem is a leak at the sight glass. It works! Just makes a mess.

STEVEusaPA

I wonder if you're near @Ironman

Jamie Hall

Beautiful country. Not surprised you are having trouble finding help. Fortunately, there aren't too many ways that sight glasses can leak -- and most of them are things which it is likely you can handle yourself, if you are reasonably handy. Can you post a picture of the leaking area? We can probably guide your repair with that.

WithrowPlace

WithrowPlace

Leaks at the top. Can't tell if the glass is broken or not.

Mad Dog_2

Call Dan Foley at Foley Mechanical..Lorton VA..atleast 
 He's in your state.. pay him for his consult time.  Any good plumber or boiler guy can follow his plan.  DONE!  If u can't get him get Steamhead...He's in Maryland .  You can't do any better than these Gents.  Keep us posted...Mad Dog 

neilc

that pressuretrol is set kinda high,
and that's not helping your leaking situation, nor the heating or fuel economy,
the sightglass might be able to be tightened as is, or needs new gaskets, which then suggests new brass nuts and washers, and change the glass while you're at it,
service the pigtail lately?
what pressure are you seeing when steaming?
https://heatinghelp.com/store/detail/we-got-steam-heat-a-homeowners-guide-to-peaceful-coexistence

WithrowPlace

I really would like a professional to do this. I might could do this but I know I'm way over my head. Locals itching to install forced air and throw away the radiators.

Mad Dog, thanks for the refs. On the list!
neilc, pressure abt 1 but is bouncing a lot w the leak.

Jamie Hall

Any decent plumber should be able to take the sight glass apart, clean it up, and replace the gaskets (probably O-rings). He or she should have a spare glass on hand, though -- they're amazingly fragile.

Mad Dog_2

Withrow place...instead of throwing the radiators out of the house, throw them knuckle draggers out!  Mad Dog

Big Ed_4

The sight glass wears down on the ends . Normally from a small leak from lack of compression rings .

I noticed the muddy water , it tells me you have steam leaks. The mud is the solids left behind . Leaks will cost you in burning more fuel ....

WithrowPlace

Thanks all for your help. I am so glad this blog is here! I'm still trying to find someone. At least now I have until next heating season.