Need a steam heat expert in Brooklyn

NYGUY88

Hi all - I was told to post here by my parents’ boiler guy. I just bought a 1910 wood frame townhouse in BK I am gutting. I was originally going to abandon the VERY OLD steam heat system and just use Mitsubishi Hyper Heat units throughout. 

Now I’m rethinking my set up to have mini splits in bedrooms upstairs but rework and use the boiler system for the main floor. The house has a 200,000 BTU Weil McLain EGSS SPDN Series 4 gas-fired steam boiler. It’s 20 years old with yearly maintenance and works great I’m told. The piping to radiators leaks when in use so I would probably have to repipe most of the house. 

Anyone have thoughts on what I should do? And recommendations on a plumber to hire?

Thanks!

EdTheHeaterMan

Good luck. Try reading this book first before you redesign the steam system. It don't work like you think is should. It works like the old timers designed it, and making changes based on what you think should work might make things worse. https://heatinghelp.com/store/detail/we-got-steam-heat-a-homeowners-guide-to-peaceful-coexistence


you can also use this link https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/

mattmia2

There are several people here that work in brooklyn. I would recommend all of them.

Steamhead

@NYGUY88 , those HyperHeat units are an improvement over previous models, but you'll still want your radiators for those really cold days/nights. You can always shut off the bedroom radiators in milder weather.

Mad Dog_2

Call Johnny NY Gateway 
P & H.  They service your area.  He's on Find a Contractor Feature.  He will set you straight ... Licensed & Insured...Steam Heat Expert.  Mad Dog 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

212-980-0909....Ask for John.  Tell him Mad Dog sends his love 💘  ha ha..Good Luck.  Keep us apprised.   Mad Dog 🐕 

JohnNY

Mad Dog_2 said:

212-980-0909....Ask for John.  Tell him Mad Dog sends his love 💘  ha ha..Good Luck.  Keep us apprised.   Mad Dog 🐕 

Thanks, Matt. My pricing didn't work for the client but I appreciate the recommendation very much.

random12345

@NYGUY88 Just out of curiosity, where does the steam piping leak from? Old steam pipes can hold up for a long time.

NYGUY88

The pipe leaks from one of the 90° connections of the branch lines off the trunk. 

PC7060

Pictures?

mattmia2

You can pay someone that knows what they are doing to do it once or you can pay someone who doesn't several times and it still won't work right...

ethicalpaul

As a fellow homeowner driven to learn many more things than I ever thought I would have to know, I can sympathize with your situation.

However, you asked here for an expert and had one of the best steam contractors in the country in your house or on your phone and you turned him away so I'm not sure that was the wisest decision.

ChrisJ

ethicalpaul said:

As a fellow homeowner driven to learn many more things than I ever thought I would have to know, I can sympathize with your situation.

However, you asked here for an expert and had one of the best steam contractors in the country in your house or on your phone and you turned him away so I'm not sure that was the wisest decision.

And for NYC John's prices aren't even high.........

Mad Dog_2

My Grandfather Norbert, a very wise Journalist, mortician and  intellectual, would say in this case:
"A prophet is without Honor 🎖 in his OWN Country!"  You can lead a thirsty horse to cool,  clean, limpid water....you cannot force him to drink.... Mad Dog 🐕 

neilc

someone else said this same thing with less words,

ChrisJ

neilc said:

someone else said this same thing with less words,

Lisa Douglas said  "Well, you know the old saying: you can lead a horse over the water, but you can't make him think."

neilc

ChrisJ said:

neilc said:

someone else said this same thing with less words,

Lisa Douglas said  "Well, you know the old saying: you can lead a horse over the water, but you can't make him think."



what ?
all horses stink

Mad Dog_2

Nelic...ONLY if you don't keep them clean.  Daily bathing.pick out their hooves, wash the privates.....just like humans...Dead Horses need to be buried down back...or yes...they WILL stink.....Mad Dog 🐕 

neilc

my interwbz humor,
I do like that healthy barn smell, but refer to it as , stink,
I can usually smell the deer before they show themselves

Mad Dog_2

If they don't "bust you" first!  Mad Dog 🤣