DIY steam return line vent replacement?

masinter

Hello! We're new to a 1900s house and have done all the important things (read We Got Steam Heat, add insulation where it's missing, check all the pitches, and apologize for ever discounting steam heat).

One of the main vents on our return (one pipe system) isn't venting properly. It's a Vent Rite 77. Is this a DIY replacement, or, given that it's not a radiator vent, should we call someone to replace it? If it's something we can replace ourselves, do we need to do anything beyond shut the system off and let it cool?

Thank you!

Jamie Hall

No reason not to do it yourself, except that persuading the old vent to unscrew may be a chore. I'd suggest plenty of Croil or PB Blaster or whatever you like and letting it soak in well, then doing it again. Since there are nice flats on the vent, a really big crescent wrench on the vent, with a pipe wrench on the T to hold it steady (may need two people).

JUGHNE

Two wrenches for sure.

Once off you may need clearance away from that beam for a larger vent, perhaps a Gorton #2?

You can add a nipple up, 90, longer nipple, 90 and then air vent up.

Just so the horizontal nipple will drain back to the tee.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Or 2 45 deg elbows.

SteamingatMohawk

Or if you can't turn it, just use a union for a few $$ more.

masinter

Thanks, everyone! We had a service for a separate issue (leaking rad union) and they put a Gorton 1 on it while they were there. It took a lot more persuasion from a pipe wrench than I would have felt comfortable with. Solved that problem. Until the new one (see my new post...)