Boiler Replacement Quote
Based on this forum and numerous books led me for guidance in contractor expectations when inquring on my 50-yr old steam boiler replacement today, 30-years in industry…..findings:
He took a photo of the existing boiler nameplate, never measured/looked at any radiators.
I asked about the Hartford loop and if its piped wrong (currently has a long nipple vs close, Steamhead came out two weeks ago for another issue), this guy didnt mention it.
Current feedwater makeup is manual, he seemed not to like that I wanted a bypass on his new auto feeder
When I asked if he includes skimming in the replacement, he didnt know what I was talking about, when I explained he stated "we put in a chemical to dissolve any oils from the installation"
excluding cost for Burnham and all the trimmings/rid of old system, I am passing on this company, have another on Friday, thanks for the help.
Comments
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All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting
1 -
Have to ask the most obvious question. You had Steamhead in your house. Why are you calling the Steam Tails for estimates?
2 -
And certainly agree. Do not allow that Steamtail back in your house. Unless he wants to observe Steamhead and learn a thing or two
2 -
This is in PA where we are not licensed.
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting
1 -
"Steamtails" ??? I get the shade.Steam Doc..is this your ad hominem for Jack Leg, Mutt, Hack, shoemaker, stumblebum?? Ha ha..Mad Dog
1 -
We can see the licensing system working as designed to disallow competent installers, and allow incompetent ones…kind of depressing
NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
4 -
With a drivers license you can drive in any state. But licensing guidelines for HVAC, heating, plumbing & electrical very so much from state to state I guess you will never get the states to agree.
Funny when MA. had the big gas explosion a few years back they accepted out of state workers. But they had to apply and were given a 90 day?? license if they were licensed in another state and they had to have a Licensed MA. worker with them on every job
1 -
Sorry big Dog. This is fifth amendment territory.
3 -
I'm not sure it's a huge difference between states. Yes, some differences. Just like the traffic differences between states. From this outsider's perspective, the licensing system seems more to protect entrenched interests than being there to ensure correct, safe installations.
NJ Steam Homeowner.
Free NJ and remote steam advice: https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/new-jersey-steam-help/
See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
3 -
Where in PA are you located? I am in York county and couldn't find anyone competent, so I did it myself. I do recall someone in my town on this forum having a boiler replaced, but they had to hold the contractors hand the whole way and basically write their own contract for work.
Another "fun" fact, in my town there is no permit required for a boiler replacement. I inspected a commercial installation a few years ago and it had issues, called the town about the permit and inspection, they said none required. I replied "Well, that explains it". lol
For me, if you're willing to pay for the work, and they aren't skilled with the details, they shouldn't have an issue doing the work you request.
As far as sizing, it can be shown from manufacturers literature how to do it, so not sure how they even "argue" the point.
1 -
Located in Adams county, will have another company out Friday and see how it goes, I evened pulled out the yellow pages from an old phone book where they mentioned "steam heat",, which i got alittle chuckle
0 -
Next county over, hello neighbor.
If you’d like help with sizing or looking the system over let me know I could arrange to stop over and take a quick look. I’m just a knowledgeable homeowner not a professional.
2 -
Yeah right. A VERY knowledgeable homeowner, and streets ahead of many pros…
Br. Jamie, osb
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England4 -
The fact that he didn't mention the Hartford loop, especially after you brought it up, is concerning. It’s also odd that he didn’t know about skimming, which is critical for removing oils from a new boiler, especially with steam systems where clean water is essential. His reliance on chemicals instead of skimming seems like a shortcut.
3 -
Gentlemen,
I am so appeciative of this forum and the assistance readily available, learned so much in a short time, if discovering steam heat at an earler age would be making a living in it today…I may be becoming alittle nerdy as I actually started polishing my Big Mouths and other brass attempting that sexy look.
Mr.Jones I may take you up on your offer, thank you
1 -
Half the business owners today have no idea what the yellow pages are. You must be over 50
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
1 -
Getting States to agree???? We can't even get the most populated county in the 50 states to agree. Mad Dog
1 -
I still have a Wolley Segap on the little table in the hall where the candlestick used to reside.
Bob
Smith G8-3 with EZ Gas @ 90,000 BTU, Single pipe steam
Vaporstat with a 12oz cut-out and 4oz cut-in
3PSI gauge0
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