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New boiler - low end rumble

Kjmass1
Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275
in Strictly Steam

we had a new steam boiler installed, which has a drop header where our previous one did not. The boiler room is beneath our living room and at times there is a low end rumble/vibration/resonance particularly at the beginning of a cycle. The boiler is almost half the size.

the mains coming off the boiler are only supported by brackets about 10’ from the boiler, so no brackets at the boiler. I did notice one of the main has a little jiggle to it when running. Should I add support near the boiler? Should they be just straps or should they be firm mounted to studs using the threaded rod types?

I don’t hear any of the rumble when in the boiler room.

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,591

    Pictures would help.

    Was this boiler skimmed at start up?

    What has the installing contractor said about the issue?

  • Kjmass1
    Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831874#Comment_1831874
    IMG_9901.jpeg

    We’ve done 4 skims over the past month or so since install. Installer will be back for final inspections so was going to address then.

    Greening
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,591

    It is so nice to see that someone followed the instructions.

    They did a good job on the piping, skim port in place. Give them a chance and keep us posted.

    IronmanGreening
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,372

    As has been said — so nice to see a good install for a change!

    If you don't hear the rumble when you are near the boiler in the basement, it's going to be a bit difficult to find the cause. It probably wouldn't hurt, though, to add some extra straps to the mains. I'm not at all sure I'd use a rigid support, though — if the sound is coming from the boiler or the piping, that might make it worse!

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,631
    edited January 4

    Was combustion and gas pressure checked by the installer?

    That chimney looks like it’s on an outside wall. Has it been lined?

    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • Kjmass1
    Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831902#Comment_1831902

    Chimney runs outside of the house, correct. No liner, cap on top. Combustion was checked, not sure about gas pressure.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,986

    @Kjmass1

    If I am not mistaken in most cases especially in a cold climate all outside chimneys need a liner. Stainless steel is better than aluminum

    Ironman
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,631
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831915#Comment_1831915

    An unlined outside chimney can cause improper draft. Flue gas condensation will also happen which will rot the mortar joints in the chimney eventually causing it to cave in.

    IDK how you can properly check combustion without checking gas pressure.

    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 7,080
    edited January 4

    well since the only thing you can adjust on this boiler is the gas pressure, if the combustion gases look good, you’re all set, right?

    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

  • Kjmass1
    Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831918#Comment_1831918

    Code mandated in MA?

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,148

    Yes it is.

  • Kjmass1
    Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275

    99% sure it's original clay on the inside. Does code require stainless for a steam boiler?

  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,148

    Not that I'm aware of but codes change all the time. You can use aluminum but don't expect it to last that long. Outside chimney combined with boiler efficiency's low flue gas temp leads to condensation in the liner which doesn't hold up as well as stainless. I've seen lots of failures with mid efficiency fan assisted category 1 appliances vented in aluminum. I don't think you can go wrong with stainless except a little lighter in the wallet.

    By the way, that is how you pipe a steam boiler. I'm not a drop header guy because its overkill but he did a great piping job with everything but the black malleable. if he used cast iron fittings he would have gotten two thumbs up instead of one. lol

    Greening
  • Kjmass1
    Kjmass1 Member Posts: 275
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831945#Comment_1831945

    Thanks, got 55 years out of the last boiler, figure I could splurge for the drop header and do it once. Will insulate the near piping after inspections are all done.

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,105
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1831934#Comment_1831934

    Don't those burners have air shutters which are also adjustable?

    —
    Bburd

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