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Main Vent Placement

abea17
abea17 Member Posts: 6
in Strictly Steam

I am doing research into venting the mains because my radiator vents make quite a lot of noise and it seems to me I need to vent the mains more. However, I’m a bit lost, because my one pipe system does have 2 main vents, but they aren’t at the end of the main, they’re right above the boiler, and both appear to be on wet returns (from what I can tell, I may very well be wrong):

IMG_9963.jpeg

They are both maid o mist Jacobus 1 main vents. I can hear the one on the right venting air when the system is running but I can’t tell if the one on the left actually vents anything. My question is: is the placement of these vents wrong and are they doing anything for my system? If it’s not wrong, would I benefit from switching one or both to larger vents? (I’ve seen the big mouth vent recommended many times here)

Here is a photo of my main pipe:

IMG_9964.jpeg

It runs about 18’ and has no vents at any point. Would it be better to add in a vent towards the end of this main? Any guidance or advice is much appreciated. Let me know if more info is needed.

Comments

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,714
    edited January 23

    Does the other end of this pipe connect to the end of the main? If so, you're good. Just put on a larger vent Gorton #2 if you think the mains are heating slowly. I'd also raise both vents 6" with nipples

    image.png

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • abea17
    abea17 Member Posts: 6

    I think so- this is the end of that pipe. It wraps around and comes back. Thank you for the tips! What does raising the vents do?

    IMG_9965.jpeg

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,714

    Tends to help them last longer by keeping them away from contaminants in the return.

    The smaller pipe is just an extension of your steam main. So the vents are in the right spots. Just try larger ones.

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,714

    So you have a leak here? Looks like it.

    image.png

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 7,110

    A better spot would be just after the last radiator runouts. Then you wouldn't have to heat those long returns. But given what you have, those spots are 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

  • abea17
    abea17 Member Posts: 6

    @delcrossv I haven’t noticed any actual water or steam leaking out, but it does look like it. I need to have another piece of pipe replaced after this winter, so I will probably look into having that section replaced too. Would it be beneficial to put a vent on that section, since it will need to be replaced anyways?

  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 1,714
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1837432#Comment_1837432

    Couldn't hurt, Just make sure it's on a tall nipple. I see no downside to double venting in this case.

    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
  • RTW
    RTW Member Posts: 179

    "So you have a leak here? Looks like it."

    As mentioned by

    @delcrossv

    that pipe looks deteriorated and I suggest you wrap it with what's called "silicone repair tape" Follow directions on application that requires one to pull & stretch as you wrap the pipe. It will get you through the heating season in my view

    All the best,

    RTW

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