Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.
If our community has helped you, please consider making a contribution to support this website. Thanks!

Best air vent for a unique setup, I think my plumber chose incorrectly

Options
alexbk88
alexbk88 Member Posts: 2
edited 2:36PM in Strictly Steam

i have a unique setup where I have a gas powered steam boiler in the basement, one small radiator directly above it in the kitchen and then two other medium sized radiators in the dining room and living room next to the kitchen, that’s it. Single pipe steam system 100 year old house. They all get hot very easily and quickly, within 15 minutes 100% hot and filled, and steam starts to reach them within 5-6 minutes. The furthest radiator has a slight water hammer for about 20-30 seconds as steam starts coming in, but adjusting the pitch has made it very tolerable.

they currently all have Gorton 6’s and our plumber who’s not a steam expert chose them and I’m now doubting his choice after reviewing the Gorton air vent guides


I was looking at the Gorton chart and it seems like 4 would be a better option since these are having no trouble getting hot and the thermostat is between the living room and the dining room.

Would it make sense to switch these to 4’s? I also would love if they filled just a tad slower because our Residio Honeywell T9 thermostat only checks the temperature after 25 minutes or so on the steam setting, so the three radiators are filled with steam before the thermostat is able to fully clock it. I am hoping the switch to Gorton 4’s might align them a bit more with the timing of the steam setting on the thermostat.

Appreciate any insight on if it would make sense to switch them to Gorton 4 based on their location near thermostat and also that they are having no difficulty heating evenly as is. Or I could switch to maid o mist adjustable and try the 4 caps and experiment.

Comments

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,491

    Balancing is part science...part, Art. The Gorton venting guide...is just that..a guide

    It can take quite awhile to find YOUR balance. Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
  • 4GenPlumber
    4GenPlumber Member Posts: 86

    If its only 3 rads, the vent size isnt gonna make a big difference. What thermostat checks every 25 min? How is the rest of the home heated?

  • Captain Who
    Captain Who Member Posts: 682

    If it was me I'd be more concerned about that water hammer, but I guess you are saying the system is overshooting your setpoint on the thermostat?

  • alexbk88
    alexbk88 Member Posts: 2
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1888000#Comment_1888000

    is it possible lowering the vent size will help the hammer? Adjusting the pitch def helped a bunch. The water hammer stops the moment the air vent starts to release air

  • Captain Who
    Captain Who Member Posts: 682
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1888001#Comment_1888001

    It might help because the inrush of steam initially produces the maximum condensation in the valve area and supply piping and slowing it down could help. But you need to make sure the valve isn't damaged. I'd try to remove the bonnet first but if it doesn't come along peacefully I'd try removing the radiator and checking the valve that way. This is presuming you have at least 1/2 in. per foot of downward pitch in the runout piping to this radiator.

Categories