New Boiler and Piping

bkdymc

I am in need of a new steam boiler. My current one is a Weil McLean EGH 115. 500,000 BTU's input.

When I first saw it, It was so big that it scared me to death. So I ran out and purchased Dan's book. I knew my house was big-but not that BIG!! After reading Dan's book and doing some research I came up with 19 radiators 741 EDR with 15 feet copper fin-tube hot water loop 37.50 which totaled 778.50 square feet of EDR. So I think I need a smaller boiler. I'm looking at the Peerless 64-07 345,000 BTU's input I think it's the closest match not only that but it's a similar set up. Since I'm old and my long term memory is better I'd hate to walk in the basement and find a complete stranger! This way I'll still be able to somewhat recognize it as time goes on. 😁 After reading Dan's book I thought nothing could scare me more than the boiler until I got a good look at the near boiler piping. I'm going to post some pictures and I would really appreciate the best way to re-pipe this monster. Also thinking of getting the near boiler piping package. That way whoever does the job can't mess it up any worse than it is. I'm in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois . I had a couple of heating contractor's come in and when they said "What's the problem?" I knew I was in trouble! I have someone else coming out tomorrow on the phone they sound a little more promising. It looks like around here there's not a lot to choose from when it comes to steam. If you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. I've seen the amazing help you have given others on this site. I've never been very lucky, so if you're not able to help me don't worry it's not you it's me!😥

In first picture left insulation on to see layout better. Not asbestos.

mattmia2

you have the header from the old boiler there. there are some contractors in il here, look at the find a contractor t the top. mostly in chicago but some ight do work up there.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Your doing the right thing getting the size correct. That's #1

Both Peerless and Weil McLain are good boilers

Now to find the right contractor. Look on this site under "Find a contractor" I know there are some in Chicago, don't know if that is near you.

A few contractors on here will consult on a job that is too far away. You find a local who does good work but is not a steam expert and have him work with the consultant.

Doesn't look too difficult to fix the piping up.

mattmia2

what does the trim on the radiators look like? is this 2 pipe?

neilc

identify the start of the mains at the ceiling, identify the ends of returns at the ceiling or floor,

cut there, and remove everything in between,

looks like a couple boilers been there before, and they just tied in where they saw, , ,

pipe the new, right sized boiler as per the install manual piping page(s),

bkdymc

One guy wanted to connect the takeoff where It is now to the T going left and right I don't think that's right is it?

EBEBRATT-Ed

Everything around the boiler should be reworked IMHO.

The boiler has to be installed with a new header the way it shows in the install manual. None of this connect here connect there"

Each steam main supply (looks like you have 3) shouldn't be teed together. Each main should be brought down to the new boiler header separately.

One main looks like it may be counterflow so that would need a drip if it is counterflow

Pumpguy

You might try talking to Randy Houston, Houston Plumbing in Paxton, IL. Phone 217 379 2329.

They're about 50 miles from you.

Over the years I've dealt with Randy on a few steam jobs.

bkdymc

Since I'm wanting whichever contractor to use the near boiler piping kit that comes with the Peerless 6407 so they would need to add 2 more takeoffs from the header? Since there's only so much space before it drops down to the return what would be the best way to do that?

bkdymc

Thank you Ed. The counter flow that you're referring to I believe is the one 2 pipe radiator I have on the first floor. It does have a return but, they must of had issues you can see staining on the false ceiling they installed. They drilled and tapped an air vent onto the radiator itself. From what I can see that's not correct. There is what looks to be a drip on the pipe that was plugged. Both pipes do angle back towards the boiler. The main much more than the return.

mattmia2

the header in a box probably isn't the right choice if you have 3 mains. it could be modified but you might need the person that just knows how to do it.

there are multiple ways to do 2 pipe in 1 pipe. some of them would use a radiator vent so it could be ok. you need to be careful about steam following the return and closing the vent before the radiator vents.