need help in northern N.H.

roland

I have a steam system that makes a lot of noise. It appears to be a one pipe system except just before the main steam line gets to the radiator there is a tee 1 1/2 x 1/2 the1/2 is on the top. This 1/2 pipe ispiped to the opposite side of the radiator as the supply side. whats up with this? Also this 1/2 line has a swing check in it. This is done on most of the ten radiators in this home.

Unknown

I bet

that it always made noise when the condensate fell back into the main from the top. Tough call. Can you show us a picture? Where in NH?

Noel

Steamhead

That's a new one on me

Sounds like condensate is backing up behind the check valves and some of it flashes to steam when it finally hits the main. This may be the cause of the banging.

First thing I'd check is the steam pressure. Try cranking that pressuretrol down as far as it will go. This may make it easier for the check valves to open so they won't dump so much condensate at one time.

If the steam doesn't distribute to all radiators quickly and evenly with a cranked-down pressuretrol, you probably have some venting problems. Calculate vent sizes as you would for a standard one-pipe system.

And be sure to post some pictures!

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