corroded steam main

Joe at krahezfoo@aol.com

Why do contractors install copper instead of steel still has me wondering where they learned their trade from. I think that most of these installations come from contractors who mainly do hot water jobs, and not much steam work. I see a lot of work go in that applies to one pipe systems; applied to two pipe systems. If people would just take the time to read Dan's books, and see the reasoning behind what he teaches; they might be able to grasp the big picture. Dan has stressed that you have to stand back and look at the whole picture- this method works!! So don't just slap it in just because the other guy did it or told you to do it that way. Dan has bailed me out with his information many times. Just remember that your name goes on that job. Hail Wetheads! Joe.

Fred Werth

steam main

I found a steam system in a house that we were to renovate the kitchen. We found that the 2 pipe system,no insulation,1 year old Weil MclAin boiler with a water heater core,fuel oil had a 10' section of the 1&1/2" main replaced with l copper and that another spot 5' from it had a hole that had been patched with duct tape and glue. I replaced that with copper also. I am having second thoughts as to using copper for any of the line and I did noot check for grade, which I will do today, plus tell the home owner as to insulation. thanks Fred

Mad Dog

your reservations are correct Freddy

Don't use copper on steam mains or headers...EVER!!!! nothing but problems...black steel will last for the better part of a century. Mad Dog

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Steamhead

Mad Dog is Right

Copper and steam do not mix well. Ditto for dry returns. But copper WET returns hold up well- never had a problem with one, because they hold water and never see any steam.

Your corrosion problem worries me though. I have a feeling you have an acid condensate problem. This is detailed in "The lost Art of Steam Heating".

The solution is- proper venting. Yes, if you get the air out of the system quickly, it won't combine with the condensate and turn it into a mild acid. It will also improve steam distribution and lower the fuel bill.

Is that 2-pipe system a Vapor system? If the air is vented at only one or two places in the basement (not on the radiators), it probably is. These systems need big vents since there are so few of them. I like to use Gorton #2 vents- theyre the biggest ones made today.

www.gorton-valves.com

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