One pipe steam heating

Joe_8

Joe,

How long is the horizontal run for the first floor? Developed length of pipe matters, especially horizontally.
Also, is the pipe pitched up all the way to the radiator? Lastly, could the steam radiator valve, or the supply line be obstructed in any way. Sometimes these valves have leather washers that have been oversaturated and expanded to the point of closure.

Joe

Joe Gosselin

One pipe steam heating

I have a one pipe steam heating system with two 2 inch feed lines. I have a 2 inch riser that handles 3 radiators; first second and third floor. Second and third floor radiators get hot with venting on lowest setting. First floor radiator does not heat at all even with venting open all the way. Second and third floor radiators are supplied by vertical riser. First floor radiator is on horizontal 2 inch pipe with 1 inch supply. This system is unusual as main feed lines pitch up from boiler supply with no return loop. I'm assuming condensate returns back towards boiler through main feed line. As a test I removed the first floor radiator and opened hand valve while the system was running and even though second and third floor radiators and riser were hot and boiler was running steam did not come out of the open valve. I do not understand please help!

Unknown

could be underfired boiler

could also be dirty water, or missing insulation on the piping, or a blocked pipe or fitting, as mentioned.

Noel

antman

Joe, you have a counterflow system. read about in Dan's book

http://www.heatinghelp.com/shopcart/product.cfm?category=2-3

Ant

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