Condesate return on steam system

A.J. Hassinger

I have a steam residential system that is squirting water out of the radiator vents. This is a new boiler that was hooked up to existing radiators and pipes. The plumber told me that I need acondensate pump to draw water back ot the boiler, but it was my understanding that all boilers have this. He said this was needed because of poor pitch on the return. I read your web site and saw the 1 inch for 20 foot minimum pitch. Can't this be corrected by simply increasing the pitch on the pipe? I am afraid I am being taken? Any thoughts?

Paul_11

Being taken

You should definitly not do any further work until you feel comfortable with what is being suggested and who is doing the suggesting.
There are many reasons that would cause water to squirt out of your radiator air release vents.
Pitch is one of them. Returns that are below the water line don't have to be pitched, however. I'm not sure where the one you're referring to is located.

Was the heating system working without a condensate tank and pump before the new boiler was put in?
They are rare in small residenial homes.
They don't "draw water back to the boiler", they gather water and pump it back to the boiler.
You most likely don't need one.
Can you take any pictures of the installation and post them here?
It seems like you need to get in touch with a competent steam company in your area. Look at the "find a contractor" part of this site and pick one that seems good.
Paul Shay
A Real Good Plumber, Inc.



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Boilerpro_3

I agree with Paul....

and his questions. Water squirting out of vents can be caused by several problems...the most common in my area are incorrect near boiler piping, system pressure set too high, and dirty water. And BTW, as Paul sai, condensate pumps don't suck the water back to the boiler, they just sit there until the water comes back on its own and then push it into the boiler I suspect you may also be getting banging and the burner runs on short cylces. Post some pics....this is the best way the experts here can help.


Boilerpro

Mark Hunt

Was the old boiler


in a pit?

If the new boiler has a higher water line than the old, dry returns could now be wet returns.

As posted, condensate pumps DO NOT draw water back to the boiler. They act more like sump pumps. When enough water FLOWS back into them, they pump it to the boiler.

If you could post some pictures that would help.

Mark H

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Steamhead

I agree

with everything Paul, BP and Mark posted.

The problem is somewhere in the system, and can be corrected without a super-expensive pump.

Try the Find a Contractor page of this site to locate a good steam man near you. If you're in the Baltimore area, e-mail me.

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Tom_10

as usual

All the pros here have pointed you in the right direction. First, try opening the boiler installation manual which should have been left in a packet on the job with you. Start with the page that shows how to pipe the boiler with regard to your type of steam system. Make sure that your contractor has piped according to those specific instructions. As Boilerpro has pointed out, many times its a matter of basics at the near boiler piping. I am thankful for many of the " I've been in the business for 30 years" guys in my area as all their "experience" ends up in a phonecall to my company. If its in or near north jersey, drop a line and I'd be glad to pay a visit. At any rate, someone with some steam experience(like the guys here at the wall)is in order. Post those pics.
Tom