Advice on uneven steam heat

Kevin_7

Hi, I'm looking to get a bit of advice... My Utica 112,000 BTUH steam boiler cracked a couple weeks ago, and was replaced by a Smith 135,000 BTUH unit. Since then, my radiators have been hissing very loudly, and the heat in the house has been very uneven, with the radiators that are first on the loop getting very hot, and the last few radiators staying nearly completely cold. It is a one-pipe steam system, and I know it is in need of a good cleaning (hopefully my summer project - flushing radiators, etc.). I hope that will reduce some of the water hammer, but in the meantime, what can I do about the hissing and uneven heat? Do I need more vents? There is one vent at the end of the main, is that enough? I'm a complete novice at this, but am trying to do a little troubleshooting on my own, to better inform my contractor of the situation. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! kevin.

[Deleted User]

check some of these things....

http://www.heatinghelp.com/newsletter.cfm?Id=130

Steamhead

Sounds like the main is under-vented

measure the length and diameter of the main (do all mains if there are more than one) and tell us the make and model of the vent on the main. We can determine from this info whether you have the right vent.

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Kevin_7

I can't get to every area easily, but...

It looks like there is about 84' of main, and about half of that is 2.5" diameter, and the rest is 2"... Does that make sense? If not, it may all be 2", I couldn't get the insulation off without a big hassle in some places. The vent has two markings -- "Dole 91" and "1933 3/4". Hope that helps. Thanks a million for all your help here. kevin.

Steamhead

You need a much bigger main vent

I'd use a Gorton #2. The Dole vent that's on there now is really designed for use on steam convectors.

If you can't find Gortons in your area, their website is www.gorton-valves.com . If you contact them by phone, talk to Ken Kunz and tell him I sent you.

With the Gorton #2, the steam will go to the end of the main first then rise to all the radiators simultaneously.

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Kevin_7

Great -- I'll check around

Thanks again for the help -- Hopefully I'll be able to find the Gorton soon, and finally have everything running smooth... If only you were located here in Upstate NY, I could have kept you busy all winter; I've had nothing but problems. Thanks again! kevin.

Fred Harwood

Uneven heat

The increased BTUs also may add to the hissing and spitting, and, if your thermostat is near the early warming rads, part of the reason that the others stay cool. In addition to improving mains venting, you might want to total your radiator EDR to see if a slight down-firing might be warranted. Old one-pipes seldom want more than one psi, and often much less. Get a copy of Dan's Lost Art of Steam Heating from this website.
Did you also replace your thermostat? If so, did you set the anticipator to a slightly higher value than the current flowing thru it?

Kevin_7

I haven't touched the thermostat

The thermostat is actually in one of the cool rooms (2 rads in there - one works fairly well, the other stays cold), so as a result, most of the rooms in the house get much hotter than the thermostat setting (I've been able to work around this somewhat by setting it lower, but it is a pain, especially when I have to be in the cold rooms). I have cranked the pressuretrol way down, and ordered Dan's book the other day, so it hopefully should be here soon. Nothing has changed with the thermostat, it is the same one I had before... Should something have been done? Thanks. kevin.

Kevin_7

Vent DIfferences...

The local place stocks Gorton #1's only -- Would one of these work, or should I see if they can special-order a #2? How much of a difference is there between the two?

[Deleted User]

A #2 = four #1s

.

Steamhead

Order the #2

it will be less expensive and simpler to install than 4 #1s.

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