Steam problem

JohnNY1

Yes, I know exactly what to do with this. The point of this post is that the contractor who did the installation is adamant that he did a good job and wants to be paid.
My customer wants to know that something is definitely wrong with the installation now that the system has so many new problems.
What I told him was the current near-boiler piping will never produce good quality steam, and it doesn't.
The homeowner simply wants to be sure it is a piping problem and that I'm not just another plumber trying to take his money.
I wish I had a better photo of the return but I drew it out. It's kinda like this, just add a handful of elbows and about 3 feet of horizontal pipe.

JohnNY1

Steam problem

Yesterday, I went to look at a steam boiler in my area that was having some problems. Here's what I found. Please forgive the poor photo quality, but I have more.
In addition to this, there is no Hartford Loop (not shown)
Comments?

Al Letellier

steam problem

Don't know what problems you're having, but it's obvious the guy who did this is afraid of big pipe wrenches or he doesn't own a threading machine.
Don't be too critical though, guys like that keep us pros very busy!!!!!!!!!

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JohnNY3

Homeowner says radiators are spitting water uncontrolably. Of course, never had a problem before. Also, new header is holding some water due to pitch problems probably not detectable here.

chuck_6

steam problem

I'm not an expert, but it looks like those copper pipes should be replaced with black iron pipes, and I agree the threading needs to be better. If you replace with black iron pipe, you should also insulate as much of the piping as possible.

Tom_10

Open

the installation manual and pay attention to the manufacturer suggested piping diagram. Follow them exactly. The guy before you obviously didn't. You'll be a hero!

Steamhead

I agree

the installer probably used the instructions as a knee pad. If they're still there, read the piping diagram. If not, get another set from the manufacturer. Follow them to the letter. Also make sure you have the right main vents, insulate all the steam pipes, and it will run nicely!

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Ed N.Y.C.

Steam Problem

And drop that dry return to the floor and build a hartford loop ED

Mad Dog

Stand your ground, My man

try to avoid being at the job the same time "the butcher" is because it can get nasty when a man thinks he did the right job, is not getting paid, and YOU!!!!!!! are the person standing in his way. Write up a proposal to correct the bad work (but don't give them any scetches, or you will be working for free) and guarantee that you can get it working well again. Get a fee for the proposal too that can be applied to the repair work!!!!! Know what you are getting into first and make sure you charge enough. We'll be here to help. Mad Dog

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JohnNY1

> try to avoid being at the job the same time "the

> butcher" is because it can get nasty when a man

> thinks he did the right job, is not getting paid,

> and YOU!!!!!!! are the person standing in his

> way. Write up a proposal to correct the bad work

> (but don't give them any scetches, or you will be

> working for free) and guarantee that you can get

> it working well again. Get a fee for the proposal

> too that can be applied to the repair work!!!!!

> Know what you are getting into first and make

> sure you charge enough. We'll be here to help.

> Mad Dog

>

> _A

> HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=

> 210&Step=30"_To Learn More About This Contractor,

> Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A

> Contractor"_/A_

DanHolohan

Yes,

the steam has access to the return line right now. This might be the cause of most of the problems.

DanHolohan

How

does the water drain from that copper piping? Back into the boiler header?