Convert to water?

J-D Yoder

I'm out of town right now, but will post pictures this weekend when I get home.

General information -- I have what I believe to be water hammer in the system, probably from very old traps (they are the original traps). Loud banging on fire up and shut down. Once the system is running, no problems (outside of a valve I had replaced last year) The price I've been given for water conversion is about 10% more than steam. System consists of 5 2nd floor radiators, and 5 first-floor radiators. Finished half of basement is heated only by the uninsulated supply lines. 4" cast iron feed out of the boiler, reduces quickly to 2.5"

I've tried the find contractor option -- nothing within 60 miles of me. I live in Bluffton, OH. (halfway between Toledo and Dayton).

Am glad for any and all suggestions!

Thanks,

JD

J-D Yoder

convert to water?

My old (over 40 year) boiler needs to be replaced -- it is rusting and leaking. The steam system was installed in 1914. My local contractors are recommending switching to hot water. As a homeowner, my concern is the increased pressure. Do you have any recommendations, or anecdotes from successful or unsuccessful conversions? The cost for both systems will be approximately the same.

Thanks,

JD

Robert O'Connor_4

Do you have problems

with the system or do you have problems only with the boiler?

Many of us here at the Wall advocate saving old steam systems. Most of the time they are salvagable at little cost compared to hot water conversions.

Can you post some pics of your system.

Naturally if you choose only to replace the boiler you will need to find a contracor who is well versed on steam. You might want to try the "Find a Contractor " banner at the top of the page.

Regards,

Robert

Steamhead

Amen!

JD, besides the increased operating pressure there are several other issues. I strongly recommend you fix any problems in your steam system and install a modern steam boiler.

Remember that the boiler is only part of the system's overall efficiency. Once the boiler makes the steam its job is done. From that point the system must move it to the radiators.

Tell us more about your system- post some pics if you can! Where are you located?

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Unknown

Uninsulated supply lines

If you intend to leave your mains uninsulated, you will need to make them two pipe sizes bigger to carry all of the water in them, because they are bare. Get used to the noises until you insulate them.

Not much troubleshooting will have any effect on this. Insulating is certainly the first step. Bare pipe gives off 5 times the heat, or, bare pipe condenses 5 times the steam; as insulated pipe.

There are other problems, but not worth addressing without insulating first.

Noel