copper returns on a one pipe steam system

Michael DiMenna

I own a co-op in a six unit building that is self mamanaged and shortly after moving in the steel return lines 2" and 1 1/2" for a one pipe steam system were replaced with copper. I have read in You Got Steam that this could present problems. Any comments? Also, A hoffman #75 vent on the end of one basement run has been hissing steam for 2 seasons or more. Will this present a problem with too much oxegen in the system. The boiler is 4 yaers old. There are aprox 42 radiators in the building.

[Deleted User]

well, there are two camps

when it concerns copper return pipes..i'm in the steel only camp,,there are plenty of top quality steam plumbers who will do just the return pipes in copper..but all will do the steam pipes in steel..so if just your return pipes were done in copper i'd leave it..and thats coming from someone in the steel ''camp''.
your hissing main vent needs to be adressed as soon as possible tho..thats lost steam which has to be replaced with oxygen laden water..in short even tho i'm a steel steamer i would not worry about the copper returns but would worry about the air vents..hope this helps

Elgordo

Leaking Steam Vent

Hi Mike! Any leaking vent, main or otherwise should be replaced. "Little strokes fell great oaks", or in this case, "little leaks kill big boilers".

Can you post a picture of your custom radiator on the Wall? I think folks here will enjoy it!

kevin coppinger_4

Is the main vent ....

leaking steam or air? Air is OK...Is the system heating well? and relatively fast? kpc

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Michael DiMenna

vent

the vent is blowing off steam

Dale

Another camp

I think the copper should be limited to the wet return, and, there are chemical possibilities where condensate can etch the copper and actually plate the boiler. A few years ago this was covered in detail in some long posts, perhaps someone has that.

scrook_2

vent leaking steam

is NOT good. It increases the volume of mineral bearing makeup water that must be added. Replace it.

Elias

Hoffman #75

Not like this is the real fix, but a few days ago the Hoffman 75 was stuck open and blasting steam, I removed it (after turning off the sytem and letting it cool down!) and gave it a nice shake and heard it "release". I put it back on and no more leaking. I repeat, I'm not trying to say this is the permanent fix, but maybe it gives you a few days respite.

Mad Dog

I prefer steel for wet returns, but

give them the option of copper if $$$$$ is tight for them or we need to be competitive, BUT I explain the differences and push for the steel. Mad Dog

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