Richardson steam heat system

Pat A

We have a Richardson Steam heat system in our home, with a mix of 3 regular steam trap radiators added on; would it better to convert to same system? Does anyone know anything about Richardson system?

Mad Dog

What would you like to know...........

I've worked on several. What are the complaints? Mad Dog

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DanHolohan

Check The Library

under Steam Vapor Heating

Steamhead

Richardson Return Elbows and Traps

do the same job- letting air and water get by, but stopping steam. As long as the system is heating quickly and evenly, there's no need to change any of these units.

If the system is not heating quickly and evenly, the trouble may be elsewhere in the system.

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Pat A

Problem is upstairs richardson and downstairs radiator don't heat, only 2x during season did they heat. New traps in each of non-Richardson's. Took out trap in downstairs one and water was in pipe.

Steamhead

May be air venting problem

The air in this system vents out the Richardson ells or traps, into the dry (overhead) return and out thru a vent. This vent is probably mounted at the end of the dry return, high up in the floor joist area.

If a Richardson ell clogs or a trap fails closed, air won't vent and the radiator won't heat. If there is any steam in the dry return, it can become pressurized, and the remaining air won't vent.

The original Richardson vents were vacuum type, this means they would let air out but not in. If you have water backing up, try removing the vent and see if the water leaves. If it doesn't, you may have a clogged return somewhere.

Dan covers the Richardson and similar O-E systems- and much, much more- in "The Lost Art of Steam Heating". If you don't have a copy, order yours on the Books and More page of this site. Also, try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone who can straighten your system out.


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DanHolohan

And

that Richardson main vent is adjustable through that internal screw on the end opposite the check valve. May just need a tweak.