No Main Vents

Matt_19

Hi all. After buying a nice old(1845) house last year, read some of Dan's books on one-pipe steam. Found out I have no main vents. My question is, is there a way I can drill and tap into the mains to install vents, or is there a special pipe I have to use? You would think living in Northern CT there would be plenty of steam heat specialists. None of these knuckleheads seem to know what they are doing. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Constantin

Have you tried

...clicking on Find a Professional? I ask because I found 6 contractors within 40 miles of sturbridge. Since I don't know your location within northern CT, that may or may not be helpful. Cheers and good luck!

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

Yeah

Just drill and tap for ¾" threads at the end of the steam main, at least 18" before it drops into the return.

Make sure you properly size the vent. Here are some notes from Steamhead:

On a long main like that one I prefer to use a bigger vent. The reason is that there is more resistance in a long 2-inch pipe than there would be in, say, a 3-inch pipe with an identical amount of air.

I would stick with Gorton vents. They have a website and you can also call Ken Kunz at (908) 276-1323. He can tell you which letter or number should go on which radiator and your local plumbing/heating supply place should carry the Gorton vents.

I'd use a Gorton #2 on this main. One Gorton #2 equals 4 Hoffman 75's.


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Steamhead

Thanks Alan- Matt, the main vents to use

depends on the length and diameter of your mains. Post that info here and we can tell you what will do the job.

Tapping 3/4" is fine, but I usually just tap 1/2". Gorton and Hoffman vents will work with either size. Also, tapping the top is best but you can tap the side as a second choice, if you can't get to the top.

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Mad Dog

righto steamhead....ive even tapped 1/8 ' when

we had no choice and people didn't hav e a l;ot of $$$$$$$, but 1/2" will be sweell...3/4 grands... mad dog

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