Apartment 1 pipe steam problems

Carl Eckels

We?ve acquired an apartment property presents a set of heating challenges. It was built in 1941 and heated by a single pipe steam system with what appear to be American Standard radiators. In 1989 a Weil McClain LGB14 boiler was installed. (1,690,000 input/4300 sq. ft. of steam) In 2002, after the former owner replaced all building windows, a local and I must say licensed, heating contractor removed four boiler sections because there were new windows and some insulation had been discovered in area above the fourth floor. They also added a Pro Temp ST 72 steam controller. We do not have history on this systems since the contractor and owner seemed disinclined to keep records. We do know they set the system to run on 2 hour cycles. Interestingly, a PVC pipe used for sump delivery to a drain runs above the boiler and appears to have been twisted into some sultry curves by the heat in the boiler area.

Our problem is that we measure just over 5,000 sq. ft. of cast iron in the building. We are also concerned about the boiler piping. Apparently this Weil McClain does not have top tappings. To us it looks like the current set up is made to push wet steam. Also, we wonder if the geometry of the steam header is ok. To take advantage of the windows and insulation we are thinking of either eliminating or taking apart and reducing the existing radiators. Does anyone have experience or advice in doing this.

Thanks for any input!