Steam Pipe insulation

Justin_2

I'm looking for a web site that sells pipe insulation. I have a one pipe steam system with a new Burnham boiler. Will insulation create the pressure at the boiler to rise in the system. The reason I ask is because even with the new boiler it takes the steam forever (45min or more) to get to the radiators. The plumber that installed the boiler had the supplyer come out and size to the system and everything else seems fine (vents,pipes,pitch,near boiler piping. I should also note that the system requires very little water. Thanks for your help

Steamhead

When they did the vents

did they just do the ones on the radiators, or the ones at the ends of the steam mains as well?

I suspect a main vent problem here. Measure the length and diameter of your steam mains, and tell us what vents are installed at or near the ends of the mains. We can tell you for sure what you need.

Justin_2

steamhead

Yes they did put a new main vent a Hoffman # 75. It is a 2" main about 35 feet long that services 6 radiators.

chuck_6

Listen to Steamhead

Justin:

I'm sure Steamhead will come back to you, and listen to what he has to say. He has helped me on numerous occasions! I've put insulation on our steam pipes (fiberglass - not asbestos) and that has certainly helped. I prefer Gorton vents - both on the mains and on each radiator. I find they work much better than Hoffmans. Ken Kunz at Gorton is terrific and can help with the venting. Your local heating/plumbing supply place should have the insulation (usually in 3 foot lengths - but measure diameter and length first) and vents. You can't go wrong by listening to Steamhead and Ken.

Brad White_2

Dittoes for Steamhead

I sympathize with your problem of long warm-up times. When I insulated my mains some years ago (heck, some houses ago!) a cold morning was forever. When I insulated the pipes it cut the time easily in half and made the basement cold which tells you something.

Remember this about the snap-on pipe insulation: "Insulating pipe is an easy job to do, but a difficult job to do WELL."

The mains and straight lengths go quickly and are satisfying to do, as well as yield the best bang for the buck. The fittings, specifically the covers, are tough to do well. Look at a pro job and you will see a standard. Sure it looks easy. In any case, take your time and enjoy the work.

Steamhead

Is that

the only steam main in the house? If not, what are the length and diameter of the other ones?

I'd put two Hoffman #75 or Gorton #1 vents on the main you mentioned. This will speed things up considerably. The Gorton #2 that I like so well would be overkill here.

Justin_2

Steam head

No actualy that is not the only main. There is one other that serves just one radiator. This main is the second one off the header and is I think what you call a counter flow main. The condensation just flows back down the main. This pipe is about 13 feet long and 1 1/2 thick. The only vent for this is the one on the radiator.

Steamhead

OK- that counterflow run-out

shouldn't need a vent. Vent the 35-foot main as we talked about and insulate the steam pipes with 1-inch fiberglass, and watch how well it works!

And thanks for all the kind words!

Justin_2

Thanks for all of the heplfull information guys. I'll insulate those pipes and put a second vent on the main and let you know how I make out.

Tom Giedraitis

I have some inslulation to get rid of

Justin,
If you need good 1" thk fiberglass insulation for your steam lines, drop me a note. I probably have enough of it that I'd be willing to sell you for a bargain basement price.
I bought too much when I insulated my system and have since converted over to hot water and pex, so I will never need it.
It won't cost much to send UPS.
Tom

Tom_22

I could use about 20'-30' of 2\" and a some misc other sizes.

if you still got some. I didn't see how to private message or otherwise contact you. Cheers, TomBk

john_27

once you handle his needs fully,Please email me...I am also in the market for 1", and in sizes up to 8"