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Need help with boiler please

Chris_35
Chris_35 Member Posts: 49
Sorry for the double post.
I am having a hell of a time with my boiler.
It has been flooding so I turned the water off and now the water stays stable so I think the water feeder is leaking. I had the original installer in today and he said it was fine and turned the water back on. It has now flooded again! So I turned the water back off and drained the boiler until the gauge was 2/3rds full.
Can I leave the water off and fill it manually until I figure this problem out?
Also please look at the photos and advise me if it was piped correctly in the first place, I am not too confident in the installation since they said the pipes did not need insulation (I insulated anyway) and also that water hammer was 'normal'.
Thanks for any help and if anyone knows of a GOOD steam guy in the Toronto area please advise.
Thanks.

Comments

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,387
    That's only the second time

    I've seen a feeder piped into the equalizer. Not a good idea. I addressed this in more detail in your other post.

    The near-boiler piping is totally wrong. There's no header and the riser is "bullheaded" into the steam mains.

    Anyone who says steam systems always bang has obviously never experienced a system one of us has worked on. Steam should be as quiet as hot-water. If it bangs, gurgles or hisses, it's telling you something is wrong.

    Calling Steam Men in the Great White North- this gentleman needs you!

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    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
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  • bob young
    bob young Member Posts: 2,177


    the insulation looks pretty nice. are you gonna complete it? oh yeah, the piping is like incorrect. check the installation booklet. bet it showes a some what different piping arrangement.
  • ed wallace
    ed wallace Member Posts: 1,613
    banging

    your repairman is wrong steam should not bang and the piping is totally wrong

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Chris_35
    Chris_35 Member Posts: 49


    Thanks for your responses.
    I have emailed slant fin requesting an installation book and piping diagram.
    Is the biggest problem the bullhead T right over the boiler????
    Ever since I insulated the pipes the banging has all but stopped, I get the odd 'ping' at the start of the cycle but thats it.
    I found 2 guys near me that seemed to know about steam heat, I think I will call the other guy now since the first screwed it up.
    I am ticked off now but thanks for your help.


  • Dale
    Dale Member Posts: 1,317
    Control comment

    The HW 404 pressuretrol should also be on a pigtail, it's your high pressure limit I guess and worth the little pipe. Also, go to the B&G hoffman site and see if the piping diagram is there for the feeder. Or, have the mechanic open a box for a new one and copy the piping diagram. When you're done you want to be able to do the "Broken Union" test to find out is the feeder is the over fill problem.
  • bob young
    bob young Member Posts: 2,177
    mechanics

    if the mechanic needs a diagram to install a feeder you may have the wrong man working on your boiler
  • That's the first time

    I've heard someone say reading the diagram ( instructions ) is a disqualifier for the professional installing it . I'd say it's pretty damn important to know where exactly the paticular manufacturer of the feeder wants it piped into the system , if it has to be in a certain position , if it can be fed with hot water , etc ....
  • Joe Ratterman
    Joe Ratterman Member Posts: 2
    ratings

    I checked Pape-Swift book to locate info on a customers boiler. I found it listed under the Utica heaters section. Problem: it shows a "Commercial rating" and a "Guaranteed rating". The former shows 1000 Sq. Ft.,the later shows 560 Sq. Ft. Great way to guarantee sucess. Which would you use a starting point in sizing a new boiler. The radiators will be counted to compare the results. Just curious about the termanology. Any ideas?
  • Joe Ratterman
    Joe Ratterman Member Posts: 2
    ratings

    I was checking my copy of Pape-Swift for info on a customers boiler that had been converted over from coal to natural gas. I foung the boiler under the "Utica Heater" section. The only problem was the ratings they showed.
    "Commercial Rating" for steam of 1000 Sq. Ft., "Guaranteed Rating" for steam of 560 Sq. Ft. What a system to guarantee success. How do you interpert these "ratings"? What is the difference other than the obvious?
  • ScottMP
    ScottMP Member Posts: 5,883
    Chris

    Go to Books and More at this site and purchase one of Dans Books. The Lost Art Of Steam Heating is the best and Very easy to understand. This will allow you to see what needs to be done and "help" your installer do it correctly. If he dosn't want to follow the book ... get someone else.

    Good Luck

    Scott

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  • Chris_35
    Chris_35 Member Posts: 49


    Thanks very much for all of your help.
    If anyone else has any thoughts feel free to respond!
    Thanks again!
  • Robert Wright
    Robert Wright Member Posts: 5
    Oversizer boiler

    Steam Experts

    I have a 3500sf victorian home with a 1982 Weil Mclain EGH 95-P1 boiler-400,00btu in 320,000 btu out. (16 burners).There are 2 apartments up and we have first floor-one thermostat. Using Dans book, I have 15 assorted radiators and 30'of cast iron base board with an EDR of 745sf.

    I live in Utica area, 6500 degree days ,and used 7450ccf of gas last year. I just put an R49 of blown insulation in the attica floor and 3.5" in half the wall height

    Heat loss calculations show I am losing 155,000 btu/hr based on R of 25 in attic. A supply house calculated I would only need a 175,00btu hot water boiler if I converted to hot water.

    My question is 1) can I derate the boiler by removing 4-6 burners to reduce my exhaust temp and save more fuel? and 2) How much more can I save by converting to hot water?

    Thanks for any advice
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