broomell valves

dwightfb

I recently moved into a home with Broomell valves on many of my steam radiators. The house was built in 1915.
I am looking to replace these valves and am wondering what I should do?
The problem is that some of these radiators are not heating up very well or at all. The valves on the problematic radiators just seem to be blowing steam.

Steamhead

First check

to see if the dry (overhead) return is vented somewhere. If the large cylindrical regulator and condensing radiator (see "The Lost Art of Steam Heating", chapter 15) are still there, the vent is a pipe from the condensing rad into the chimney flue. If they're gone, you need vents on the dry return so air can get out of the radiators- this is probably why some don't heat well. You should also vent your steam mains.

Second thing to check is the system pressure. It should be less than 1 pound. If it's higher than that, crank the pressuretrol down.

These fixes may keep the valves from leaking and will lower your fuel consumption. If they still leak, you can replace them with standard radiator valves.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

john_27

"steamhead' is correct as usual, but, if you decide to change,
I would certainly be interested in purchasing your Broomell fittings....john 610 889 3224...or , if you have questions on your system....just call...I have one and can at least get you going...

dwightfb

thanks

Lowering the pressure seemed to help. The radiators seems to be working much better - even a seeminly dead radiator is now working.

As far as "venting the steam mains" - what is that and how is it done? Or should I hire someone to do this?

Steamhead

If air can't get out, steam can't get in

so we install vents that stay open for air, but close when steam reaches them. On your system they are needed on the ends of the steam mains, and also on the dry return. But if the old regulator is still there, this acts as the vent for the dry return.

If there are no vents on the steam mains, they should be added by a pro with the proper drilling & tapping setup.



To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"