One pipe steam problem

David_5

Went to a house today where an addition was added on. Someone also added to the heating system. From the top of a steam main they tapped off with 3/4" copper and run to 10' of baseray baseboard. The line connects to the top of the baseboard. On the same end of the baseboard but, on the bottom connection is used to return back to the steam main with 3/4" again. The connection loops under the main about 3" then taps into the bottom of the main. Luckily each line has a ball valve so I could stop all the noise. The baseboard is pitched 1/4" over its length towards the end with the pipe connections. The opposite end has a steam vent installed. Is there any way to hook up this baseboard so it will work?

David

DanHolohan

You need to make the return connection

from the opposite side of the radiator, and put the vent there as well. Then drop down on the loop at least five feet before returning to the bottom of the main. It should work fine.

David_5

Thank you

I was hoping you wouldn't say they outlet needed to be on the opposite end. I'll tell the homeowner tomorrow.

David

Unknown

consider this

Pull the return connection, and make a dip tube with 1/2" copper and a male adapter. Cut it to fit a double tapped bushing, 3/4" by 1/2" in and 1/2" out, to be long enough to reach within 1/2" of the far end of the baseboard.

Pipe the now 1/2" outlet to your return piping. Somehow, make sure that when you thread this assembly in, that the final position doesn't leave the dip tube up off the bottom of the inside of the baseboard. It MUST be at the bottom, as is the outlet connection itself.

This works with water systems, too.