Line between steam main and condensate return not trapped?

Robert O'Connor_3

I saw an old residential steam system yesterday frome the early 1900s. There is water hammer in the system since the old boiler has been replaced. I work with a manufacturers rep and handle many steam lines so I have seen many steam systems so I went with contractor to test to see if the steam traps were functioning. While we were there I noticed pipes at the end of the steam headers connecting the drip leg off of the main with the condensate return line with no trap installed. I deal mainly with industrial steam systems so this type of low pressure system isn't something I am familiar with. I understand from the homeowner that the system is piped the same as it was originally but I am not sure how this system would have ever worked. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Ted_4

Get the book

As I'm sure most of the regular visitors would suggest, I say get Dan's book "The Lost Art of Steam Heating" and read it from cover to cover. You will find out which types of systems don't need traps, which do, and where they should go. You will also learn what problems can develop when replacing boilers, and how the job should be done properly!

Good Luck!

Christian Egli

New boiler? progress goes boink!

One guess at what might have happened: the new boiler has a lower water level and that caused the old wet return to become a dry return.

Now, steam can enter the return, whereas in the past, it couldn't.

That's one thought. Did the hammer start with the new boiler? If so, a false water line might be an easy fix.

Does the system provide a way for the air to get out from everywhere?

My last thought: maybe someone thought that traps and vents were optional parts and too expensive to replace.

All of Dan Holohan's books are fascinating reads.

Robert O'Connor_3

Thanks for the responses

I will definately get 'the book'. It sounds interesting and in my job I never know what I will run into next so the more info the better.

Also, instead of adding a false water line couldn't drip traps (F & T or IB) be added on the drops? Just a thought.

Steamhead

Only

if all the return water goes thru a Return Trap or similar device, as on some Webster systems. If a new boiler has lowered the water line enough to expose some drip connections, either lower those connections or install a False Water Line. Both are covered in "The Lost Art of Steam Heating".

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