Troubleshooting two-pipe steam problem.

John Shea

Opened the trap to this radiator only to get gurgling of COLD water. When I hold a lighter to the pipe with the trap removed, the flame is drawn down the pipe (as it should be), however, there is standing water in the line.

The pipe in question runs about 8-10ft. until reaching the return riser. Anyone ever run into a clogged dry return? Or would the first guess be the pitch of the pipe?

I am going to try to prop up the radiator today, however, if that doesn't work, I'll be dreading the possibility of having to tear out a ceiling/floor to repair.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Mad Dog

I have never seen a clogged dry return that is properly

pitched...backpitched is another story. Sounds like you areen't even getting steam to the radiator ...that could be venting, t-stat shutting down to quick. or even an undersized boiler. Mad Dog

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