two pipe steam. wet return

Steamhead (in transit)

and yes the wet return is probably plugged. Replace it.

There should be a central air venting point somewhere close to the boiler. If this vent sticks closed the system won't heat well.

Have you discovered any manufacturer's info on any of the system's hardware- traps, valves, etc- that might help us ID this system? Post some pics if you can. Where are you located?

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Fadi Hatem

water hammer in two pipe steam

I have a 2 pipe steam system in my home. the upper floor doesn't heat well especially on milder days. radiator steam traps were changed with no improvement. boiler seems to never develop any pressure even after one hour of continuous operation. I have 452 sq foot of installed radiation and the boiler is rated at 381 sq feet of steam. it is undersized however I have 2 radiators permanently closed which brings the used radiation close to 380. I noticed the end of my steam mains end in 2 vertical pipes that are connected below to what I think is the wet return. end of steam mains are not connected to dry return with F&T traps. there is mid cycle water hammer at the end of one the steam mains where it meets the vertical pipe. Do I need traps at the end of the mains? or do I need to clean this wet return (clogged??). would traps at the end of the mains help me get more pressure and more steam upstairs or is it just a matter of boiler size? thank you

Fadi Hatem

two pipe steam wet return

Thanks for your answer. there is a big air vent at the end of the return lines next to the boiler. I think it is working cause I can hear air escape. there is also a small vent at the end of one of the mains but not on the other main. as far as manufacturer info, it is a mix. some traps say Dunham bush, others are illinois engineering, barnes and jones and warren webster. radiator valves say Dunham, dunham bush or ohio brass.
I am located in rochester, NY. I have been advised by some contractors to convert to hot water but I am afraid to get into a mess. I have not found yet someone here really expert in steam

Fadi Hatem

pictures of my steam system

Fadi Hatem

pictures of steam system

Here are a few pictures of my steam system.
Any help appreciated.

Thank you

Steamhead (in transit)

That's a hybrid Vapor system

not all of your pics came thru, but the old main vent looks like a Trane and the radiator trap is an Illinois. Try posting each pic as a .jpg file and see if that works better.

I wouldn't convert a steam or Vapor system to hot water unless you like living dangerously. Go here to read about some of the pitfalls:

http://www.heatinghelp.com/newsletter.cfm?Id=22

Have you tried the Find a Professional page of this site to locate a nearby steam expert?



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