Checklist for My new Boiler!

Cast Iron

Hi,
So my contractor has determined that I do indeed, need to replace my 18 year old WM 4 section boiler. I have a single pipe steam system which is quiet and heats evenly. From what I've picked up on this website I think I need to have him do the following things (and my contractor agrees) If you all could let me know if I am missing anything, it would be appreciated.

1. Remove copper near-boiler piping replace with black iron. He will pipe as per the Burnham instructions.

2. Add valve to clean out wet return, just before it enters the boiler.

3. Do a good job skimming after installation.

4. Electronic Pilot or standing Pilot - any suggestions?

5. LWCO - Float type or probe type? Suggestions?

6. Vaporstat or pressuretrol?

7. Calculate the connected load to insure proper sizing.

Thanks again for all your feedback. You are all very helpful to educating the homeowner.

John Ketterman

You probably don't need to replace the boiler at all. Some contractors tend to recommend that sort of thing.

Ich Wundermich

dianosis without an interview

How can you make such a statement without asking any questions? You cast aspersion on all heating professionals with a statement like the one you made. Shame on you.

bobbyg_2

1-3 are great things.
4. Electronic Pilot or standing Pilot - any suggestions?
I only suggest standing pilot in a moisture laden area basement.
5. LWCO - Float type or probe type? Suggestions?
Float-type you have to blow-down per instructions to keep bowl area/float un-obstructed

probe-type you need to be aware of water conductivity issues (see thread on conductivity of water - look at page 7 of link) and correct placement.

6. Vaporstat or pressuretrol?
Vaporstat gives you better control
7. Calculate the connected load to insure proper sizing.
I would always calculate...make sure you include uninsulated pipe as part of the load. Better yet, have all pipes insulated.

My .02 worth.

Cast Iron

I would welcome your assessment.

Symptoms, as heating season drew to and end this year, the boiler would be firing less and less, yet I seemed to be adding water every week. Turned off pilot, two days later there was a big wet spot under the boiler and I lost about an inch of water in the sightglass. Turned pilot back on and refilled. No wet spots, but with heat turned off and only the pilot on, I lost about a half inch of water over seven days.

Maybe it can be fixed then?

John Ketterman

> Maybe it can be fixed then?



Yes, most likely.

EJW

Plumb bob

Your kidding in your 2 posts right? EJW

Ron Schroeder

EJW

Why all things can be fixed, some things may not be worth my time and your money but they can be fixed;-)

Supply House Rick

Why are you replacing?

"Hi, So my contractor has determined that I do indeed, need to replace my 18 year old WM 4 section boiler. I have a single pipe steam system which is quiet and heats evenly"

What's the problem? Quite and heats evenly. Sounds like your system is working properly. Are you fixing something that's not broken?

Rick PE

Ron Schroeder

Rick

""the boiler would be firing less and less, yet I seemed to be adding water every week. Turned off pilot, two days later there was a big wet spot under the boiler and I lost about an inch of water in the sightglass. Turned pilot back on and refilled. No wet spots, but with heat turned off and only the pilot on, I lost about a half inch of water over seven days.""

Guess it depends on where he is loosing the water from