Main Vent Sizes and 3 Other Newbie Questions

Peter Means_2

What would you recommend for replacement main vents? Please see diagram below for pipe lengths and sizes. Also there's a photo of the current configuration attached.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!--Peter

Joe_79

I'm no pro but a home owner who bought " the steamy deal" three of dans books. I'm in the process of putting vents in myself. What i've read is that those vents you have are not in the right place. they should be 15 inches before the elbow on a 6 to 10 inch nipple oh they will be prone to being damaged...It's in the book...

Peter Means

Thanks Joe, you are right. My original post had a question about how bad that is, and whether it would be a good investment to move them, but I didn't get any responses to the post in general, as I think it was too long, so I cut it back to one question.

I bought the "We've got Steam Heat" book as well, and I have to say, I love it. It's a page turner. Got it last year and I'm rereading this year. Interesting what I missed from the first read through. Thanks Dan!

Too bad my wife isn't interesting in hearing about what I've been learning. She thinks I've gone off the deep end, when while reading the book in bed, I jump up and have to inspect our radiators to see if how they are constructed.

The book has taught me plenty, including when I really need a pro. I found a great local guy here, from this site. Thanks Kevin!

--Peter

Steamhead (in transit)

Two

Gorton #1 or Hoffman #75 vents at the end of each main will work fine. Yes, the placement of the existing vents is not optimal, but as long as the steam is dry, the pressure is low, the returns aren't clogged and the pipes are insulated you should be OK.

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Peter Means_2

Thanks very much Steamhead. I've ordered up 2 Goton #1s.
--Peter

Steamhead (in transit)

Order two more

you need two vents on EACH main.

"Steamhead"

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Peter Means_2

Ah, Thanks! I see now the subject of your post said "Two", okay thanks. Will get 2 more!--Peter

Peter Means

After Photo

How is this looking? Just replaced the old vents with 2 Gorton #1s. Runs great. I asked the wife how she thought the heat has been running latey and she said she couldn't answer that, as she hadn't noticed lately! Thanks Steamhead.--Peter

mel rowe

Steamhead, other than maybe a few dollars more, would it make any difference if you just throw on a Gorton no. 2, rather than two no. 1's? Is there any potential problem with "overventing" of mains. I couldn't think of any concern, so I was just curious if I was missing something (again).Thanks.

Steamhead (in transit)

Nice pic-

and I'm glad it worked out so well!

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Steamhead (in transit)

On a parallel-flow main

as shown in Peter's photo, you shouldn't have a problem with oversizing vents that way. But if the main is counterflow (water flowing in opposite direction from steam) it's possible this could cause banging. The steam might move so fast thru the main that the water couldn't flow back against it. But I've never actually tried this in the field...

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Bernie Riddle_2

Thanks Steamhead!

I moved all of the vents to the ends of the mains as you advised and it definitely helps! I'm very close to having all of the radiators starting to heat up at the same time which impresses the girl friend greatly. Thanks again.

I can't believe the system never worked right in over 60 years! Three homeowners lived in the house and paid ridiculous bills for poor heating due to lack of knowledge. And one was a college professor!

I still need the Gorton D's on the risers for the 2nd story radiators fed at the end of the mains.

Next steps are replacing the 30' 1.5" main with a 2" main and adding a radiator to an unheated room. Brought the 36" wrench and the pipe threading kit but will wait until spring.