old 2 pipe steam system

vicki_3

I live in a house with an old Peerless Coal burning boiler (circa 1925) that was converted to natural gas at some point. I have no manual to tell me how to make sure it is functioning properly, or more accurately, to tell me what to do if it is malfunctioning. (Peerless has told me the boiler is so old they have no records on it.)I believe the house has a two pipe steam system, but for all I know it could be water. Surprisingly, I have actually lived in the house for 11 years and this winter is the first I have had anything I have considered to be a problem. This winter for the first time I am experiencing what I conclude must be water hammer. I cannot afford to replace either the bioler or the pipes and radiators. Can anyone offer me any suggestions?
Thanks,
vicki

Jim Pompetti

were do you live, get a professional!

Boilerpro_3

PLEASE, PLEASE get that looked at !!!!!!

by a knowledgable professional. You could have a bomb about to explode in your home if nothing has been done with the unit in at least 11 years. There's a long list of true professionals at this site.

Boilerpro

Steamhead (in transit)

Call a pro

Use the Find a Professional page of this site. You need to get that thing looked at immediately. If you're in the Baltimore area, contact me.

If you're not sure what you have, take some pics of the boiler including the piping around the boiler, and some radiators. Post them here and we should be able to identify your system.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

vicki_3

Thank you to those who responded. I certainly have gotten the message about having it checked out by a pro. I was not necessarily trying to bypass that option... Just being frugal. One of the professionals who responded is not too far from me so we have begun a dialog. Thanks for allowing homeowners access to the forum!
vicki