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Help with system in erie pa

steamhouse
steamhouse Member Posts: 41
Hello all. I need help with radiator not getting hot, and plumbing that does not look correct. Are there any steam experts near Erie Pa. I looked in Find a contractor section, however no one was close.
Thanks all

Comments

  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
    While you are looking for a local pro, maybe you could post pictures of the near boiler piping, for us to see.
    Make a list of the symptoms as well.--NBC
  • steamhouse
    steamhouse Member Posts: 41
    Thanks Nick, I will try to post pictures soon. The system has been worked on for years by some unknown plumbers. However I see radiator vent valves on only some of the radiators. It seems to me that was and is only a band-aid. I was just wondering if some of you knew any old-timers in the Erie Pa. Area that would be able to restore the system to its original working order. From this site I have asked some plumbers who fail some rudimentary questioning and I am apprehensive to have an unqualified person work/replace it.
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
    Is this a one-pipe, or two-pipe system?
    Contact the wholesalers in your area, to find out who sells boilers. Ask for any names of steam installers they may know.
    Having a stocking distributor nearby would be a real plus. Each one may have a different name.
    Start this by measuring the radiators for their EDR, so you will know if you are oversized.
    When you finally find a good pro, encourage him to advertise on this website, (for less than the cost of a coffee a day!).--NBC
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,576
    I was thinking cheap coffee!

    http://www.trumbull.com/prod_heatcool.html

    Is in Erie, and seem to have some brand buzzwords we like.--NBC
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    Gerry Gill is about an hour and a half away. If he will take the ride, you get a top-notch craftsman.
  • steamhouse
    steamhouse Member Posts: 41
    Great! Tried calling him. Hopefully he will call back. Is he a member on here? Btw it is a two pipe system, that's what got me thinking the previous owner did not understand the system. (Air vents are seen on only some of the radiators). They obviously do not belong on them.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    He posts on here, from time to time. Your system has been "Knuckle-headed". That's the term that's used when things like that have been done. It would mean a lot of driving for him. You could get a system that is perfect, with his assistance. He is among the best in the country.
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
    road trip, should be interesting
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

    SWEI
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    If the client agrees....keep us posted.
  • steamhouse
    steamhouse Member Posts: 41
    some pictures of my system.


  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Looks like a Webster. See if you can find that name on any radiator valves or traps, or on any devices in the piping like we see in the second pic.

    The system probably has some bad traps, which is why the knucklehead added the air vents.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • steamhouse
    steamhouse Member Posts: 41
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Thought so. The trap is probably a 502 or 512, and easily rebuildable. The valve will depend on what's inside.

    Gerry can fix you up.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • steamhouse
    steamhouse Member Posts: 41
    Wanted to say thank you to Gerry and to all on heatinghelp. He was a gentleman and a scholar. He really knows his stuff!!!
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    And of course the system is running much better................
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting