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Look what the rain is doing here

RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
We are having huge plumes of steam coming from underground here in Pittsburgh due to the all the rain we having. https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/09/11/flood-waters-downtown-pittsburgh-manhole-covers-steam/
Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons

Comments

  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    I hope you don't have a water-hammer explosion. That's what happened in NYC in 2007. Heavy rain and neglected steam traps caused this one.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/nyregion/19explode.html
    Retired and loving it.
  • Erin Holohan Haskell
    Erin Holohan Haskell Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 2,276
    Yikes!
    President
    HeatingHelp.com
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    wow not going near that now
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    The rain on the outside of the steam pipes turns to steam (that’s what you see), but it also cools the steam pipes and causes the steam on the inside of the pipes to condense more than expected. If the traps can’t handle the extra load you get water hammer. That’s the scary part.
    Retired and loving it.
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    That makes sense Scary stuff
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • Fred
    Fred Member Posts: 8,542
    Two winters ago I reported that the gas was out to all the homes on our street. The Gas company determined that water had filled the gas main and they pumped it out and relite all the pilots in the area. They flagged the path of the main that Spring with an intent to line it and resolve any future problems. Those flags deteriorated or were run over by mowers after about 3 months. They never showed up to line the main. This past weekend we had about 4" of rain over a three day period and guess what? the main again filled with water and had to be pumped out. Thee flags, marking the path of the main are again in place.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Gosh
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  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    When the gas company says they're going to do something, they're going to do it. You don't have to keep reminding them every year. :smiley:
    FredSeanBeans
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Well said!
    Retired and loving it.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    That is what I tell my wife concerning "Honey-Do" jobs. o:)
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Lol
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  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    We just had a massive gas explosion here and they said it was due to the rain and landslides

    https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/09/10/center-township-gas-line-explosion-fire/
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Anyone hurt, Ray?
    Retired and loving it.
  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,459
    Don’t think so Dan
    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,513
    Whew! Thanks, Ray.
    Retired and loving it.