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DIY Steam Boiler Install

245

Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    edited September 2020
    What’s the correct length?

    Edit: I found the correct length, but damn those are long!! https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/npt-national-pipe-taper-threads-d_750.html
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    Does anyone know why they piped my gas line so crazy? Is it because the installer was even lazier than me and just threw whatever pieces of pipe he had up there?
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    He maybe did not want to cut and thread the larger size.....and just cleaned out his shop scraps with the short.
    I am often less than 1/2 mile from installs and will do the threading in my shop on the bench vice.....if mis-measured and too long I might have done that also.....though would have put a tee with a plugged opening on the end of the first pipe to make it look like a plan......"that is for your water heater, dryer, range or grill".
    ethicalpaul
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,574
    Wait until you feel your hands and arms tomorrow.

    the large gas pipe probably went to the right place for the first conversion burner or gas boiler and they just kept adding on every time the boiler was changed.
    ethicalpaulDanny Scully
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    That sounds very likely! Luckily I don’t have any other service calls today so I can clean it up 😄
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    Gas line done!

    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
    Dave0176mattmia2Tinman
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    Is that gas valve still code compliant in new jersey?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    ethicalpaul
  • EzzyT
    EzzyT Member Posts: 1,294
    @ChrisJ yes that gas valve is still allowed as per code.
    @ethicalpaul how close is the draft hood and the flue pipe to the stairs?
    E-Travis Mechanical LLC
    Etravismechanical@gmail.com
    201-887-8856
    ChrisJethicalpaul
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    That gas stop valve must not be that old. The ones like that I have seen have a broken handle or will have soon....they were never exercised. If it operates smoothly it is better than the import ball valves most end up with.
    ethicalpaul
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    JUGHNE said:
    That gas stop valve must not be that old. The ones like that I have seen have a broken handle or will have soon....they were never exercised. If it operates smoothly it is better than the import ball valves most end up with.
    How do they work?  Is it a plug valve?

    I've been using full port. CSA rated ball valves recently.  They aren't cheap tho.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    By plug valve do you mean a tapered plug with a slotted keyway in the plug (seems restrictive, but works).
    Usually has a nut on the opposite side of the handle that can be loosened to allow turning....but more often is just forced with a pipe wrench breaking the handle off.
    They can be taken apart, cleaned and regreased to work easy.

    My guess is that is what it is.
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    I looked through the valve and it appeared full port. 

    I’ll measure the draft hood clearance @EzzyT thank you
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
    JUGHNE
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    JUGHNE said:
    By plug valve do you mean a tapered plug with a slotted keyway in the plug (seems restrictive, but works). Usually has a nut on the opposite side of the handle that can be loosened to allow turning....but more often is just forced with a pipe wrench breaking the handle off. They can be taken apart, cleaned and regreased to work easy. My guess is that is what it is.
    That sounds right.  It's what older curb stops were.  Basically same idea as a ball valve except a tapered plug instead of a ball.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    EzzyT said:
    @ChrisJ yes that gas valve is still allowed as per code.
    @ethicalpaul how close is the draft hood and the flue pipe to the stairs?
    It’s 7”! I thought it was more but the draft hood is big. I’m OK per the Peerless manual by one inch but I’m admittedly ignorant of NJ code.
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,453
    As long as the threads don't leak......................Usually the more threads engaged between the pipe and the fitting the better. I usually look inside the fitting to see if the pipes is close to the end of the fitting threads.

    Unions always seem to make in further than other fittings which can screw with your measurements if in a tight spot
    ethicalpaul
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,574
    edited September 2020
    i have seen versions of that valve that have a spring on the nut side that keeps tension on the plug

    also leaked if you didn't turn it just the right way to keep the plug from pulling out.
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    Today I did the flue pipe and the electrical. Is it ok to put an emergency switch at the top of the stairs AND at the boiler? Before it was only at the boiler so I wired another one at the top of the stairwell in series.

    I’m waiting on my control fittings and a couple more near boiler nipples but I can fire it up and do some skimming and test the controls.

    It took awhile to clear the air out of the gas line but then 👍🏻


    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
    Precaud
  • SlamDunk
    SlamDunk Member Posts: 1,570
    Nice!
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    It’s clocking about 88.9k BTU (corrected) with a specification of 88.5 so that seems pretty good. 

    From dead cold the Psycho Gard low water test kicked in before it started to steam but just barely so I think in the winter it will do its check mid-steam so I’ll be interested to see what that’s like
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177

    It’s clocking about 88.9k BTU (corrected) with a specification of 88.5 so that seems pretty good. 


    From dead cold the Psycho Gard low water test kicked in before it started to steam but just barely so I think in the winter it will do its check mid-steam so I’ll be interested to see what that’s like
    Looks good Paul. I normally throw the cycle guards in the garage and replace them with a safe guard 450.
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    ethicalpaul
  • Tinman
    Tinman Member Posts: 2,808
    Looks great, Paul.
    Steve Minnich
    ethicalpaul
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    Dave0176 said:
    It’s clocking about 88.9k BTU (corrected) with a specification of 88.5 so that seems pretty good. 

    From dead cold the Psycho Gard low water test kicked in before it started to steam but just barely so I think in the winter it will do its check mid-steam so I’ll be interested to see what that’s like
    Looks good Paul. I normally throw the cycle guards in the garage and replace them with a safe guard 450.

    He's probably going to keep it just because he knows I can't stand them.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    Dave0176 said:
    It’s clocking about 88.9k BTU (corrected) with a specification of 88.5 so that seems pretty good. 

    From dead cold the Psycho Gard low water test kicked in before it started to steam but just barely so I think in the winter it will do its check mid-steam so I’ll be interested to see what that’s like
    Looks good Paul. I normally throw the cycle guards in the garage and replace them with a safe guard 450.
    Mine may end up there too, but I want to try it out 😃
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • Precaud
    Precaud Member Posts: 370
    edited September 2020
    Awesome! It appears you've installed two risers but are only using one.
    1950's Bryant boiler in a 1-pipe steam system at 7,000 ft in northern NM, where basements are rare.
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    edited September 2020
    I’m awaiting arrival of a part for the second one. Should arrive tomorrow (good eye!)
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • Precaud
    Precaud Member Posts: 370
    Ah, I thought maybe you would be comparing 1 vs 2, but the header would normalize the result, I suppose.
    1950's Bryant boiler in a 1-pipe steam system at 7,000 ft in northern NM, where basements are rare.
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    I will be
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    The first skimming session went fine. I threw some tsp in there and let it simmer for a while then skimmed for a couple hours. That peerless must have a lot of iron because it stayed hot for a long time.

    today I received my last parts and finished attaching the second riser and the equalizer. And I did the control tree.

    Wow, what an experience! At one point I was like 3/8” off in like three different places. But joints that seem tight can take another turn or two. And that boiler can be budged just slightly and then almost like magic that last union is suddenly lining right up!!

    It’s really like an art—you get the urge to fight the pipes, to bend them to your will, but they don’t! Well ok a little they do, but only a little! But then you figure out a way to work with them and then they agree. Do you guys feel that feeling? I feel like I got just a taste of that experience from this project.


    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
    mattmia2PrecaudAMservicesIronman
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    It looks like a mad scientist’s lab on steam boilers lol :D
    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    ethicalpaulCLamb
  • Dave0176
    Dave0176 Member Posts: 1,177
    edited September 2020

    But joints that seem tight can take another turn or two. And that boiler can be budged just slightly and then almost like magic that last union is suddenly lining right up!!

    It’s really like an art—you get the urge to fight the pipes, to bend them to your will, but they don’t! Well ok a little they do, but only a little! But then you figure out a way to work with them and then they agree. Do you guys feel that feeling? I feel like I got just a taste of that experience from this project.” blockquote>




    Paul I was told by an old timer quote “threaded pipe lies”
    This is why we carry so many extra nipples and why I also have a nipple chuck.

    DL Mechanical LLC Heating, Cooling and Plumbing 732-266-5386
    NJ Master HVACR Lic# 4630
    Specializing in Steam Heating, Serving the residents of New Jersey
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/dl-mechanical-llc

    https://m.facebook.com/DL-Mechanical-LLC-315309995326627/?ref=content_filter

    I cannot force people to spend money, I can only suggest how to spend it wisely.......
    Ironmanethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    Thanks @Dave0176 that’s a great saying! I thought for sure I’d have to cut a 1-1/4 on the equalizer but it stopped lying finally!
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,453
    Looks goo Paul! That's why they call it "pipe FITTING"
    ethicalpaulHap_Hazzard
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    edited September 2020
    It’s no joke @EBEBRATT-Ed as you all know and I have learned!

    I always use tape for the steam and water connections. One trick I tried is that when I needed to find two more turns on one particular joint, I removed the tape and went with my Blue Block. That got me the two turns just fine, but I found that joint leaking a little steam and oozing during my testing tonight. 

    That stuff claims no cure time...what do you all think?

    My mind reels at all the tricks I don’t know!


    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,574
    i think you need a bigger wrench...
    ethicalpaulCLamb
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    mattmia2 said:
    i think you need a bigger wrench...
    Maybe, or arms. But this joint in particular I turned more than any joint before (because I needed the clearance).

    I’ve never had a taped joint leak steam, even ones that were way looser than this one. 

    Are doped joints known to have to be that much tighter than taped joints?
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • Danny Scully
    Danny Scully Member Posts: 1,416
    Are you certain it’s leaking @ethicalpaul? I’ve been fooled before by some dripping blue block. 
    ethicalpaul
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,695
    No I’m not 100%. I’ll keep an eye on it and will redo the joint if it proves faulty. I’ll look hard for condensation drips on the next test run. Thanks @Danny Scully!
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 9,574
    Dope can flow under heat and even a little pressure. Tape will take more to move. It probably is more equal with higher pressures and lower temps.
    ethicalpaul
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    Most of my piping was done with Megaloc alone.

    Going into the boiler and into my old mains got both tape and dope.


    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,588
    Is blue block rated for steam?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment