New Steam Boiler Installed, Water Hammer, Prematurely Turns Off, Frustrated

superdave17 · February 27

Update, the company came back and changed the piping according to the manufacturer's instructions and my suggestions (your suggestions based on this thread). Here are pictures:

I had to come back last night and adjust the pressuretrol because I noticed the boiler stopped providing heat even though the thermostat was calling for it. The temperature was set to 71 on the thermostat but it was 65 inside the apartments and the temperature was decreasing. I walked over the pressuretrol and tapped the outside cover slightly and the boiler instantly turned on. I then turned the system off, removed the cover, and turned the pressuretrol all the way down until I didn't hear a click when moving the bottom lever. Slowly I adjusted the pressuretrol to around .5 to and ensured I could hear a click when moving the lever, knowing it would activate when pressure was reach high or low levels. The system started back and it has worked fine overnight, reaching exactly 71 degrees. I will keep an eye on it, if it happens again, could this be a bad pressuretrol?

Finally, I calculated the EDR of all the apartments assuming a 1.5" tube diameter and 5 EDR per section for 36" inch height, 2.5 EDR for 18" height. Those are the only two heights I have in the building. My total EDR value came out to 577.5. Are my EDR variables for 36" and 18" radiator heights correct for my calculation?

I asked for the company to come out and skim the boiler again in 1 week as a final precaution. If water hammer returns due to new piping they will come out sooner.

I will keep an eye on everything and visit the building over the next few days often, but I hope it is now functioning properly. So far the signs are good but I don't think I am out of the woods yet.

ethicalpaul · February 27

I will keep an eye on it, if it happens again, could this be a bad pressuretrol?

Unfortunately, this is a common failure case, but I think your adjustment is a good fix. In summary, all pressuretrols are bad, even when they do work.

The boiler will definitely need more skimming with that new piping. You can see the oil above the water in the gauge glass. It is highly likely to surge, IMO. Sounds like you are watching it, nice.

You have done the near impossible, getting a company to repair their own piping. From what I can see it is looking good.

109A_5 · February 27

You want the pressuretrol setting as low as possible that insures reliable operation, which is where it may be now. With your EDR at 577.5 and your boiler at 571 Sq. Ft. you should not be building any significant pressure anyway. So the pressuretrol should never trip out. The thermostat should be satisfied way before any significant pressure builds.

New Steam Boiler Installed, Water Hammer, Prematurely Turns Off, Frustrated

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