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Need Help identifying this vent/vacuum breaker

FrontlineDrew
FrontlineDrew Member Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam

Anyone have any idea what model/number/manufacturer this is?

I can't get to it to see markings but its leaking steam I'd like to order an equivalent and have it before I get the old one out.

Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 3.31.06 PM.png

Comments

  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,915
    mysteryvent.png

    I'm pretty sure that's just a vent. If it were a vacuum breaker, it would have holes in the body, like this Hoffman model 62.

    hoffman model 62 vacuum breaker

    If that's the case, you just need to replace it with a decent sized main vent that will fit in that space. A Gorton #2 would be great, but it probably won't fit. Maybe a Gorton #1? Do you know what size the threads are?

    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,180

    It may be a vacuum breaker ,the size threads only matters . What kind of system ?

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 17,613

    Tunstall has vacuum breakers.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,460

    Is this in a place where a vacuum breaker would make sense or where a main vent would make sense.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,740

    @FrontlineDrew , does your system have a Hoffman Differential Loop piped in near that vent? It probably looks like a large vertical pipe hanging from a box. If so, this is the only vent in the entire system. It's a Hoffman #15. No longer made.

    There should not be any steam in the return lines feeding the vent. There probably is, which is why the vent is leaking steam. If so, one or more radiator traps are allowing steam into the return.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 12,460
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1851785#Comment_1851785

    well there is if the boiler pressure is too high and the differential loop has to do its job right? that is why the vent has to be there so if steam blows through the loop to equalize the return it immediately will close the vent because the vent is at the differential loop connection to the return.

    furthermore the steam shouldn't make it to the radiator traps if the pressure and the radiator valves are correct. if it has crossover traps and those are failed open that will let steam in to the returns on an otherwise correctly functioning system.

    did i get that right @Steamhead

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,740
    edited April 10

    I'd be surprised if the pressure got that high. Pretty much every time we see this, it's because of the traps.

    @FrontlineDrew , the replacement for this vent is the Gorton #2.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,915
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1851780#Comment_1851780

    Or Bell & Gosset. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bell-Gossett-113075-26-Vacuum-Breaker

    Pretty pricy though. I hope it's just a vent.

    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24

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