Need steam expert in mid-Vermont

Jamieotr · May 8

We have a 130 year old house with steam heat located in Vermont. Our issues began with a radiator that sprang a leak. We have had 2 different outfits to try and replace the radiator. The first said they could replace the radiator, but then just disappeared. After a month of repeated phone calls, we contacted a second outfit, who did the replacement with an old radiator we had in the garage. Then we started to have severe pipe banging every time the heat kicked on … enough that the floor shook. They returned and drained a couple of buckets of water from the boiler. The violent banging continued. I called again and was told "steam systems bang." Then they ghosted us. My husband is 80, and I am 77 and we can't deal with this ourselves. I need to find a reputable steam expert in the Rutland Vermont area. Can anyone help?

Update: Thank you to all for suggestions. We have found someone. Hope he lasts!

Mad Dog_2 · May 8

There are none that I know of, ma'am. I have Family in Bennington and will be up there in Mid to late June if you're interested in a Consultation. Mad Dog

Jamie Hall · May 8

Try @Tom_133 in Montpelier. Click on his name to send him a personal message.

Your system shouldn't bang — a steam system operating properly won't, though you may have the odd "ting" when it heats up. The bang usually indicates that somewhere there is a pipe pitched in the wrong direction.

EBEBRATT-Ed · May 8

You could also look up Blodgett Supply. They have several locations in Vermont and used to have one in Rutland.

They are not contractors they are a supply house. But if you call them they will know the steam contractors in your area.

If @Mad Dog_2 is willing to take a look at it for you that is your best bet.

mattmia2 · May 9

there may have been dirt or especially oil in the salvaged radiator that is now in your boiler. they alo may have changed the pitch of the piping so it is now holding water. if @Mad Dog_2 is willing to consult, take him up on it.

Jamieotr · May 9

Thank you all for the comments. My personal theory is that there was gunk (and possibly a couple of spiders) in the old radiator that got knocked into the pipes when the radiator was installed. I don't think the pitch for the piping was changed because they didn't do aqnything in the basement. Although in Vermont, houses spend all winter trying to move south, so who knows what house movement might have changed over time. The whanging does seem to be settling down, but then it hasn't been as cold so the furnace hasn't been running as much. @Mad Dog_2 , I will absolutely keep you in mind for a consult, but our real need is for someone who can maintain and repair the system for us on a routine basis. I will check out the other recommendations. Thanks to you all!

mattmia2 · May 9

the runout to the radiator is to some extent supported by the radiator. if the tapping on the new radiator was a different height than on the old radiator or the new valve was different dimensions or the radiator was shifted around some that could have changed the pitch of the runout to the radiator.

kcopp · May 9

I grew up in Rutland. (RHS class of 84) My brother and mother are still there.

Im in NH now but go up there a couple times a year.

I could give you a consult this summer…

Jamieotr · May 10

Thank you kcopp for the offer of a consult, and I will certainly keep you in mind, but what I really need is to find someone who can help us to maintain our steam system on a regular basis.

Jamie Hall · May 10

Have you tried @Tom_133 in Montpelier?

kcopp · May 11

Once the system is set up there should really be very little to do to keep it in tune…

The oil burner that's a different story.

mattmia2 · May 11

given that people have had trouble finding someone in vermont in the past perhaps you may need to have someone consult and work with a local hvac person or plumber that is good at mechanical work and communicating with whoever consults.

Need steam expert in mid-Vermont

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