2 Radiators branched off 2" main steam line

MarkZeh · May 11

Heating Help steam guys, quick question for best piping layout for new re-routing of steam rads from reno job. Previously had a single rad, ~6480 Btus piped with 1-1/4" from 2" main then reduced to 1" steam valve. New slightly larger Rad, ~7680 Btu, is to be installed about 4 ft to the right from the original with an additional new rad installed to the left, ~3840 Btus. I am planning of 'T-ing' off from the 2" main line port with either 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" pipe then pipe to rads. Just want to make sure that I will have sufficient steam to both radiators. Any insight or suggestion?

Many thanks for all comments.

Mark Z

Jamie Hall · May 11

The problem isn't sufficient steam — you'll likely have that with the 2 inch main runout — but it is the pitch of the pipes from the T to the radiator. Both of them must pitch back to the T. They will need about a half inch of pitch for the four foot runs… and getting both of them to pitch back to the T just might be a bit tricky?

MarkZeh · May 11

Jamie, thanks. Hear ya clearly. Think I should be OK since the 4' run will consist of 2' to the right then another 2' forward. An L. So I prob will get some OK pitch from the T but more/better pitch going towards the rad itself. Any thought on 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" piping? Original from main line T was 1-1/4"

Thanks

JUGHNE · May 11

This is where swing 90's or 45's come into play to get the slope needed. And also to correct the riser to get it plumb to meet the rad valves.

EBEBRATT-Ed · May 11

I would avoid teeing two radiators of 1 man tapping. This can lead to problems.

I am not saying it can't be done but it will be easier if you have 2 supply main tees.

I suspect you do not want to cut another tee into the main.

If that is true you should rethink this.

MarkZeh · May 12

Jughne, correct, that was my exact thought, going to right I can use a 2 x 90deg street elbows to obtain the pitch needed. Plus main is piped in parallel flow pitching down to the left so I already have the correct pitch from get go, just more pitch would be better. To the left I will have a long enough run to obtain a decent pitch with a little upward flex of the 7' pipe. If not back to using a couple of elbows.

EBEBRATT-Ed, thank you, nightmare cutting into 2" main as piping is in a crawl space with limited access and currently have some flooring already up for that access. Agree, less than ideal but will have to make it work.

To all, thank you for your great words of wisdom.

Mark

pedmec · May 12

You need to look up if that 1-1/4 can handle the additional condensate being produced. Your run outs are counterflow to the radiators. You need to make sure that the condensate will slide by the steam without picking it up. if it doesn't slide by you will have a hard time sleeping in that room. @EBEBRATT-Ed is absolutely right. i was going to suggest the same thing.

MarkZeh · May 13

Pedmec, thank you. Went through these mental gyrations several times last night. Know what the right thing to do is rather than plumb it wrong and have to disassemble the world beneath the floor. Will be cutting the 2" main line, new branch off T - 5 feet to the left of current and Union fitting. Not the end of the world but TG I'm only 5'8" and am still reasonably flexible. Kee you all posted

Steamhead · May 14

How about some before and after pics?

MarkZeh · May 14

Steamhead, as you helped me so well in the past with another steam problem, promise you folks some pics.

Thank you

2 Radiators branched off 2" main steam line

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