These guys are professional and their work is top quality. Well worth the time.

Posted by: BoilerMan at February 22, 2007 3:04 PM in response to Giancola Contracting

Steam systems are a beautiful thing. Certainly not the "relic" that most people make them out to be. I believe that unfamiliarity with the systems breeds contempt, distrust and fear. Howver, on a really cold day steam beats hot water hands down.

Anyway, before installing TRVs yourself (which would most likely be unnecessary in this case) you might want to learn more about them. There is more to these valves than just screwing them in (even on a one pipe system). Want to know more? I can always be reached at heat@moltenmechanical.com.

Posted by: BoilerMan at February 28, 2007 4:45 PM in response to Anyone use or know about 'Thermostatic radiator valves'?

MMMW,Ltd. (718)745-2923. Call Steve.

Posted by: BoilerMan at April 13, 2007 12:31 PM in response to Looking for a Plumber

Such a simple and elegant system yet so much confusion!

1. Clean your boiler out yearly! Blow down low water cut-offs weekly during the heating season.

Sludge is probably in there but as far as it being the cause of your problem. No. Definitly not.

2. Venting - Sure you can check the radiator vents. But for steam to rise quickly and evenly heat the entire floor plan you need to do two things.
1. Set your pressuretrol correctly. Low is the word here. Be aware that an L4079 Pressuretrol is notoriously inaccurate.
2. Vent the mains. Check your vents on the steam mains as they go into the risers.

This is most likely the cause. Good luck!

Posted by: BoilerMan at April 13, 2007 1:06 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

OP here. Anon 2:46, we're looking to redo the kitchen and BR in the garden floor. Almost a gut reno. Was just wondering if someone had used them and what their experience was, regarding reliability, cost of project, expertise, etc.

Posted by: at February 22, 2007 3:42 PM in response to Giancola Contracting

Use Nayci for your project. especially for kitchens. My sister had there kitchen and bath remodeled by them and she is extremely happy. if it helps you can call them 718-472-0099.

Al

Posted by: at February 23, 2007 5:09 PM in response to Giancola Contracting

I wouldn't use Nayci. Too many problems!

Posted by: at February 28, 2007 12:52 PM in response to Giancola Contracting

Also, don't overlook insulating windows and doors. Even the tiniest draft makes a dramatic difference in temperature in a room, on a very cold day. We had a small draft in our basement and it made the room absolutely freezing, just that one little draft we had to put our hands right up near the window, to even know it was there. Do everything you're considering, but also do the most you can do on your coldest floors in the building, to insulate.

Posted by: at February 28, 2007 5:39 PM in response to Anyone use or know about 'Thermostatic radiator valves'?

Master Plumber, does that mean you can add a hot water tank to an *existing* boiler also (that doesn't have one?) I wanted to do that 2 years after our W-Mc was installed and the manufacturers told me it could not be done. Hence my comment

Posted by: cmu at April 13, 2007 3:28 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

cmu - you can add a hot water loop to a steam system by tapping into the boiler below the water level. I've not done it, but we researched it for a house I was renovating.

Posted by: anon at April 13, 2007 4:09 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

I think what you're saying is you want to add an indirect water heater and have it be energized (or heated) by your steam boiler.
The answer to that is yes. I do it all the time with great results.
Like I said, it is also very do-able to add a hot water radiator zone from a steam boiler.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at April 13, 2007 4:10 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

I'm far from an expert on this, and have the same problem and a similar system (undermaintained 1 pipe heating system, sludge which I was told to flush once a year, etc.)...

I've heard thermostatic radiator valves are good for this - any expert (or master) plumbers know anything about these doodads?

It seems to be compounded by what appears to be a 1960s era thermostat which is less than accurate. I'm curious if also updating the thermostat with a new digital one will help...

Posted by: at April 13, 2007 4:58 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

definitely upgrade your thermostat to a new digital programable one. a decent one is under $50 and will save you hundreds in heating costs

Posted by: at April 13, 2007 5:23 PM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B

I'd be surprised if a programmable thermostat saved you five cents on your steam heating system.

Posted by: Master Plvmber at April 14, 2007 7:32 AM in response to Boiler -- Who's right, plumber A or B