steam heat return
I had all the radiators on the first and 2nd floor of a 3 family replaced recently. Initially the plumbers had a difficult time adjusting the valve so that steam wouldn’t shoot out. Water started stream out as well and the boiler would shut down. A “steam specialist” was brought in and determined that return…
I had all the radiators on the first and 2nd floor of a 3 family replaced recently. Initially the plumbers had a difficult time adjusting the valve so that steam wouldn’t shoot out. Water started stream out as well and the boiler would shut down. A “steam specialist” was brought in and determined that return pipes were very clogged and needed replacing. They suggested replacing the back return(where the pimary problem was) for $600 or we could do the whole run-front and back for $1800. We chose to do just the back and once in there they decided that the whole thing didn’t absolutely need to be replaced and charged $400. It stopped leaking and didn’t make noise for about two weeks. Last night it sounded as if a wave machine dropped into the bedroom -no leaks but lots of wooshing noise. Should I have the rest of the return replaced-including the front for $1200 or am I wasting my money with plumbers who don’t know what they are doing? Thanks for your suggestions.
Agree- do everything that Townhouser says- that book is an absolute necessity for anyone with a steam system. But also call Gateway. I went through 3 plumbers before I found Gateway and once I called them I never called anyone else. A Steam system is definitely not a place to look for bargain work. Gateway is not the cheapest option around, but when it comes to a steam system, you don’t want the cheapest option.
go to heatinghelp.com and get the ‘we got steam heat’ book. read it.
check the pressure settings on boiler. if it’s set higher than the minimum, it’s likely that’s at least part of the problem. and it’s such an easy fix.
water coming out can be from too high pressure or near-boiler pipes laid out incorrectly, etc.
i’m no expert, but I understand this all a bit more after having similar problems and fixing them myself with my own research…
the pressure in the boiler is set way too high and your plumbers are completely unqualified…stop pissing away money on these idiots and call gateway (really knowledgeable, smart guys),or get a local recommendation from someone that your neighbors trust..or email me and ill come by for a free consultation …(errol832000@yahoo.com)…but do not give these boobs another penny
All your numbers are far too low for a qualified plumbing and heating company to be doing the right job.
Cut your losses and look elsewhere for professionals with permanent solutions.