Main Vent
I have an issue with the front of the house heating slower than the rear. I played with the radiator vents which helped. It was suggested to change the vent on the main. Right now the vent is screwed right to the elbow and doesn’t have a nipple raising it up like the rear does…
I have an issue with the front of the house heating slower than the rear. I played with the radiator vents which helped. It was suggested to change the vent on the main. Right now the vent is screwed right to the elbow and doesn’t have a nipple raising it up like the rear does (matters?) I think it has a 3/4 fitting, but the vent is painted over. I looked to buy a Gorton # 2 but was confused as why it had a 1/2 thread. What size could mine be now, the hole on the vent is tiny, and there is rust over the paint.
Is a Gorton # 2 the biggest one to try?
Assuming the boiler is sized right, I like to use a Gorton #2 for every 50 feet of 2″ pipe.
Double the venting capacity for every next-larger pipe size. (2 x Gorton #2 for every 50′ of 2.5″, or 1 for every 25′)
#2 is the biggest in the Gorton lineup, but there’s nothing that keeps you from using more than one if you think you need additional venting capacity at any location.
If you have room above the vent location, it’s always better to raise the vent up on a short riser..keeps it further from the flow of condensate returning to the boiler and reduces chances of damage from any water hammer.
Gorton #2 is the biggest and makes a huge difference. The threads are 1/2″. Would be surprised if your old vent has a 3/4″ fitting. I would get the #2 and when it arrives pull out the old one, and if necessary go to the hardware store and get a collar that will fit. Seward is right, you need to make sure the vent is oriented vertically or it won’t work properly.
I had a similar issue recently and the folks on here helped me out greatly. Here is the thread:
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2011/01/main_line_vent.php#comments
Anyhow, in brief, the main vent I had on one of my mains was not only cocked at a 45 degree angle (not good), but it was not up on a nipple AND the vent hole was tiny. The thing was rusted over with the condensate that it had been drooling – it was a Hoffman 45. This was not the proper vent for a main steam line apparently. I bought a Hoffman 4A, but I believe since the main line was so very long (and thus had more air that it had to vent before the steam could go up to the radiators) I went ahead and invested in a Gorton No. 2 Air Eliminator (it should be called an “Air Terminator” – you’ll know when you see it). That’s the one you want to go with if you have a lotta lotta lotta air to vent (read: a very long main line). Real plumbers, please correct me where I’ve erred. 🙂