Equalizer Line, Hartford Loop, Wet Return, Drip Line Rough-In on a Steam Boiler Install

[@mjg263]

It’s so awesome to see a well planned piping layout like this that comes from someone with experience! I’ve been watching some of your videos and brushing up on my steam piping basics because a friend of mine is FINALLY having his 1928 converted coal stoker steam boiler replaced this month and I’d like to make sure the contractor gets everything right. I’ve been telling him to replace it for the past 20 some years but he never did, now of course it’s an urgent matter and needs to be done before winter. He knows absolutely zippo about general house related stuff much less specialty stuff like the steam boiler (he keeps calling the damn thing a furnace no matter how many times I tell him it’s a boiler) so I figured I should check in once in a while to make sure it’s getting done the right way. Believe it or not that boiler was still using coal into the 1970’s!

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I feel so fortunate to receive comments like yours! It lets me know that I am doing some good in the world. I would have like to have seen that coal fired steamer back in the day. Thanks again and happy steaming!

[@jamesgillies3710]

outstanding job great to see a well thought out system.

[@worldview730]

Good work and explanation 👍

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thank you!

[@Vic-kv1rg]

Can't wait to see it running, nice work sir

[@elgordo271]

Thank you, sir. Looking forward to posting more progress reports and a final wrap-up soon!

[@smartyjones7459]

Old school... I love it... piping by the book... she's gonna make nice dry steam...

[@CASTRO45ACP]

Probably should've faced that valve handle upwards so it's easier to access

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thanks for your comment. In regards to the valve handle replacement, the thought process is that it will be seldom used anyway (still haven't been back since the boiler first fired) and want to reduce the likelyhood that the valve will be shut off by accident. Also, I suppose the handle could be simply removed, the point being is there is no absolute correct answer.

[@Vsmechanical_llc]

Hey Gordon beautiful work,did you eve thought in using propress blak fittings for this type of work, Im thinking about of buying propress but I'm afraid of not worthing.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I think I'm gonna hold off on using Megapress on steam as a standard for boiler installs. I have concerns about the longevity of the rubber "o" rings they use in general and with steam in particular. That is not to say It never use Megapress. Far from it. I have a set of megapress jaws up to 2" and have used them on gas lines and wet returns and they are a game changer in that regard. And I have used them once on 2-1/2" steam pipe when there was absolutely no other option for repair.

[@biker55555]

Happy New Year Gordon! Just wondering, what's the difference between returning the counterflow condensate via the wet return side of the hartford loop vs the equalizer side?

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I think if you have clean steam and a properly set and operating pressure control, it should make no difference where you put the drip from a counter flow steam main as long as the tie-in is below the lowest safe waterline. I think any issues (water level control, water hammer, etc) that may arise from deviating from "The Book" in the case you are questioning about would generally occur when something else goes out of spec. Even so, I don't want to tempt the steam gods!

[@migdaliadiaz8830]

how many days take you to install a boiler

[@gordonschweizer5154]

For small to medium residentials, about four days, two men.

[@bladimygaspard1329]

Hi Gordon, I have watched several of videos, and cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. Might I ask whether you have a facebook page or a website in case one would like to reach out to you for consultation?

[@elgordo271]

You are too kind! Thank you. No, I do not have a facebook page or even a website. I do represent my company All Steamed Up, Inc. of Towson, Md. which could be looked up. We are getting slammed with no heat calls, so if you leave a message, please be patient.

[@Velez8669]

Plumbers should not do boiler. SMH

[@gordonschweizer5154]

*Anyone* who does not read, understand, and follow the instructions that come with *every* boiler should not install boilers.