Heating Help

pyrmidic parallel piping diagram

@ May 11, 2012 2:57 PM in OWNER

That diagram is very misleading as the inlet and the outlet piping is not equal as must be done with the pyramid system. All pipes must be the same lengthts to create equal flow. I'll go with reverse return any day. JMO
Rob 

Chimney-B-vent

@ April 20, 2012 11:30 AM in Chimney: Is B-vent on top of masonry chimney possible?

I understand what you are trying to do. Take down the existing chimney(s) to roof level, place a b-vent to clay transition fitting at roof line and run b-vent up to correct height to create proper draft. (this is all assuming that the liner is in good shape from the roof down) I would ask the company proposing this if:
A. Is it code approved? Can you show me the code?
B. Can you provide me with information on the transition fitting so that I may research it.
C. Have you done this before, If so, where
D. Ensure that a permit is pulled and all inspections are performed by the AHJ.
If you do go this route I would also suggest that you build an insulated box around the B-vent to prevent potential flue gas condensation and for aesthetic purposes.
Rob 

Floor not warming

@ April 19, 2012 12:27 PM in hydronic heated floor not warming...PLEASE HELP

As stated before, your system was not installed by a competent professional and needs to be re-piped at the mechanical room. I know that it's not the answer you wanted to hear but in the long run it will save you a ton of money on fuel and increase your comfort significantly. That's the bad news. The good news is that it appears as though you have most if not all the components for the project. If you tell us where you are located we may be able to guide to the right person / company to help you.
Rob 

Flooring

@ April 19, 2012 12:10 PM in Floor thickness question

Two inches of wood is too much to expect the floor to be able to heat through efficiently and you would have to raise the water water temp significantly to even make heat, and it would be a waste of fuel. (I don't know if it would work at all without more details). I would suggest 2x4 sleepers anchored to the floor at set intervals and doing a concrete overpour to the sleeper level. This would give direct contact of the concrete to the wood floor and also give you nailers for your hardwood.
Rob 

Piping on one pipe boiler

@ April 17, 2012 9:47 PM in Piping on one pipe boiler

I am having a hard time understanding your question. Could you please rephrase it and post some pictures? That will help alot.
Rob 

Noisey Baseboard

@ April 17, 2012 9:04 PM in Expansion couplings

Is this a new problem or has this been ongoing since original installation? If it's been going on for 10 years, it sounds like expansion problems. If that's the case you may want to look into an outdoor air reset controller and constant circulation. It may not cure the problem entirely but it will create a slow, constant expansion and contraction that will definitely help. Could you post some pictures of your boiler and near boiler piping as well as some pics of your baseboard ends. The more info the better.
Rob   

Finished floor

@ April 1, 2012 3:30 PM in Adding 220 sq ft radiant to existing system

What type of finished floor are you going to put down? I would definitely pour concrete, no sand! I can't tell from the photos how much depth you have below the sleepers. Concrete will transfer heat much more efficiently.
Rob

exhaust vent

@ March 30, 2012 10:54 AM in New HTP install

Henry, I have never installed one of these boilers. But it does appear from the I&O manual that you have the intake and exhaust pipes reversed. Once again, I am only going from the pictures in the I&O manual and have no hands on experience with these boilers. Good luck.
Rob

Windows

@ March 28, 2012 11:31 AM in Radiant WIndows exposed

Mark, back in the 80's, I was a crew chief on Blackhawk helicopters and they had heated windows for de-icing purposes. I believe the glass sandwiched a layer of thin (transparent) gold. they were DC powered and would get very hot to the touch from the outside but the inside did not generate much heat at all. Did the concept of these windows come from the aviation industry or am I off base?
rob

Romex and steam

@ March 27, 2012 12:46 PM in main vents vs electrical outlet and romex

I'm not sure what the codes are but I would suggest sleeving the romex in CPVC conduit and using a receptacle rated for outdoor use (gasketed with spring covers). Once again, I don't know your codes but I have seen rodents chew off romex insulation. Just a suggestion
Rob

Nice Idea!

@ March 27, 2012 11:48 AM in What do you think about this shelf system?

You said the granite only gets lukewarm. My wife loves plants. That would probably be great for keeping the root systems warm in winter. (might even add some humidity in winter. Although if a plant got root rot it might also smell the place up. Altogether, great idea.
Rob

Nice Install

@ March 27, 2012 10:47 AM in Our First Solaia Commercial/Beckett CG-10 Install

Steamhead, as usual, nice install. Couple of questions. How is the noise on the burner? Is that strap iron supporting those big old existing pipes? I guess if its held up this long it probably will forever but you might try talking the HO into putting a few bucks into having Gordo work some of his hangar magic on the ceiling.
Nice job.
Rob

munchkin

@ March 22, 2012 11:59 AM in Natural/Propane gas

I didn't get the job, but at one point I got a call to change over a Munchkin from natural to LP (the person was moving from the city to the country and wanted to bring their boiler with them). When I called HTP about converting the Munchie, I'm pretty sure they told me that only adjustments to the gas pressure and a combustion analysis be done and they would send a new data plate to show the conversion. (Dungs gas valve).  
Rob

Cricka

@ March 21, 2012 12:01 PM in Lochinvar Knight boiler problems

Where are you located? It seems your at the point that you need an independent, qualified heating contractor to come out and evaluate the install. If we know where you are located, the good folks here can certainly recommend someone. I'm sorry you are having to go through all this, It's a disgrace to our profession that things like this happen. However you proceed, you are going to need ammunition from an expert.
Rob

Concrete overpour

@ March 21, 2012 10:57 AM in Adding 220 sq ft radiant to existing system

Since you already have the foam, and if it's PSI strength will suffice. Pour it inside the framed area of the floor leaving it no less than 1 1\2" below the top of the 2x4s. Staple down your tubing and pour the concrete into the bays. You can level it very easily by dragging a board across the the top of the 2x4s. Having only 1 1/2" of concrete to heat through you should have pretty good response time depending on the flooring you choose. You have to do a heat loss of course to ensure the radiant will suffice to heat the room. I would not bother with the bubble foil, you want your concrete to be in contact with the finished floor.
Rob 

Radiant Floor

@ March 20, 2012 1:01 PM in Adding 220 sq ft radiant to existing system

Why not put down 1" of extruded polystyrene in between the 2x4's and then staple down the pex and do a concrete over-pour? It seems like the easiest way to me.
Rob

Air intake pipe size, Gas Suply, Combustion Analysis

@ March 14, 2012 12:31 PM in Lochinvar Knight boiler problems

Cricka, until the three items above are addressed, you will never be able to asses the other issues at hand. If your air intake pipe is 2" instead of 4" all the way up that chimney, your boiler is starving for air and will never work properly (that is why pictures of the termination at the top of the chimney are requested). Your gas supply appears to be undersized. A combustion analysis is required to ensure the boiler is firing correctly. These are just for starters, but they must be corrected before it's possible to look further. (who knows, it may just solve your problems altogether)
Rob  

Find a contractor

@ March 9, 2012 11:56 AM in new home in Northeast...radiant heat solution?

My suggestion would be to go to the "find a contractor" section on this site. Radiant heat is a wonderful thing, but you only get one shot at doing it correctly. Find a good contractor and he will work with you on all of your concerns / questions.  
Rob

Knight 400

@ February 29, 2012 12:56 PM in Lochinvar Knight boiler problems

All of this has been stated before however these are critical issues.
1. The gas piping IS undersized. 5 foot of CSST (The yellow flex connector) will only provide 344,000 BTU's. Your boiler is rated at 399,000 BTU's.
2.The air intake pipe MUST be 4 inches, the same size as the exhaust. An adaptor was supplied with the boiler. Even if the installer up-sized the piping in the chimney it is still incorrect as the adaptor must be installed at the boiler so it may be inspected annually. (please post a picture of the termination on the roof as this will tell us allot).
3. Once items one and two are corrected, a digital combustion analyses MUST be performed to set the boiler up correctly. You should be provided with a printout of the combustion analysis. (once that is done please post the results here so we may verify the numbers)
Good luck, Rob

Iron/Rust Removal

@ February 1, 2012 1:48 PM in Iron/Rust Removal

On domestic water, what have you all found to be the best system for iron removal? I'm in the Shenandoah Valley and myself and others have a problem with iron. I currently have an air injector on my water main (well water) and a cullig*** tank with media. It doesn't work for ***** . Any ideas on a better system? 
Any advice would be great.
Thanks, Rob

NRT

@ February 1, 2012 11:37 AM in Where to start?

Call these guys, you won't be disappointed. They are a design and consulting firm that can do everything you need. They can supply you're materials as well as build and ship you're secondary loop system to the specs you require. On top of that, Rob, one of the owners is on this site daily. For the DIYer these are the guys to go to.
Northeast Radiant Technology.
(although my name is Rob, I am not affiliated with NRT. I'm just trying to help you out)
Look them up on the web or on this site.

Clean out the floor drain

@ January 29, 2012 2:26 PM in How to drain boiler without a floor drain

Why don't you take a shop vac to the floor drain and then a snake. The floor drain is there for a reason, if you ever have a catatrophic leak, it would be woth it's weight in gold.
Just my opinion.
Rob