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Top Do’s and Don’ts For Your Steam Heating Systems

Many do-it-yourself homeowners want to complete repairs on their steam heating systems themselves to save money, and gain handyman experience. However, there are certain aspects of the system that should be left to the professionals, such as working with the condensate return system, replacing broken pipes, and more. Here the some of the top do’s and don’ts for steam heating systems:

DO: Lower Steam Pressure. Most residential steam boilers are programmed with pressure that is too high. This not only wastes fuel, but can cause problems in your steam condensate return pump and throughout the rest of the system.

To lower this pressure, look for the pressuretrol, remove the cover, and look inside. You will likely see a plastic dial labeled DIFF for differential. Move this dial to the lowest setting, turn the screw on top of the pressuretrol, and take note of the slide gauge on to the front of the system. Turn the screw and you will see the slide move down. Once the slide is all the way down, you will have set appropriate pressures for your home.

DO: Check air vents. If your radiator vents are not working efficiently, it can have an effect on the performance of the condensate return system and more. To check your vent, screw into the radiator, and remove any water that maybe be stuck inside. Testing the vents effectiveness can be as simple as blowing into the threaded part of the vent to see if air is coming out the other end.

DO NOT: Move piping. Many of the interconnected pipes in your basement act as a support system for your steam condensate return pump that allows condensate to roll back into the boiler. They are a certain size and shape, and if they are moved the pressure across the entire system will change. This can cause irreparable damage to your steam heating system, and your home.

DO NOT: Replace broken pipes. Pipes break for so many different reasons. If you are not a professional, it can be hard to know where the issue originated. Was the break caused by the condensate return system? Acid corrosion? Even if you had the ability to diagnose the problem, do you have the tools you need to fix it? When you notice a broken pipe in your steam heating system, its best to leave the replacement process to a heating contractor.

Whether its piping, ventilation, or an issue with the steam condensate return pump, some projects are too complex for even the most experienced do-it-yourself homeowner. Before jumping into a project with your steam heating system, make sure you appropriately research and make sure you cannot do damage to yourself or your home if you find bumps on the road to repair.