Neal Lewis

A new steam boiler has a flexible water supply hose directly attached to the pigtail under the pressuretrol. When I first looked at I did a WTF? Actually, a great idea to flush out the pigtail. I know the pigtail on my boiler gets clogged about every three years, which then shuts down the system. Doesn't matter if it's brass or steel; it just gets clogged. But, could the water flush be bad for the gauge or pressuretrol? Click to Enlarge 47.89 KB

This is an equalizer device for a two pipe steam boiler. I know the purpose of an equalizer, but how does this device work? There seems to be an endless variety of different and interesting steam heat devices that I run into every once in awhile. Steam heat never ceases to amaze me. I even keep a copy of The Lost Art of Steam Heating on my coffee table... Click to Enlarge 51.81 KB

Was at a typical 75 year old house this morning. A mold testing guy who's the buyer's friend spent at least two hours testing everything in sight for mold. Typical indoor and outdoor air samples, swabs, etc. He says the dishwasher has to be thrown out because the door gasket is dirty with mildew, mold or whatever. The best one was the old refrigerator in the basement that had mildew around the leaky door gaskets. He declared it a big time problem and an indication that the basement is infested with mold. He said mildew on the furnace humidifier means the original galvanized ducts are moldy and should be replaced. Not sure how they're replacing all of them in a three story house. He says the entire basement has to be gutted due to a few black stains on the foundation. This guy called himself an environmental specialist. I asked him if he noticed the corrugated asbestos on the heat ducts. He said he only does mold and doesn't inspect or test for asbestos... I think the buyers are never going to find a house that passes their friends mold test and will continue to live in their apartment in Brooklyn...

Thanks, that seems to make sense in this house. The system was operating OK.

This dry return piping for a steam boiler in a 1920's house is located in an unheated basement space. Why the heck would someone pipe it in this zigzag pattern? Was the intent to give off some of the heat to the room. Any ideas? Click to Enlarge 40.83 KB

The 3D library of comments isn't searchable, as far as I know.

John, I have two categories for that. One is the condition of the panel box. The other is for the wiring. Missing knockouts, cable clamps, rust, too many breakers, lack of access, sump pump pits, etc all goes into Condition. All wiring related stuff goes into the Wiring section.

Someone peed in the tub while you weren't looking?

Great idea. Combine a paper filter with an electrostatic air cleaner. Until it catches on fire...

Steve, I know one guy in North Jersey who fires it up and checks the output against the specs.

I had given up on the CP number method. The last dozen times I put in a number, it came back with no information.

I'm not sure about the serial number. But, judging by the age of the expansion tank and a filltrol type fill valve and the lack of a backflow preventer, I would go with 1983. Did you get a look at the gas valve?

I've been told by remediation contractors that it can be sprayed/coated in place and still used as ducting.

The rock lathe is pretty typical of 1930's and newer houses in NJ. Usually can see the typical bulging on the individual panels, apparently due to insufficient number of fasteners.

A 2 1/2 ton unit wouldn't have a 50 amp max breaker.

Here's a flashlight named Kong. 21,000 lumens. http://www.elektrolumens.com/ Click to Enlarge 23.77 KB

Mike, could it have been a condensate line from a pump?

Mike, radiators for two pipe steam systems have...two pipes. The radiator vents for one pipes systems are for air, not steam.

Then why were the steam pipes well insulated with asbestos to begin with, if it doesn't help much?

Ok, there are two brand new ICP Comfortmaster units side by side. Both 13 Seer. The shorter unit on the right is a FIVE ton unit. The taller condenser on the left is a FOUR ton size. Same footprint. LG scroll compressors inside. Confirmed with the model numbers, electrical requirements, and the builders invoice. How can a five ton unit be physically smaller than a four ton unit?? All else being equal. Click to Enlarge 69.66 KB

The bottom right 50 amp generic breaker QO knockoff. Acceptable or not?

Excellent comment. Just an example of the some of the dumb advice that people give online. Where's the Like button?

I like the satellite dish.

Low voltage wiring at the A/C condenser? Is that the question? Exposed to damage, etc but I wouldn't have too much of a problem with it.

When was the last time UFFI was used? And what is the age of the panel box? I'd say there is a thirty year difference, at least.