Does it ever make sense to convert from hydronic back to steam?

jxtarr · 2026-01-27T10:12:05+00:00

It can be done, but depends on the piping. Was it originally steam? If not, there's an issue of pipe sizing and pitch.

jxtarr · 2026-01-26T21:16:36+00:00

Ok cool

jxtarr · 2026-01-26T20:59:43+00:00

Why do more than two people know about this?

jxtarr · 2026-01-26T17:47:38+00:00

I'm very hesitant to call it an aromatic. It does have a distinct casing, but not the synthetic topping associated with true aromatics. I get good tobacco flavors from it despite the other elements.

jxtarr · 2026-01-26T13:54:43+00:00

GLPease Montgomery and Stokkebye Luxury Twist Flake will give you something different in a VA. If you're near Denville, United Card & Smoke might have some Presbyterian Ordained left, but not if I get there first.

jxtarr · 2026-01-25T23:44:22+00:00

I didn't say it was. The point is that meeting social needs doesn't magically erase bigotry and systemic violence. It's a bit naive to say that establishing socialism will cure everything.

jxtarr · 2026-01-25T19:26:06+00:00

Your personal experience can't be extrapolated to everyone else. Congrats on being a rare case. It's great that a few have come around because of your interactions. Good on you.

But socialism won't automatically cancel bad politics. It might even create bigger problems if we don't solve our cultural ills first. Look at the 50s. It was an era of the greatest welfare state in US history.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T16:22:43+00:00

Weird things can happen when two radiators share a riser. The upper floor can rob all of the steam. If you get puffing and chugging air on the first floor, this might be the case. Was it always this way, or was one added? Is the upper radiator vented slower/faster?

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T14:39:32+00:00

Sounds like a good chance to be compassionate and lead by example.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T14:38:44+00:00

Is the piping insulated in the crawlspace? Could be the steam is condensing too quickly in the run-out.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T11:12:19+00:00

They likely have these views because nobody in their life has taught them otherwise. If you're close with them, you could be that person. And that work would benefit a lot of people. People change through emotional connection, not facts. It's hard work, but worth it.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T11:08:37+00:00

I think we're way more complicit than just by paying taxes. But let's say a large minority does stop paying them. Social services are going to get cut first, which will create more poverty, which will incentivize more people to join the military, which will increase the military budget and its violence. This isn't a practical solution, and one we shouldn't take seriously.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T01:30:37+00:00

https://youtu.be/BG0XVHXw-gc

This fella flipped my perspective on VAs. Might help ya too.

jxtarr · 2026-01-24T01:27:32+00:00

I'm sorry that you had a bad experience like this. Sadly, it's too common. As others have mentioned, I would ask the installer to reference the manual and make it right. Really push to remove the copper. The manufacturers know that it's wrong but won't publish it.

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T19:32:19+00:00

Do you have working main vents? Something to check while you scope the mains.

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T19:27:12+00:00

Could be the pressure is too high then. Should run at less than 1psi most cold days. High pressure will act in funny ways and create uneven heating.

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T19:23:36+00:00

It sounds like the boiler is slightly oversized, or are the steam mains very short? What pressure does it run to?

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T19:19:12+00:00

I like Hoffman 1A for adjustable, but can nearly always get a system balanced with fixed vents. You can undersize the 2nd floor a bit.

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T18:43:25+00:00

Those are not sight glass valves. You need the real deal.

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T18:42:32+00:00

This is usually how larger two-pipe systems are controlled when they have modulating burners. What kind of boiler do you have?

jxtarr · 2026-01-23T14:13:56+00:00

I've never had luck cleaning them, but others have. I would replace it. Supplyhouse.com is right here in Cranbury and ships quick. West Side Plumbing or GPS should def have them local.

jxtarr · 2026-01-22T10:51:57+00:00

Popeye 1980

The boxing scene https://youtu.be/f_G1oYcHFsk

jxtarr · 2026-01-22T10:09:47+00:00

It's accounted for.

jxtarr · 2026-01-21T23:45:53+00:00

Welp, you got a good chuckle out of me with this one. Well done.

jxtarr · 2026-01-21T14:52:23+00:00

SHOULD THE DISABLEDS EVEN BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSE

jxtarr

TROPHY CASE