I’ll tell you a story about a steam system, which illustrates the need for a knowledgeable installer. This isn’t even about a bad BOILER installation, so much as an illustration of why you need to be careful with steam.

The client contacted us out of desperation. The plumber they used had installed a new steam boiler, and they had a lot of problems, like the ones I mentioned in a previous post, but also very uneven heating and ridiculous gas bills. ..read more

So far this year, we’ve had to re-pipe 4 steam boilers, with at least 2 more that we know need it, but haven’t been done. This may be because the owner’s can’t afford it, or may be because they aren’t really convinced that they need it. These are mostly newer boilers that were installed incorrectly, usually by the lowest bidder or  by the gas company installers, which are the same thing.

Here’s what happens.

First we get a call the the pipes ..read more

In previous blogs I’ve covered  some of the many technical topics that I can comment on, and I’ll do more of that in the future. I’ve talked about low flow toilets that flush, sump pumps that pump and super efficient oil fired boilers. I’ll have more to say about gas boilers, water heaters, and many other plumbing and heating related topics and products, but right now I’d like to talk about money!

Dennis Foley Plumbing is a flat rate plumbing contractor. ..read more

I have a friend who depends on her sump pump. I mean, it’s really vital that it works. When it failed last week, the top of her oil burner was 6 inches UNDER the water, and since her hot water comes from the boiler, her water heater also stopped working.

That’s an expensive inconvenience! And dangerous because the oil tank was under water as well.

I don’t know yet what this latest episode is going to cost her. She was lucky to have ..read more