ILP gas residential steam shower or steam box system:

We describe an elegantly-simple LP gas powered steam box system installed and used successfully in a home in Mexico. We also discuss this steam treatment system's user controls and safety features - or their omission.

This article series also describes detail the installation of an electrically-operated residential steam generator in the shower of an existing home.

LP Gas Powered Steam Generator / "The Box" - a different approach to steam bathing

Above: this steam box or "steam closet" is installed in a home in central Mexico. The user sits on the white cushion (shown below), then closes the entry door and the steam closet top, leaving their head free in outdoor air.

The stainless steel tank in the right side of the second photo above is the water reservoir used to produce steam.

To heat water to make steam using this constructed-steam-box the user turns on the LP gas supply shown above and ignites (by igniter or match) the gas burner located below the water tank.

Shown below is the LP gas supply for this steam generator.

Below is a photo of the triplex-gas burner located below the stainless steel water reservoir.

The user has a gas valve (shown below) that can adjust burner intensity.

Watch out: there are no independent temperature limit controls, no low water cutoff, and no gas flame sensor / thermocouple control on this appliance.

Protection against BLEVE EXPLOSIONS is afforded by a very simple design: water in the reservoir tank is boiled by a gas burner.

Steam flows by natural convection through an open pipe into the steam cabinet (shown above). To avoid scalding the steamee, the steamer outlet is placed below a wooden footrest, shown tipped up and to the side in my photo.

As is required for safety with any steam system, there are no shutoff valves nor closures between the water/steam reservoir and the steam outlet.

The user, sitting in the steam box, opens a valve (shown below) to adjust the size of the gas flame or to turn it off entirely.

This steam bathing appliance is hand-made by its inventor in central Mexico. It is not an export product and is probably not able to comply with plumbing and safety codes that would impose additional controls and features for use in other North American countries.

Elegant in its simplicity this steam bathing box expects a modicum of common sense and safety attention from its user.

Watch out: check with your doctor about any health limitations that would affect your individual case before spending time in any steam box or steam shower or steam room. (Press 1991)

Saunas, steam baths, and whirlpools—popular fixtures at health clubs—are safe means of relaxation, if used prudently. But ignoring the recommendations for moderate, commonsense enjoyment of these baths may expose users to health risks.

Watch out: for safe installation of this or any other heating equipment, follow the manufacturer's instructions for both installation and use of the steambath, and make sure that your equipment and its installation comply with local plumbing and building safety codes.

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question: proper setting for a Honeywell PA-404-A 1099 Presstrol on a steam boiler

DOEs ANYONE KNOW THE PROPER SETTING FOR A HONEYWELL PA-404-A 1009 PRESTROL CONTROL FOR A WEIL-MCLANE STEAM BOILER - Rick 9/11/11

Reply:

Rick the exact pressure needed varies by installation but in a low pressure residential steam system the pressure range is usually between 0.2 and 0.4 psi.

Question: steam pipe configuration question at the boiler

what's the term they call the 2 steam pipes that form an H above a steam boiler. in other words the pipes from both sides of the burner connected together?THANKS,Walter - 9/25/11

Reply: steam pipe header

Walter: sorry we couldn't give an instant reply; sometimes the volume of reader questions is considerable and takes some time to get thorough.

I am guessing you are referring to the steam header or manifold piping that allows steam to enter more than one steam supply line or riser.

A second piping configuration that will be along side, not above, the boiler is the Hartford loop - a loop of piping sort of like an upside down trap that prevents water from siphoning out of the boiler should there be a leak in the condensate return line.

Question: steam boiler parts identification

Wow, what a great web site. I am trying to identify a vessel on the side of an old National steam boiler/furnace. It is about 12-18" tall, about 8" diameter and is attached to a manifold in the side that is about 12" off the floor. It is heavily rusted. The boiler is an old coal fired converted to oil. Can I send you photos? Thanks, Stephen strentsch@yahoo.com or strentsch 10/4/11

Reply:

sure Mr. Strentsch,

use the CONTACT link found at page top, left, or bottom to see our email and send along some sharp photos and we'll be glad to take a look

Question: My steam boiler seems to be taking more water than usual

I blow the system down regularly and then make up the water in the sight glass. However I seem to be using significantly more water then years past whereas I'd top the sight glass every couple of weeks in the past compared to every other day now. What do you think the problem is? - Tom C 10.27.11

Reply:

Tom C: a common reason for increased water consumption in a steam heating system is one or more radiator steam vents that are not closing properly. Check also for a leak in the condensate return line.

Question: I need to prepare for a steam boiler license and want book recommendations

I’m happy to have found this website. I’m getting back into heating and cooling and need to prepare for higher license. Question: Is there a DVD collection you recommended as an additional studying tool? I see that Harold J. Frost, Frederick M. Steingress, Daryl R. Walker’s collection is close to 600.00 which is very steep for my pocket. Would you happen to know of a website or cheap place I can buy such DVD or a CD? If not these guys than another author is ok. Thanks for the feedback. Kym 11/23/11

Reply:

Kym if you are looking specifically for information on steam heating I'd pick up any of Dan Holihan's books on steam heat. He's the best.

Question:

The HomeServ tech just left after installing a new auto water feeder, and the PSI gauge on my steam heater is off the chart, over 30 PSI. I shut it down and called HomeServ and they said leave it on and they'll come in the morning. How do I lower the PSI myself so I can leave it on tonight and my little kids (two with strep) don't freeze? Thanks! 2/22/2012

Reply:

Watch out: If the PSI gauge is showing abnormal pressure and the gauge itself is working properly the system is unsafe and should be shut down. Call someone else and fire that tech - from your description the system sounds unsafe

Question: water drips out of the air valve at the bottom of the tank

I HAVE AN OIL BURNER HOT WATER SYSTEM MY EXPANSION IS DRIPPING WATER OUT THE AIR VALVE STEM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE - Mike S 10/12/12

Reply:

Mike, an air valve stem is replaceable, I would tr that first. Check also for abnormal system pressure ( an unsafe condition). But if the internal bladder of the tank has burst - another explanation for finding water at the air pressure adjustment valve, then most likely you need to replace the tank. You'll know this condition because the tank will become waterlogged, heavy, and ultimately the boiler TP valve will drip (another unsafe condition).

Question: radiator banging noise repair procedure

I have a one pipe steam system. My dining room radiator air vent was just replaced because the old one was leaking profusely (damaged my floors). The porch radiator air vent was also replaced because of too much steam condensation in the room, but now the open/close valve is leaking at the base. The radiator upstairs in middle bedroom is banging and clanking. The pipe that runs along the basement ceiling (finished basement) also bangs when the heat is coming on. My plumber cannot really give me an answer. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks p Rita 11/21/12

Reply:

Rita,

If you search InspectApedia for


BANGING STEAM PIPES

you can read about the diagnosis & cure of this problem

About the leaking valve - unfortunately that means you need another service call.

Question: relief valve is leaking

cleaned on a vav [?] system is leaking close the cilanod [solenoid ? -Ed] valve need to be replaced

- Anon 11/23/12

Reply:

See RELIEF VALVE LEAKS for procedures to diagnose and fix leaky TP relief valves.

Question: too-high steam pressure traced to a blocked sensor on steam pressure control

Pressure on gas steam boiler was rising far too high, so high that the pressure relief valve released twice when it hit 15 psi (as it was supposed to do). Good buddy who really knows his stuff checked everything from pressure valve to pressuretrol. Nothing . He then checked "pigtail" and found blockage .Problem solved!! - Ken 11/24/12

Reply:

Thanks for this note it may help other readers

Question: trouble controlling level of steam heat - can I close off the radiator

My building uses steam heaters. I have no control over the heat in my unit because the thermostat is controlled by my landlord/owner who lives above me. However I have a small 1 bedroom with two heating units so even with all of the windows open, it can still get very hot. Is it okay for me to completely close the "open/close" black knob valves on my units or will that cause problems for the whole system? My landlord had previously told me not to touch the valves... Emily 12/10/12

Reply:

Yes if the radiator control knob is not jammed or frozen you can try closing it partly or fully; radiator control knobs are intended to be a homeowner-resident-operator control. But if the knob is not easy to turn, don't force it as you might end up with a leak.

Question: hissing boiler

I have 2 yr. Boiler. It hisses like venting steam off and on loudly. Seems like when heat comes on venting starts until off. -Mr. Ed 12/28/12

Reply:

Steam boilers include steam valves that hiss; we need more details.

Question: leaky relief valve

I am having a pressure problem and it looks like one of my relief valve is leaking or letting the pressure out would this keep my boiler from running. It seems to be shutting off and I need to set the pressure all the time. is it as simple as changing the valve and resetting the Pressure? Rick 1/3/2013

Reply:

See RELIEF VALVE LEAKS for procedures to diagnose and fix leaky TP relief valves.

Question: 28 psi and water coming out of my return on my American Standard boiler

II have a pressure of 28 psi and water is coming out of my return how can i lower the water pressure from my steam American standard boiler - Ronald 1/13/2013

Reply: 28 psi on residential steam heat is very unusual, probably unsafe - shut the system off

Ronald,

Watch out: If your heater is a residential steam heating system it is operating at an abnormally high temperature and is unsafe. Turn the system off immediately and call your heating service company.

If your heater were a residential hot water heating boiler (hydronic heat) its pressure might be close to the upper end of normal operating pressure - and the leak at the valve could be due to a valve problem or to any of quite a few other causes. See RELIEF VALVE LEAKS for procedures to diagnose and fix leaky TP relief valves. See the links just below for information on how the steam heating system pressure is controlled and set.

Question:

(Mar 23, 2013) home able said:
Oil-fired steam boiler was functioning properly upto two weeks ago, now doesn't fully run to designated temperature on thermostat (digital). It will stop a degree or 2 short of desired setting even though thermostat says boiler is running. Why?

Reply:

Home able,

I'm not sure what's happening with your system. IN general the gauges are not lab grade precise. It's possible that your gauge or its sensor port are debris clogged. Try tapping gently on the gauge to see if the needle moves. Also watch the gauge to see its reading throughout the operating cycle.

Question: steam boiler keeps flooding - high water in the sight glass

(Apr 1, 2013) Luis said:
I have a gas bolier which continues to overflow. The sight glass floods even some pipes that run though the floor ang o up the wall with a steam trap a gauges at the to of the pipes. I called a company but they have not been able to find the problem.

Reply:

Luis if the steam boiler keeps overflowing, or flooding, most likely the water feeder is out of order.

Question:

(june 19, 2014) anonymous said:
I have hot water baseboard system boiler in my crawlspace (.Basement) im thinking about replacing the boiler with a horizontal warm air furnace adams furnace. I keep getting freeze ups and they are very difficult to repair. The furnace adams make is supposed to be 95 percent efficient. Plus the fact there are no pipes to freeze is the warm air furnace the way to go? Thanks paul

Reply:

Paul,

You're commenting about hot water and hot air heat on a steam heat article - so this may be a bit confusing to other readers, but in general, conversion to another heating method is fine if you can bear the expense; each heating type has its pros and cons so IMO there is not a single "right" answer.

Keep in mind that when you change from steam heat or hot water heat to forced warm air heat, your costs are much greater than just the heater itself as you have to install a heat delivery system : air ducts and registers. That can be convenient in some building designs and quite costly in others.

Question:

(Oct 16, 2014) Antonio said:
I just installed a 299 MBH gas fired steam boiler and connected to an existing system serving the second floor of an office building, approx floor area is 2,600 sq ft.

Existing EDR calculated as approx 900 sq. ft. The boiler started up successfully yesterday and I have been testing it ever since.

Everything seems to be working fine

. My question is what would be the right pressuretrol settings: I am using 1 psi cut-in and 1 psi differential and everything seems all right, but I may be missing something, maybe the boiler could work more efficiently with a lower or higher cut in pressure.

(Dec 15, 2014) Kevin M said:
I have a gas-fired steam boiler that has worked flawlessly since its installation six years ago. Suddenly it is overfilling. I let out several extra gallons a day to reduce the level in the sight glass. Should I replace the automatic feed? It is attached to the hot water heater, unlike previous installation I have had in other houses where it is connected to the cold water line.

Is it possible that excess pressure from the expansion in the hot water supply line is forcing water past the automatic feed? What could cause this condition?

Reply:

Kevin

Over-filling of a heating boiler is indeed usually a problem with the automatic water feeder, more rarely leaks into the boiler from a tankless coil.

Question: bothered by banging pipes

(Feb 15, 2015) Beverly Streeter said:
I live in a 16 unit apt complex. What make the heat clan and banging?

Reply:

See the banging pipe diagnostic and repair suggestions at BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS

Question: steam boiler won't keep running

(Apr 9, 2015) george said:
steam boiler heater runs for about 15 minutes then it cuts out

Reply:

George I'm stuck on this one with no onsite data; could be related to heating of components, clogging of a filter, I dunno. It's time for an onsite heating service tech.

DO NOT keep pushing a re-set button. That's unsafe.

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Continue reading  at STEAMBATH GENERATOR SOURCES & HEALTH RESEARCH, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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Suggested citation for this web page

PROPANE POWERED STEAM GENERATOR at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to STEAM BOILERS

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