Heating Update in 122

As you may know, many residents in 122 went several days without heat over the past two weeks.

The problem was isolated and resolved this past weekend. Here is Michael Urena's rundown of events, and the actions taken by Management to restore heat as quickly as possible.

Principally, starting on Thursday, we had a confluence of issues that involved the vacuum end of the heating system.

Put in other words, there were no issues with boiler steam production or the ability to build the steam to the level that would be needed to satisfy heating requirements. We experienced the problem in the piping.

On every line, and every radiator, is a separate vertical line carrying steam. On the eighth floor, there is an "expansion joint" which allows for the fifteen-story high metal steam pipe to expand. These joints undergo wear and tear as time progresses.

We found defective expansion joints on the G line in the bedroom and in the H line in one of the smaller bedrooms. The leaks were sufficient to prohibit the distribution of heat to both sides of the building, leading anyone not close to the scene to think the boiler was the problem.

As we made repairs based upon our findings on Sunday, we encountered one more leaking expansion joint in the C line affecting your side of the building [Note: I am on the G side] and finally found a problem with the steam supply valve whose gauge registered a problem opening based upon the outside temperature, but whose mechanical linkage was prohibiting the opening from opening beyond a minimal, and grossly inadequate, point.

This affected the other side of the building.

This problem was masked by the leaking expansion joints. I really believe that University Towers is fortunate to have supers like Raphael Olive and Juan Perez who found the way around other responsibilities and focused hard on the problem.

Believe me these findings came after considerable leg work that tired them significantly. They, however, were determined to fix all problems before the beginning of the week and on the weekend, specifically by Sunday at 1 PM, licked the problem.

After a full heating season it is not unusual for the parts that work the most to need maintenance, but I must admit it has been quite a while since we last saw such a confluence of problems.

All in all, I believe it was a job well done by the staff, however, it may go somewhat unnoticed because not having heat may be the focus of residents' minds. I feel that you may appreciate the details.

On a personal note, I am particularly grateful that the issue in the G-line bedroom has been resolved as I have frequently complained that the bedroom is too cold in the winter.

Looking forward to sleeping warmly......