Steam generator info please?

[David OKeefe]

I found what I think is a steam generator under a bathroom sink. Can anyone give me some info on these as I am not familiar with these? I think the Co. is out of business. Any sites I can look at or does anyone know the age? The place was remodeled back in the late 80s. Thanks for any help.

[Scott Patterson]

I found what I think is a steam generator under a bathroom sink. Can anyone give me some info on these as I am not familiar with these? I think the Co. is out of business. Any sites I can look at or does anyone know the age? The place was remodeled back in the late 80s. Thanks for any help.

Did it work? Most of the units I have seen did not work after 10 or so years.

The trap on the sink looks like it needs replacing....

[David OKeefe]

I did not try it. The water was turned off to it and I did not want another leak. Water was turned on to the condo right before I got there. Several leaks were noted,including the main water shutoff valve. At first I thought it was an on demand water heater but it said leisure steam on it. I referred it.

[Ken Meyer]

It's a steam shower (http://http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,20165598,00.html), I've seen them occasionally on high end home remodels.

[Jerry Peck]

Well ...

It "looks like" the T&P relief valve discharges into the pan it sets in, which it is not a good thing to set electrical equipment in a pan which can fill with water.

I doubt that has proper access to the service panels, either for plumbing or electrical.

That has exposed NM cable running out to it.

As Scott said, looks like the trap above it is leaking.

Also looks like there would not be room to remove the trap, and certainly not room to put a pan or pail in under it to catch all the water which runs out when removing a trap - another 'not a good thing to do' when electrical equipment is below.

I don't see any disconnect there either.

Certainly lack proper and required working space.

I've seldom (if ever) seen those grounded properly, and if not, your client will likely call you later asking 'Is it normal that the steam generator makes you tingle whenever you touch the valve or the head?'

What is that other gray box in the corner of the photo?

[David OKeefe]

The gray box on the right is a transformer. Here's the label on it. There are a number of issues with that steamer.

[David OKeefe]

Ken, this was not a high end home.:) Your link did not work for me.

[Ken Meyer]

Sorry, I'll try again. steam shower (http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,20165598,00.html)

[David OKeefe]

Thanks Ken, works now. That's what I was looking for.