Dead Men Tales

The Legacy of the Dead Men Dec 27, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on the Dead Men who came before us and the legacy they left behind.

Pivotal Advice Dec 20, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the advice that changed his life.

Pipe Stories Dec 13, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the tale of how nominal pipe sizes came to be, as well as some comical work stories.

Divvying Up the Utility Bill Dec 06, 2022

There’s long been talk about how to divvy up the heating expenses in buildings that have tenants. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some methods he’s seen over the years in Europe and the US.

Mistakes Were Made Nov 29, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells a story that has affected many homeowners since the 1970s and why you should always question whether that boiler feed pump should be there.

Trane Whistles Nov 22, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some of the things you have to watch out for when you're converting a steam system to a hot-water system.

Learning from the 1930s Nov 15, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan takes us back to the 1930s when half of the buildings in the U.S. that had central heating had hydronics.

Dead Men Tips Nov 08, 2022

You can learn a lot from those who came before you. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares helpful (and somewhat peculiar) tips from the Dead Men.

Many Tanks! Nov 01, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan walks through a job where the Dead Men used the top portion of each cast-iron radiator as a little compression tank.

How Steam Traps Can Bite You Oct 25, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares all of the neat devices and techniques that the Dead Men came up with for steam-heating systems and how this knowledge can make you a better troubleshooter.

The Two Sides of Hydronics Oct 18, 2022

Steam-and hot-water heating joined hands a long time ago to make up what we today call hydronics. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares interesting stories from these two different sides of hydronics.

Seeing The World In A Different Way Oct 11, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the fascinating story of how James and Reuben Trane's inventions shaped the HVAC industry.

Grabbing the Elephant Oct 04, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the tale of a grand NYC building, a tenant set on modernizing his portion of the steam-heating system, and the mechanical mayhem that followed.

The Unseen Damage of A Flooded Steam System Sep 27, 2022

There's more to a steam-heating system flood than meets the eye. In this episode, Dan Holohan troubleshoots a problem with an old one-pipe steam system.

Cardboard Apps Sep 20, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on a time when apps were cardboard and contractors were delighted by them.

Unsung Heroes Sep 13, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan celebrates the unsung heroes who do the tough jobs that keep our cities running.

Adventures in Pumping Sep 06, 2022

The second-most prevalent machine in the world is the pump. But this wasn’t always the case. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how the arrival of pumps shaped the heating industry.

The Tenderfoot Years Aug 30, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares funny stories from the start of his career that involve a missing skyhook, an overly heavy roof drain, and some tough lessons.

A Disastrous Decision Aug 23, 2022

Have you ever found yourself in some dank basement staring at (and totally appreciating!) the simple beauty of some old, one-pipe, gravity-return steam heating system? And then you decide that this system, which has gotten by without you for nearly a century, should have motorized zone valves. In this episode, Dan Holohan explains why you are doomed on the day that you make this fateful decision and how to recover from it.

Old Radiator Tips Aug 16, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some tips about old radiators that he’s picked up over the years from the Dead Men.

Why Compression Tanks Waterlog Aug 09, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the history of expansion and compression tanks, along with some troubleshooting tips.

The Jal Fitting Aug 02, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the story of Irwin “Jal” Jalonack and his decision to use hydronic radiant heating in 18,000 Levitt homes in the 1940s and 50s.

Running Down A Heating Mystery Jul 26, 2022

There are always undeniable truths when you're troubleshooting, but sometimes we miss them because we arrive at the job with our minds made up already. In this episode, Dan Holohan solves heating problems by getting back to basics.

The Dopey Kid Who Used To Wear Your Clothes Jul 19, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the comical tale of a life lesson learned the hard way.

How One Missing Pipe Can Make All the Difference Jul 12, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the solution for a common problem in areas where contractors add hot-water zones to steam boilers.

Dangerous Dan and the Hole in the Ground Jul 05, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells you a tale that will keep you spellbound, of Dangerous Dan and the hole in the ground.

The Magic of a Simple Air Vent Jun 28, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story of how the air vent made quite an impression on those who were able to afford this relatively new thing called steam heat in 1924.

The Hartford Loop Jun 21, 2022

From 1879 to 1891 there were 2,159 reported steam boiler explosions in the US. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story behind a piping configuration that saved boilers and lives.

The Foundry Jun 14, 2022

Boilers don’t come from catalogs. In this episode, Dan Holohan takes you to a foundry where boilers are born.

Old-School Solutions Jun 07, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan takes you to a circa-1871 loft building in NYC and shows you how Paul and Joe are running a large steam-heating system without steam traps using tricks from the Dead Men.

So Thorough. So Quiet! May 31, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan spins an on-the-job tale that will leave you laughing.

Heating Boston's Old North Church May 24, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares a story about replacing the boiler on the unique heating system in Boston's Old North Church, as well as some Dead Men tips for a false-water-line bottle.

How Diaphragm Tanks Came To Be May 17, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some little-known stories about how diaphragm tanks were invented, as well as advice that will come in handy on the job.

Pump and Circumstance May 10, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story of Smokey and how pumps can create air problems in hot-water heating systems.

Hidden Radiators May 03, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how the Dead Men installed indirect radiation in wealthy customers’ homes. It combined heating with ventilation and discretely hid radiators.

Adventures in Steam Heating Apr 26, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some basic principles of how steam heating systems operate and why opportunity knocks for those who work on them.

Uncle Tony Apr 19, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some funny stories about his Uncle Tony and this wonderfully wacky business.

A Dead Men Secret Apr 12, 2022

The Dead Men had a clever solution for balancing gravity hot-water heating systems. They told each other about it, but they never wrote it down so that you and I, stuck in the 21st Century would know. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares this secret that was almost lost to history.

How They Rated Radiators Apr 05, 2022

From the paint-the-floor method to the American Radiator Company's Institute of Thermal Research, Dan Holohan explores how the Dead Men developed radiator ratings.

When It Comes to Boilers, How Old Is Too Old? Mar 29, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares stories about a quest for the oldest boiler, a near-death experience, and century-old equipment that has nine lives.

Voices From The Past Mar 22, 2022

It’s amazing what old heating systems can tell us if we pay attention to the details left by the Dead Men who installed them.

The Significance Of The Fire Mar 15, 2022

The Irish made fires that never went out. The fire in the hearth was for cooking and for warmth, and it smoldered for hundreds of years in some cases. In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on his heating heritage.

Quiet May Mar 08, 2022

The May Oil Burner Company made an oil burner they called Quiet May during a time when just about everyone in America who had central heating was burning coal. To overcome this obstacle they didn’t just sell an oil burner. They sold intangible things such as better health, a cleaner home, more free time, more family togetherness, peace of mind, convenience, and more living space.

Air Vents and American History Mar 01, 2022

The automatic air vent didn’t come easily to the heating industry. It took hard work and a lot of very inventive thinking. Hearing this story will help you sharpen your troubleshooting skills.

District Steam Feb 22, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan time travels back to 1905 when Washington, D. C. was pondering the promise of a soon-to-be-installed district heating system.

What Ray Taught Me Feb 15, 2022

We all had to start somewhere, right? In this episode, Dan Holohan recalls a lesson learned the hard way and a mentor who had a brutal brand of kindness.

How To Kill A Boiler Feb 08, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares a murder mystery involving a troubled heating system and a well-intentioned suspect.

Special Tees Feb 01, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells us about the inventive tees used in early hot-water heating systems.

The $37 Million Steam Trap Jan 25, 2022

Ignoring preventative maintenance can have disastrous consequences. Take this story, for instance.

Events That Shaped Heating History Jan 18, 2022

From explosions to inventions, Dan Holohan shares a timeline of events that impacted the heating industry and the fascinating stories behind them.

The Redflash Reckoning Jan 11, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells a story about a mansion with two Ideal Redflash boilers, each with a rating of 500,000 Btuh.

All That History Nonsense Jan 04, 2022

In this episode, Dan Holohan explains why this “history nonsense” gives us the insight we need to keep things in perspective and solve the toughest heating problems.

Modern Times, Old Buildings Dec 28, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares some entertaining tales about troubled heating systems and human nature.

A Song for Christmas Dec 21, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares a personal story of family and hope.

The Teachings of Fremont Dec 14, 2021

Some people just stay with you long after they are gone. In this episode, Dan Holohan remembers his friend Fremont Lobbestael and his lessons on steam heating and life.

The Radiator Dec 07, 2021

Take the time to consider the beauty of simple things like the radiator. Everything ever made began with someone’s dream, and with their passion to create.

Saving Coal At Home Nov 30, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan reviews a circa-1920s short film that the US Bureau of Mines made about energy conservation.

Generations Nov 23, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on how his dad grew up, seeing his breath indoors on winter mornings. It’s only within a couple of generations that we’ve come to expect homes to be heated or cooled. Our work whispers; it doesn’t shout. We've gone far beyond protecting the health of the nation. We now also provide the nation with comfort, and when we do our jobs well, people don’t even know we were there.

The Mills System Surprise Nov 16, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan faces a startling surprise when troubleshooting a problem involving a Mills steam-heating system and a football-sized air vent.

Does It Pay To Fix Steam Traps? Nov 09, 2021

It pays to fix steam traps, but probably not in the way you think. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how experts in the 1970s speculated on how quickly steam-trap repair would pay back, but missed an important factor.

Alfred Nov 02, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on the importance of taking time for people.

How ASHRAE Began Oct 26, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story of Hugh J. Barron who helped found The American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers and encouraged the nascent I=B=R. He believed in learning, teaching, and sharing. He also saw the future well and he did not suffer fools.

Keep An Eye On District Heating Oct 19, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how district heating was born, why it’s getting bigger all over the world, and what this means for hydronics.

Learning From History Oct 12, 2021

Sometimes what seems strange at first (the boiler’s installed where?!) makes sense when you consider the history behind it. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares handy historical tidbits that will help you troubleshoot those older heating systems.

Collectors Oct 05, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan ponders the things we collect and the intriguing stories behind them.

Troubleshooting In An Antique Building Sep 28, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan walks us through a troubleshooting job at Fraunces Tavern, which was built in 1719 and is the oldest structure in NYC.

The Problem Solver Sep 21, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the tale of finding treasure in an old box in a warehouse and how that moment changed his career bit by bit.

An American Cathedral Sep 14, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on the tradesmen who built NYC's World Trade Center.

The Game-Changing Arrival of the Oil Burner Sep 07, 2021

William Newton Best developed the earliest oil burner just as the world entered the 20th Century. Coal was king, but he didn’t let that stand in his way. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how oil burners disrupted the coal industry.

Plastics! Aug 31, 2021

There’s a scene in The Graduate where Mr. McGuire says to Benjamin, “I want to say one word to you...Plastics!...There’s a great future in plastics.” This was around the time that Thomas Engel invented PEX. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how plastics entered the HVAC industry and how not everyone was as enthusiastic about it as Mr. McGuire.

Henry's Law Aug 24, 2021

Consider this story the next time you’re installing an air separator, or wondering why the air keeps coming out of that compression tank.

A Simple Copper Elbow Aug 17, 2021

Do you ever wonder about the path products take to get to us? In this episode, Dan Holohan follows a simple copper elbow on its journey to the job site.

The Missing Chimney Aug 10, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan explores the old heating system in a Fifth Avenue mansion in search of a missing chimney and shares how a blizzard shaped NYC’s heating history.

Hindsight Aug 03, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on how hindsight has us shaking our heads at wacky decisions of the past, especially the one involving an asbestos hat.

The Metal Manometer Jul 27, 2021

At first, Eugene Bourdon was annoyed when he saw what his worker had done to the metal tube, but then it gave him an idea that would save countless lives. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells us about an invention that’s at the heart of every pressure gauge ever made (even to this day).

The Little-Known Story Behind a Popular Tool Jul 20, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the fascinating story behind one of the world’s most widely used inventions.

The Hidden Air Vent Jul 13, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells us about the time he channeled MacGyver when fixing a radiator with a very unusual old air vent.

The Duke Mansion Mystery Jul 06, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares a whodunit mystery involving the hot-water-heating system at the sprawling mansion of Doris Duke.

Novels and Heating History Jun 29, 2021

In 1918, the person who could bring steam- or hot-water heat to your home was nearly a magician. In this episode, Dan Holohan explores how heating appears like a character in old novels and how things have changed over time.

What Might Have Been Jun 22, 2021

John Bartlett Pierce grew up in Maine, worked in a hardware store, and fell in love with hydronic heating. He went on to build a tall building in New York City that looks like a coal fire and left a fortune behind.

My Father's Way Jun 15, 2021

Ed Holohan came back from the war in the Pacific and went to work in a supply house because they were hiring strong, young men who wanted to work six days a week. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares memories of his father.

How to Embarrass a Beautiful Old Radiator Jun 08, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan takes us to a seaside Victorian estate and meets a beautiful old radiator with tears in its eyes.

The Great Experimenter Jun 01, 2021

John Mills was one of the great-granddaddies of heating. He worked with the H.B. Smith Company as a freelance inventor and engineer from 1873 until 1897. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares why you may think of John Mills the next time you’re doing a heat-loss calculation or looking at an old steam heating system.

The Origin of the Btu May 25, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the story of Thomas Tredgold, defining the British thermal unit, and why it pays to develop a healthy skepticism.

Predictions for the Heating Industry May 18, 2021

In 1942 a group of industry leaders wrote a booklet containing their predictions for the future of heating in America after the war. Were they correct? Find out in this episode.

The Magical History Tour May 11, 2021

At the turn of the century, the crowded quilt of lower Manhattan was teeming with manufacturers of heating equipment and the spirit of invention. In this episode, Dan Holohan takes us on a walking tour and shares little-known stories of heating history.

Why We Run Steam Boilers At 2-PSIG Pressure May 04, 2021

In 1899 an association of boiler manufacturers got together in the spirit of what they called cooperative competition. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells about The Carbon Club’s brazen (and very successful) efforts to not only control the price and supply of boilers, but to also set standards that would keep those boilers from exploding.

The Legacy of Gil Carlson, Hydronics Pioneer Apr 27, 2021

Gil Carlson first pointed out the importance of a circulator's location in a closed hydronic system. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how his teacher’s curiosity and brilliant mind changed the way we pipe heating systems.

The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen Apr 20, 2021

After the American Revolution, skilled craftsmen gathered in a tavern in lower Manhattan to discuss how they’d rebuild the war-torn city. They formed an organization that now supports NYC's oldest technical school. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the story of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen and its lasting impact, as well as why 1880s steam heating is very different from 1930s steam heating.

Form Follows Function Apr 13, 2021

Do you ever wonder why the chimneys are on the sides of most buildings? Or why most homes have eight-foot ceilings? In this episode, Dan Holohan explores how purpose shaped design throughout our industry’s history.

An American Love Story Apr 06, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story of a century-old family business and the quiet pride that accompanies their manufacturing process.

The Illuminating Beginnings of Gas Boilers Mar 30, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan takes us back to 1917 when the gas lighting industry, threatened by Edison’s lightbulb, branched into the business of gas boilers and furnaces.

Heating John Lennon’s Apartment Mar 23, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan takes us to NYC’s Dakota Apartments, where John Lennon once lived. It has a circa-1880 steam heating system and was home to one of the world’s first co-generation systems.

How Schlemmer’s Tee Shaped Hydronics Mar 16, 2021

Oliver Schlemmer’s fitting was the first tee capable of consciously diverting water into a radiator. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how the O-S fitting paved the way for modern hot-water heating systems.

The Curious History of PEX Mar 09, 2021

If a shoe factory had been present in Thomas Engel’s vicinity at the time he invented PEX, we would perhaps today be walking around on shoe soles made of cross-linked polyethylene. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the fascinating story behind PEX and its brilliant inventor.

Heating and Horror at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Mar 02, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells us about Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique heating system at Taliesin and how a horrific 1914 event took its toll on the home and its inhabitants.

The Caretaker of Heating History Feb 23, 2021

Take a walk through history in this episode with Dan Holohan and his friend Bob as they explore Doug Starbuck’s circa-1872 workshop and the treasures that lie within it.

The Secret to Heating Old Churches Feb 16, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares advice for keeping old churches and other buildings with lofty ceilings comfortable in the winter without sending fuel bills soaring.

Gold’s Mattress Radiator Feb 09, 2021

In this episode, Dan Holohan talks about the success and decline of Stephen Gold’s mattress radiator, the first safe and successful steam radiator for house heating.

Hydronic Heating for Health in 1911 Feb 02, 2021

The East River Homes were built by the Vanderbilts as a model tenement for tuberculosis patients in 1911. The engineers chose hydronic heating for sanitary reasons, perhaps making this NYC’s first large-scale hot-water heating system. In this episode, Dan Holohan recounts memories of how he later grew up in this housing development and why its heating system was unique for the time.

The World's Fair of Hydronic Heating Jan 26, 2021

Heating took center stage at the 1904 World’s Fair with the American Radiator Company’s modern home exhibit. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how millions marveled at the beauty and simplicity of its hydronic-heating system and what became of that famous model home.

Heating’s Explosive History Jan 19, 2021

In the early days of hydronic heating, boilers were exploding left and right. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells how seemingly insignificant mistakes often led to disaster.

Old Buildings, New Steam Jan 12, 2021

In the 1980s, New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development renovated hundreds of old buildings and installed brand new one-pipe steam systems. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares why steam was the solution and how he taught their contractors to install steam systems from scratch.

Remembering Mel Dubin Jan 05, 2021

Mel Dubin dreamed, invented, and built something that helped raise thousands of American families. In this episode, Dan Holohan remembers his friend Mel, the founder of Slant/Fin.

Heating The Breakers Dec 29, 2020

John D. Clarke knew how to heat a 70-room cottage in 1893. And he got it right the very first time. Then the Vanderbilts ordered all the mechanical drawings burned after construction so that no one would be able to copy the system. In this episode, Dan Holohan walks us through the history of the heating system at the Vanderbilts’ summer home, The Breakers.

The Paul System and Other Delightful Discoveries Dec 22, 2020

You never know what you’ll come across when you’re the heating person. It’s a wonderful life. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells about the time he was making recommendations on how to save fuel in a circa-1905 voraciously steam-heated building and discovered a Paul System, as well as a piece of American movie history.

The Surprising Stories Behind Heating Inventions Dec 15, 2020

Did you know that the first pressure relief valve was invented in 1681 because the King of England really liked jelly? And that the first gravity heating system was used to warm chickens? How about the expansion tank that was assembled using an overstock of baby carriage wheel rims? In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the fascinating stories behind inventions that paved the way for modern heating.

Building a House Every Two Hours Dec 08, 2020

In the 1940s, William Levitt built a community of 17,447 homes, completing one house every two hours. Levitt chose radiant heating for these houses because it was the cheapest heating system he could find. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the story of Levittown and how those radiant slabs are doing now.

What the 1918 Flu Taught Us About Heating During a Pandemic Dec 01, 2020

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares how the 1918-19 pandemic changed the way we pipe heating systems and the type of windows we use, why radiators are painted silver, and what we can learn from history.

Thankful Nov 24, 2020

Some stories are as worn as old work boots because we just can’t resist hearing them again and again. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares memories of Thanksgiving mornings in NYC and his time spent in the heating industry.

The Model K Mystery Nov 17, 2020

In this episode, Dan Holohan tells about a Manhattan co-op apartment building, where the local time (mechanically speaking) is 1949, the heat is uneven, and the radiators hold a historic clue.

My Father’s American Dream Nov 10, 2020

In this episode, Dan Holohan shares stories about growing up on Long Island, NY in the 1950s, the bungalow his dad built, and hydronic heating.

A $50,000 Mistake Nov 03, 2020

If you're staring at an odd, old device and you don't know what it is, put your hands in your pockets and back away until you learn more about it. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the story of a strange device and a $50,000 mistake.

The Wacky History of Temperature Scales Oct 27, 2020

Many of the scientific concepts we take for granted started as an idea that some guy in a room came up with one day. In this episode, Dan Holohan shares the interesting and peculiar tale of how temperature scales were invented.

Heating the Central Park Arsenal Oct 20, 2020

There’s a beautiful historic building in New York City’s Central Park called the Arsenal. It was constructed between 1847 and 1851 and designed to look like a castellated fortress because it was to be a place where they would store munitions. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the tale of the Arsenal, its heating system, and how it has served the city through the years.

Bicycles and Heating History Oct 13, 2020

There was once a time when the plumbing and heating industry was threatened by bicycles. In this episode, Dan Holohan tells the story of how this new and exciting invention was banned from business.

A Hundred Years From Now Oct 06, 2020

In this episode, Dan Holohan reflects on the work and the unsung heroes behind it. We are surrounded by inspiration because so many tradespeople take extreme pride in their work. You may be one of those people. If you wipe a solder joint correctly, even though the carpenter is going to sheetrock the wall and no one will ever see that beautiful joint again, you are one of those people. You do such things because you care — not only about your reputation, but about the building in which you are working. You want both to last.

Introducing Dead Men Tales Sep 25, 2020

On October 6, 2020, HeatingHelp.com will launch the Dead Men Tales podcast hosted by master storyteller and industry expert Dan Holohan. Each week Dan will share the stories behind the work and fun facts you may not know about heating history. You’ll learn how the bicycle threatened the industry, how temperature scales came to be, tips for heating historic buildings, how PEX was invented, and more. HeatingHelp.com’s Dead Men Tales is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, home to over 100,000 plumbing, heating, and HVAC supplies. Join us each week as we share the Dead Men Tales.

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