steam boiler flooding
#1
12-02-08, 09:45 PM
steam boiler flooding
About once a week my 2 pipe system floods. I just replaced main vents to no avail. Have low water cutoff on order. If that doesn't work plan on replacing water feeder. Any suggestions?????
#2
12-03-08, 12:07 AM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Before you change the automatic feeder shut off the valve that "Feeds the feeder" and monitor your system daily for the next week. In many instances the return line on a 2 pipe steam system will become plugged up with gunk and it won't allow ( Or slowly allow) the condensed water to return to the boiler. When this occurs the automatic feeder will do its job and introduce fresh water into the system which will bring the water level up to the required level. As the return water slowly migrates past the plugged return line it will raise the water level in the boiler which will result in an overfilled condition.
If this is the case, the only remedy would be to disasemble and clean the return line feeding the boiler.
If this is the case, the only remedy would be to disasemble and clean the return line feeding the boiler.
#3
12-03-08, 08:01 AM
If you have a two pipe system you probably have a dry return. This will drop down below the water line in the boiler room. What type LWCO and feeder do you have. How long has it been installed?
Is there a domestic hot water coil in the boiler? Is there a manual fill line piped around the auto feeder?
Is there a domestic hot water coil in the boiler? Is there a manual fill line piped around the auto feeder?
#4
12-03-08, 09:26 PM
Originally Posted by rbeck
If you have a two pipe system you probably have a dry return. This will drop down below the water line in the boiler room. What type LWCO and feeder do you have. How long has it been installed?
Is there a domestic hot water coil in the boiler? Is there a manual fill line piped around the auto feeder?
Is there a domestic hot water coil in the boiler? Is there a manual fill line piped around the auto feeder?
#5
12-03-08, 09:31 PM
Originally Posted by lightsout06810
Before you change the automatic feeder shut off the valve that "Feeds the feeder" and monitor your system daily for the next week. In many instances the return line on a 2 pipe steam system will become plugged up with gunk and it won't allow ( Or slowly allow) the condensed water to return to the boiler. When this occurs the automatic feeder will do its job and introduce fresh water into the system which will bring the water level up to the required level. As the return water slowly migrates past the plugged return line it will raise the water level in the boiler which will result in an overfilled condition.
If this is the case, the only remedy would be to disasemble and clean the return line feeding the boiler.
If this is the case, the only remedy would be to disasemble and clean the return line feeding the boiler.
#6
12-04-08, 12:06 AM
Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you could, please post some pics of your the boiler, boiler controls and piping. (Including the complete supply and return lines in the boiler room)
