Safety(?) vent BEFORE fill valve into heating loop leaking
#1
12-08-17, 06:32 AM
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: USA
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Safety(?) vent BEFORE fill valve into heating loop leaking
Hi,
I am a new home owner and am having an issue with my heating system. I have a heating system similar to the one in this video: [www.youtube.com]. I am currently experiencing a "leak" from what appears to be a release vent before the fill valve that feeds the system from the street. In my case there is a T valve before the fill valve into the boiler system. The 3 connectors are the: inlet from the street, the "vent" (which is the area water is flowing from), and the fill valve. The pressure within the system is normal, so I am confused about why this "vent" would suddenly have a small, but steady, amount of water flowing through it. Or even why this vent would exist in the first place as this part of the system appears to just be there to feed the system if and isn't heated or under pressure.
Any advise about what would be causing this leak from the vent or why the vent is even there in the first place would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
James
I am a new home owner and am having an issue with my heating system. I have a heating system similar to the one in this video: [www.youtube.com]. I am currently experiencing a "leak" from what appears to be a release vent before the fill valve that feeds the system from the street. In my case there is a T valve before the fill valve into the boiler system. The 3 connectors are the: inlet from the street, the "vent" (which is the area water is flowing from), and the fill valve. The pressure within the system is normal, so I am confused about why this "vent" would suddenly have a small, but steady, amount of water flowing through it. Or even why this vent would exist in the first place as this part of the system appears to just be there to feed the system if and isn't heated or under pressure.
Any advise about what would be causing this leak from the vent or why the vent is even there in the first place would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
James
#2
12-08-17, 07:21 AM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
Posts: 16,321
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Rather than refer us to a YouTube of a "similar" system why don't you post several pictures of YOUR system? ALL systems are basically alike but ALL systems also have their individual idiosyncrasies. It is all but impossible to try and troubleshoot, especially over the Internet, without knowing EXACTLY what you have.
Specifically, I need to see a close up of the exact items you are referring to when you write: " I am currently experiencing a "leak" from what appears to be a release vent before the fill valve that feeds the system from the street. In my case there is a T valve before the fill valve into the boiler system. The 3 connectors are the: inlet from the street, the "vent" (which is the area water is flowing from), and the fill valve." Please point out what you are calling a "release vent" as well as the "T valve" as these terms are not familiar to me.
Pictures MUST be well lit and in focus to be of any use. We MUST be able to see the system from far enough back (or wide angle lens) to see how the parts fit together. Except as I have previously requested close ups are not required at this time. More pictures and from as many angles as possible are better than just one or two pictures.
Specifically, I need to see a close up of the exact items you are referring to when you write: " I am currently experiencing a "leak" from what appears to be a release vent before the fill valve that feeds the system from the street. In my case there is a T valve before the fill valve into the boiler system. The 3 connectors are the: inlet from the street, the "vent" (which is the area water is flowing from), and the fill valve." Please point out what you are calling a "release vent" as well as the "T valve" as these terms are not familiar to me.
Pictures MUST be well lit and in focus to be of any use. We MUST be able to see the system from far enough back (or wide angle lens) to see how the parts fit together. Except as I have previously requested close ups are not required at this time. More pictures and from as many angles as possible are better than just one or two pictures.
#3
12-08-17, 10:14 AM
Group Moderator
#4
12-08-17, 11:56 AM
N,
As was mentioned pic would be very helpful to see what you are looking at.
That being said it sounds like you have either a relief valve/feed valve combination in which case it would be the relief valve leaking either from boiler high pressure or a defective relief valve or you could have a backflow/feed valve combination.
Since you said your boiler pressure is fine and if you have a boiler like the one in youtube which has its own relief valve my guess is that leak is from a backflow preventer which reacts to house pressure and not boiler pressure.
Another reason I suspect it's a backflow is because you said it's before the feed valve.
A pressure relief valve would do no good before the feed valve as the feed valve also acts as a check valve and the water can only go one way.
See if the valve says 30 psi and has a silver handle on it. A backflow has no handle with which to release pressure.
The backflow is just a brass valve with union ends and a 1/2" drain hole in the bottom and works on vacuum.
A lot of systems do not have these B.F. but in MA they are required.
A little long for a small problem but I hope this helps a little.
Dual Checks , Watts Dual Checks , Dual Checks Backflow Preventers - SupplyHouse.com
This sight may help you see what you have.
As was mentioned pic would be very helpful to see what you are looking at.
That being said it sounds like you have either a relief valve/feed valve combination in which case it would be the relief valve leaking either from boiler high pressure or a defective relief valve or you could have a backflow/feed valve combination.
Since you said your boiler pressure is fine and if you have a boiler like the one in youtube which has its own relief valve my guess is that leak is from a backflow preventer which reacts to house pressure and not boiler pressure.
Another reason I suspect it's a backflow is because you said it's before the feed valve.
A pressure relief valve would do no good before the feed valve as the feed valve also acts as a check valve and the water can only go one way.
See if the valve says 30 psi and has a silver handle on it. A backflow has no handle with which to release pressure.
The backflow is just a brass valve with union ends and a 1/2" drain hole in the bottom and works on vacuum.
A lot of systems do not have these B.F. but in MA they are required.
A little long for a small problem but I hope this helps a little.
Dual Checks , Watts Dual Checks , Dual Checks Backflow Preventers - SupplyHouse.com
This sight may help you see what you have.
