Problem with B&G Flo Control Valve?


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Old 11-20-18, 07:03 PM
J
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Question Problem with B&G Flo Control Valve?

Oil fired hot water furnace. Two zones with circulating motors working fine. There are also two main lines for hot water. Both have B&G Flo Control Valves. A one-inch line serves the basement and first floor. A 3/4 inch line serves the bathroom on the second floor. Which is where the problem is. Hot water at the shower and bathroom sink flows for 10 to 15 seconds, then becomes lukewarm no matter how long the water is run. Pressure is fine.
On the furnace side of the 3/4 inch B&G valve, the pipe is hot. On the other side of the B&G valve (heading upstairs), the pipe is not hot at all.
Is it possible that valve is stuck "closed"? Could the valve be broken? (it looks ancient).
How can water flowing to the upstairs bathroom have plenty of pressure but still be cold?
Thanks for any input you can provide.
 
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Old 11-21-18, 07:21 AM
G
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I doubt if the flo-control valve is stuck shut, but anything is possible. On top of the valve is a manual operator. Turn it full CCW, which opens the valve positively. See if that makes a difference. If not, your problem lies elsewhere, possibly air in the system.

When those valves get very old, they usually fail by sticking open - due to internal crud buildup. The solution for that is to replace the valve.
 
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Old 11-21-18, 07:27 AM
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Thank you! I'll give it a shot.
 
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Old 11-21-18, 07:58 AM
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@gilmorrie

Does this sound like it’s an Indirect Water Heater setup? I would assume so since the piping in question leads to the bathroom sink and shower. If so, since it has a flow control valve, does that mean there must be a circulator involved? And if so, then could this be a case of the circulator not running when it should?

I’m not very knowledgeable on setups…just asking.
 
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Old 11-21-18, 09:48 AM
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Your heating water and domestic (faucet) water are 2 different things. If you are getting heat but little or no hot water you are looking in the wrong area.

Do you get your domestic water from a tankless coil in the boiler or an indirect water heater or a stand alone hot water heater.

There are no flo control valves in domestic water lines going to fixtures (faucets) or shower.

Pics of your system would be very helpful in clarifying what you have.

If you have 2 thermostats then you have 2 zones and that flo control valve is for your heat and not hot water and by opening it you are bypassing it and will get heat to that zone when either stat calls and even if your boiler runs for hot water if you have a tankless coil which could be very uncomfortable with overheating, compounding your problem.

Hope this helps a little.
 
 

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