I have a leaky valve in a pipe that moves hot water to a baseboard heater (I think).
These pipes run along the ceiling of the basement. I've included two pictures to better illustrate. the first valve (closest to the boiler) is a straight-up gate valve, the second is a gate valve with a spigot. that has a boiler drain tag on it, but it can't be as it is situated above the boiler.
Between the first valve and the boiler there is not other shut-off valve.
I think I just need one valve and I would rather that be a ball valve.
I suppose the spigot/drain is there in case I want to bleed that specific portion of the heating system, but that entire heating system gets done from a single point, down closer to the boiler.
It almost feels like these were added as an afterthought, though they preceded my ownership.
So my question is can I cut out both of these valves and replace with a single ball valve?
And if so, does it need to have a spigot/drain?
Plumbing isn't my strong suit, so sorry if there's an obvious answer here that I missed.
Thanks

running from my

 

Welcome to the forums! Ball valves make better sense than globe or gate valves. BUT, how will you drain the system during maintenance if you eliminate the very valve you need to to that with? Leave the spigot valve and replace the other with a ball valve.

 

Even if you have another valve lower in the system to drain the boiler, there is often a drain on each zone or leg of the system to aid in power purging the air out of the system. I agree with Larry that you should keep both valves, replacing with new ball valves if necessary to correct the leak.

 

Thanks, fellas, for the advice.
My house has five heating zones. With the exception of this drain, there is only the drain down by the boiler. When I bled out the system last year, I only used that drain and I was able to clear the air from all five zones from down there.
I've found that the guy who owned this house before me mickey-moused a lot of things (electrical, plumbing, even some minor construction). I wouldn't have put it by him to use these two valves if he was juuuust a little short on copper and had these old valves laying around.
Nonetheless, I will take your advice and replace both valves. I suppose it can't hurt...
Thanks again.

 

What's the question ?

I looked at your picture.... it's pretty hard to tell why that drain valve is there but it must have made sense to the person that installed it.

On my system there would be valves and drains on every zone.

 

With the valve 1/2 way open, give the packing nut 1/8th of a turn with a crescent wrench. If it still leaks, try another 1/8th turn.

 

With the valve 1/2 way open, try snugging the packing nut with a crescent wrench 1/8th of a turn. It shouldn't be loose or tight. If it still leaks, try another 1/8th turn.