Steam Leak

Unknown

If you have already replaced sections of this boiler within the past two years, then there is a strong likelyhood that you may have the same problem all over again. Leaks in steam systems will always require excessive makeup water which in turn will self-destruct the boiler. It becomes something like a dog chasing its tail. If you find that this block of sections has indeed failed again, then make darn sure that the causes are corrected before replacing it again. These causes could be leaking returns, poor venting, leaking radiator valves and vents and uninsulated mains. These absolutely have to be addressed. Hope this helps.


Glenn Stanton

Manager of Training

Burnham Hydronics

Keith B. Carpenter

Find a Steam Leak

I am looking for a suggestion to find a leak in a 1 pipe steam system. Piping is in Walls, crawl spaces or exposed in basement. No piping buried in slab. Customer has to refill system every one to two weeks manualy. Has auto fill but system will overfill when auto fill is used. So we probably have a partialy plugged return also. System is showing signs of too much fresh water feeding in causing buildup of oxidized sediment. I thought of pressurizing system w/air to locate leak. Any suggestions?

Steamhead

Before you do that

fill the boiler all the way up past the steam outlets. You may have a leak above the waterline.

Can you see all the steam piping in that system?

Jon Gerstad

Every week of two?

Sounds like just steam lost through the air vents on the radiators and risers. Instead of some rig to pressurize w/ air, just run it on the limits for 45 min. (TT crossed) Most likely you find a bunch of little steam leaks (s/o valve bib nuts, etc...), repair them, replace some air vents, install a new water filler, and add a boiler water conditioner to correct the ph balance, and you're done.

Keith B. Carpenter

Steam leak

Boiler has a new block of sections 2 years ago. some piping is in walls and crawl spaces

Keith B. Carpenter

Steam Leak

We have closely examined valves and vents, replaced auto fill, Put Squick and Boiler colloid in system with no improvement

Steamhead

I'd still flood it

if you don't check it, you don't really know.....