Water level in boiler dropping

midway

have to add about an inch of water in the tube every day. So that isn't normal ?? Is this a sign there is a leak, or does the steam(water) get out thru the vent things on the radiator or return pipe? can you tell this is from a "not know nutin" person?

Jake_2

We installed a new steam boiler in a large, 100 year old residence. One first firing of the boiler, the system cycled off and the water level immediately dropped below sight glass level. The low water safety did not trip. We had the boiler trip on low water about a week later. We returned and skimmed the boiler per the manufacturer's recommendations. When we fired the boiler again, the same thing happened but only when the boiler first cycled off. On subsequent firings, the water level is remaining within the sight glass. Of course we are not there for extended periods of time and are wondering what is causing this condition. I am waiting on pins and needles for the customer to call in with another lock-out. Any ideas?

Jake_2

The boiler held overnight. It is heating great. STill wondering what the problem could be. Any ideas?

Blackoakbob

Since I'm not ....

sure if this is a one pipe system or two, my best guess is the wet returns where not full the first time or you have a sticky trap that has held up all the water in that line. I firmly believe in use of boiler cleaner and skimming on a new install. It relieves the anxiety from disapearing water and water lines. Merry Christmas! Best Regards.

midway

from a ignorant person, roughly how much water does a normal house steam boiler use each day? (4 radiators) (20-30 degree days/nights) I have about an inch drop in the water tube each day. Is this normal?

Bob W._3

Not if you have to add make-up water; did you flood the boiler to see if it is leading above the waterline? If it is only bouncing up and down that much in the gauge glass while steaming it is normal; the condensate will eventually come back.

Bob W._3

Not normal to have to add that much water. You need to get someone in to look at your system. Use the Find a Professional link on this site. Where are you located?

midway

Near Lowell, Ma., boiler belongs to SIL and daughter, wife and I live rent free but we pay for the oil for our heat,they have a different gas system for their heat. would have to get an OK from them as they have a contract with oil company. its a burnham V74 year-6-1998

Bob W._3

midway, what kind of steam system, one pipe or two? Do you have wet returns? Boiler and/or returns could be leaking. Try slowly flooding the boiler and see if any water leaks out on the floor. Maybe it would be worth your while to pay for a pro to come in and tell you what needs fixing.

midway

Guess you would call it a one line, 2" pipe comes out of the boiler,travels about 8' to a "T", one pipe (1 1/4") goes to a radiator about 15' away. radiator has a ?vent?(hisses when getting hot) on other end. Back at the "T" the other branch (2")goes about 10' to a "T",1" pipe goes off about 3'to a radiator(?horizontal pipe with fins,no return pipe) then 2" goes about 10' to a "T" which has a 1 1/4" "T"pipe comes out the near-top of the 2" and goes to another pipe with fins type radiator. other end of finned pipe (1") drains back down into bottom of the main 2" pipe, then 2" goes on to another radiator (finned) with 1 1/4" feeding and 1" drain back into the same 2" pipe, then 2" travels back to the bottom of boiler. Just before the 2" pipe drops to the bottom of boiler it has some type of "vent" on a pipe. All radiators are on 1st floor, boiler in basement ?Is this clear as mud? LOL