Glycol smell

ALH_4

Are you sure there isn't still a very small leak in the coil? It wouldn't take much to generate the odor. I would think the smell would have gone away by now. Do you have an automatic makeup water valve on the system that is left open? Have you pressure tested the coil with air?

Holycack

Glycol smell

I had a small leak in my fan coil that went undetected about a year ago. I repaired the leak around 8 months ago but cannot get rid of the glycol smell whenever the fan coil turns on. I have torn apart the fan coil and cleaned up all the glycol and residue but it still stinks like syrup. First and most important question, is it harmful for my family? and second how can I get rid of the smell? Thanks for any ideas/solutions.

Eric Johnson

Heating system glycol?

We hope.

hot_rod

It should clean up with soap

if it hasn't I'd agree with Andrew. You could have a small leak in the coil. I would pressure test the coil to max operating pressure.

hot rod

hot_rod

It should clean up with soap

if it hasn't I'd agree with Andrew. You could have a small leak in the coil. I would pressure test the coil to max operating pressure.

hot rod

Holycack

Glycol smell

The leak was found and was leaking from the fitting where the drain valve was soldered to. I do have a make up water regulator but have it isolated and the pressure on the boiler has not changed since the repair. Thanks for the ideas.

hot_rod

I know it takes a few washings

to get that smell out of your hands. typically it is the inhibitor chemicals added to the glycol that you smell. If the glycol was ever over heated it will REALLY stink. Sort of strong sweet, but acidic smell.

Generally the glycol will be brown or dark brown if it has been abused. Check the ph. If it is below 8 or or so add some buffer boost.


Ph of 7 or below consider draining, cleaning and refilling. Ph of 7 or lower will start to eat away copper, and even the steel and iron components. expansion tanks are usually the first place glycol will eat through.

It also goes after soft solder, especially 50/50 solder joints when the ph drops.

hot rod