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steam radiators

Eric_41
Eric_41 Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
hi, came across this site and need some help and advice before calling in professionals, especially if its something i can do myself. old house with oil furnace and cast iron steam radiators. the furnace is fine, and all the radiators do work. is there any basic maintenance i should be doing to the radiators to make sure they are working fine for heating season. also, notice that water level drops significantly and need to add water to furnace every day in fall/winter when using heat, does not drop at all during spring/summer season. i have checked all the radiators for leaks and none found. is it normal to have to add water every day? any advice would be appreciated.

thanks, eric

Comments

  • Steamhead (in transit)
    Steamhead (in transit) Member Posts: 6,688
    If it's using that much water

    you definitely have a leak. If the leak is not visible, have a pro look at it- the boiler may have a hole in it above the waterline, or a buried return line may be leaking.

    Click on Resources above, then Find a Professional and follow the instructions to locate a steam man near you.

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • Ken_40
    Ken_40 Member Posts: 1,310
    In addition to SteamHead's

    excellent advice,

    We found the following guideline helps determine when to act.

    In fall and spring, a residential steam boiler should NOT require a "drink" more than once a month. In the dead of winter, not more than once every two weeks.

    Keep in mind, these are "limits" for a well maintained, properly functioning steam boilers. It is not that rare to see steamers run all heating season and only have to add water once a month - DURING THE ENTIRE heating season.

    Anything more than the limits suggested above should be repaired immediately. The life of all steam boilers is directly related to the amount of feed-water that must be added. At the rate you are experiencing, a boiler designed to last well over 20 years, wouldn't make three.

    The less water needed, the better!

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
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