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Make up water?

ddog777
ddog777 Member Posts: 10
in Strictly Steam
Recently had a new WMc EG45 installed in October. It's a gas fired one pipe systems and after several start up problems and a half dozen call backs, the sytem generally runs well, It heats evenly and quietly ( guess I shouldnt complain). My one minor problem is having to make up water every couple of days. The system is manual ( no automatic water feeder)  and I set the water level slightly above the midway point on the gage glass, after several days, I find I have to add water to get back to the original water level. Not talking much, more like ounces. Does this sound normal, the system seems tight, no leaks, all new vent valves with no hissing. All basement piping is insulated with the exception of the drip legs from the dry returns to the H-loop. Would it make sense to remove insulation from the dry return piping to enhance condensate return? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Adding Water

    First of all establish the boiler's operating water line. This is found on Page 14 of the EG Boiler Manual and is 23 13/16 vertical from the base (floor). Use a felt tip pen and mark it on the sight glass  and on the cabinet behind the sight glass. This is where the water level should be (cold).

    It sounds as though you might (?) have a tiny leak. With the boiler in operation the water from the leak is probably drying up before you can visibly detect it so you'll probably have to wait until spring to see if it then appears after a few days of the boiler being cold. When you add additional water be sure to bring the boiler to a boile as this drives off the excess disolved oxygen in the new water which can be very corrosive to your boiler.



    I'm not sure why you'd want to remove the insulation as that means heat is lost and you then have to use more fuel to change the condensate back to steam. Most people go the other way and add insualtion to their returns though some leave parts of the returns uncovered to heat the basement. With the cost of fuel going up any saving helps big time.so I'm a believer in insulation.

    - Rod
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