Pressure gauge help and what gauge to buy?

heyou

Hi,I've got a 30psi gauge on my system that has not ever moved, and I'd like to correct this. Could the gauge just be gummed up and in need of cleaning? How would I clean it? Also, how exactly does it come off? I'm assuming just a wrench on the back of the gauge by the T fitting would loosen it, but what vale do I need to close to prevent steam from vent as I take the gauge off? What other precautions should I know about? I'm probably just going to replace it but I'd still like to know. Also, what sort of maintenance should I be performing on the boiler? I'm certain that very little has been done since it was installed, the system was set to 7psi and the differential to 5 when I moved in!I've attached a picture of the presuretrol and gauge area if that might help get some answers.

JStar

Maintenance.

Weekly: Drain the boiler completely and flush out until the water is clear, or mostly clean.



Yearly: Drain the boiler, clean the pigtail, pressuretrol, and gauge (the parts in the picture). Clean the sight glass. Flush the returns from the furthest point, if possible.Clean burners. Clean pilot/flame assembly. Check radiator pitch. Test low water cut-off and feeder if you have one. And for good measure, skim the boiler while you're filling it.



If any of that is confusing, I would highly suggest hiring a professional. Some of the methods require a know-how of what to look for and when something isn't right. I typically spend about an hour near the boiler alone, then wander around the house and give a once over to the rest of the system.

Patrick_North

First off...

I'm sure some pros will chime in, but in the meantime:

Don't remove that 30# gauge. It's there for code compliance. That said, the proper operating pressure of a steam system (better measured in mere ounces) makes this a less-than-appropriate gauge. Many folks add a 3# to monitor their system. For what it's worth, my 30# gauge doesn't do much, either.

7 and 5 psi are far too high. 2 PSI is probably too high (is this one pipe steam?) Allowing your system to build this much pressure waste fuel and can cause air vents to fail. 

good luck,

Patrick