LWCO Blow Down Valve Replacement

JHill33

Hi All:

First time I've asked a question here, though I've read many of the threads and they've been extremely helpful as I try to get my steam boiler going!

To make a long story short... I bought this house a few months ago, and (sadly) haven't done much with the boilers. First time with a steam system. I had my boiler servicer out at the house the other day and he suggested that I replace my low water cutoff valve since it is barely (and I mean barely) draining any water when I open it (only a few black drops). I imagine this bad boy is clogged up pretty well.

I have two questions. First, my servicer said that this is not a difficult job, so he recommended that I do it myself. I ordered the replacement part and read the instructions, which make it sound relatively simple. Is that accurate? However, something in the instructions leads to my second question. Instructions say to shut off the boiler and open the blow down valve to drain the control to the point no more water can enter the control. The problem is, as I said, that when I open the valve, very little to no water is coming out (which is why I am replacing it). Can I replace this part without being able to drain water through the valve? Currently, there is a pipe coming down off the valve. I am going to try removing that pipe and gently unclogging the valve with a screwdriver prior to removing it. Any other suggestions? Should I leave this to a professional?

Thanks so much!

Volvoguy87

Different valve.

I believe the valve to which the instructions refer is located on the boiler's mud leg, not the low water cutoff float chamber.  Of course, if that puppy hasn't been flushed either, it's likely to be largely clogged as well and therefore in need of cleaning or replacement too.



Fear not, it's doable,

Dave

Tim McElwain

Leave it for

a professional. That way they can check your entire system. Make sure when calling for someone to ask them if they understand steam systems. You might even ask them if they have read the "Lost Art of Steam Heating" and "Greening Steam" two of Dans books available here at this sight. As an owner of a steam system they are also a good read for you.



The LWCO is part of the safety of your system so that if the boiler looses water it shuts the system off and prevents damage to the boiler.

jpf321

more than just the valve ...

what makes you think that simply the valve on the LWCO is bad .. my guess is that the entire casting if probably full, you should have a pro look at it, if he says buy a new one, DO IT. i would tell you to buy a new one right now. but you probably have several other issues that should be inspected. Below are links to some pictures of stuff that came out of an LWCO from a cracked boiler that was being replaced .. can you guess why it cracked and the home owner had to shell out several thousand dollars on a 16degF Wednesday?



http://is.gd/gvQFk

http://is.gd/gvQHS

http://is.gd/gvQIC

http://is.gd/gvQJs

JHill33

thanks everyone

I've decided to leave this one to the professional (coming tomorrow morning)! I appreciate all of the comments. I'll let you know how it goes!