low pressure american standard boiler

colorpro

radiators give of decent heat but water pressure in boiler/radiator system is low (5 psi)...boiler is in basement and all radiators on 1st floor work and basement work...the single radiator on 2nd floor does not work...

 

i did the following

1. i bled radiators but no water comes out

2. pump is working

3. i open water inlet but i didnt hear any water come in

4. i turned pressure relief valve screw but nothing happened (i turn back to original position)

5. there is a flow valve after pressure relief (has arrow) but i dont know how to tested...it looks like a swing check valve



do you think

1. it the inlet valve is clogged (had crud surrounding knob) or

2. the pressure relief valve (red dont know name as it is against wall) or

3. relief check valve or

4. something else



ive done some research and just wondering if im on right track...thanks...

VictoriaEnergy

need more pressure

Sounds like you're a tad lite on the basics of boilers



Assuming it's a hot water boiler and not a steam boiler, your system ressure is too low.  Most manufacturers spec a minimum system pressure of 12 PSIG,  additionally, you need to know the total hight from the bottom of the boiler to the top of the highest radiator, take this height and add  1/2 psi per foot, plus 4 psi.  So if the total height is 24 feet, you should be about 16 psi



Maybe get a servce call on the boiler and ask the tech to explain the various parts and thier function.

let us know how it pans out

colorpro

low pressure american standard boiler

hello,



yes my pressure is low and i need to be at 15 psig...it my understanding in order to increase pressure i need to add more water to system as i do not have an auto fill system...



today i will shut off main water supply and clean out water inlet valve because when i open it i do not hear any water come in to boiler system to increase the pressure...washington dc is notorious for high lime content ...



ill call a specialist when i come up with some extra money but in the mean time i would appreciate any help...



make it a great day



jay

colorpro

valve was impacted with black sludge

water inlet valve was full of black sludge...after cleaning water and reinstalling  water didnt pass through the pressure reducing valve despite cleaning cleaning strainer...guess ill order a pressure reducing valve on monday...oh well...19 degrees tonight...

colorpro

valve was impacted with black sludge

water inlet valve was full of black sludge...after cleaning water and reinstalling  water didnt pass through the pressure reducing valve despite cleaning cleaning strainer...guess ill order a pressure reducing valve on monday...oh well...19 degrees tonight...

Charlie from wmass

If you are handy

you can add water through the boiler drain with a double coupling or washing machine hose and a garden hose. If you can not put these peices together and make it work wait until tommorrow and go to the big box store and get a new valve or call a pro in most stock a boiler feed valve for themselves to install on off hours. The only thing I have to say of the big box stores is if you are in a jamb at least they are open odd hours.

colorpro

garden hose rig

thank you very much for your reply...after my discovery, i had attempted  to attach a garden hose but realized the size difference as you said. i even thought about using duct tape.



1. if i can pick  up the couplers and fill with hose can i assume the valve after the pressure reducing valve is a "swing check valve" (i looked at thousands of google pics to find one the looked like mine) am i right to assume this valve will prevent any back flow once i remove hose rig?



2. from the expansion tank there is line leading to a valve with hose bib then leading to an inline cutoff valve then leading to the safety relief valve. during normal operation is the inline cutoff valve supposed to be open or closed. my neighbor lending a "helping hand" doesnt remember the original position. why he turned it, i just dont know. i guess it will be funny over a couple of beers.



thank you again for your time.



cheers!

meplumber

Can you post a picture of your setup?

You have posted a couple of things that worry me.  Can you post a picture?

icesailor

Backfeeding/bypassing boiler feed:

Buy a washing machine hose. AKA "A Double Hose Connection". If you get a long one, you connect one to the bottom of the boiler and the other to a street pressure hose connection. If it is a long way, add a garden hose. A "Washing Machine Hose" has two female ends on it. Add water until the pressure on the gauge reads at least 12#. If you have a tank type expansion tank, now is a good time to drain it.

Charlie from wmass

I agree with meplumber

can you get us a photo. I would prefer to stick with the motto "first do no harm" My previous post was to try and get you out of a jam. We really do not want you to break anything. make sure if you connect the hose once the pressure is up you disconnect the hose to make sure you do not get backflow.

colorpro

boiler picture setup

thanks all. i opted not to make the rig and bought one at home depot. its not the same brand but i just bought couple different pipe lengths in case. i just want to do it right from the beginning.



i did the following so far:

1. turn off thermostat and boiler power switch

2. i cut off water supply and replaced pressure reducer (red one pictured)

3. turned on water supply and cut off when pressure up to 15 psig



from the expansion tank there is line leading to a valve with hose bib

then leading to an inline cutoff valve then leading to the safety relief

valve



before i turn on the boiler, is the inline cutoff valve located next to pressure relief valve in open or closed position.



out of curiosity what would happen either way.

colorpro

i opted not to setup up rig

i updated post with pics...thanks...

jay

colorpro

i opted not to setup up rig

and i updated post with pics. thank you very much.

jay

Charlie from wmass

That valve with the orange handle must be open

counter clockwise is open for it if it is the only pipe connecting to your expansion tank. If it was closed it is likely the water in the system will expand and the relief valve if working will release all over the floor. The tank needs to have an air cushion in it for this expansion. DO you know how to drain that tank?

colorpro

valve position

thank you for explanation...i opened expansion tank valve and turned on boiler and ran it for awhile...i then turned off thermo and bled valves till water came out from all rads but had to add more water to raise it back to 15...bled again after 30 min of running...



i guess shes running good as it produces good heat out of each radiator...stats are as follows:



1. when running pressure increased and steadied at 17psig (is this too high?)

   i only have one radiator on 2nd floor (boiler in basement)

2. temp fairly constant at 145 deg (is this normal?)

3. pump is set to stay on till below 100 deg

4. cutoff temp is set to 175 deg (is this ok?)



im not too sure on correct procedure for draining expansion as versions differ on internet...like whether to drain while on or off, after water has cooled or while at temp...as far as my tank goes:



1. tapped / shook tank in different areas but sounds kinda hollow

2. tank is not hot on bottom or top

3. i opened and shut drain valve under tank and water does come out



thanks again...

jay