New Steam Boiler Installed-Feel Free to Comment

j a_2

vaporvac said:

Why is iron out of the relief valve "no good". I'm replacing mine, but would like to know the reasoning. I never read this until recently or I would never have done it in the first place.

When you do replace it kinda make sure there are no bits of rust in the relief/safety valve...take the new one down to about 12 in off the floor...also it's a good time to check it....crap it's a 30 dollar item that's important

SWEI

We pipe relief valve outlets in copper if it needs to look nice, and CPVC if the budget is tight. Generally a 6-10 minute job to install either.

cubicacres

Would you reccomend simply replacing the last run to the floor & elbow with copper or PVC just after the bronze-looking relief valve, or also the black steel nipple from the boiler tapping going into the relief valve?

vaporvac

cubicacres said:

Would you reccomend simply replacing the last run to the floor & elbow with copper or PVC just after the bronze-looking relief valve, or also the black steel nipple from the boiler tapping going into the relief valve?

That was my next question! Whatever the answer, be sure to use a union before the RValve for easy removal!

LionA29

Is that an " air gap" on the BFP and why?

cubicacres

I think so-not sure why the installers did that. I think in November they said it would show if water was flowing through the gap, or was required by local code? The city inspector wondered why the brown wire was on the valve to keep it form closing, but that's another issue.

Is the copper or PVC final section of the relief valve that points toward the floor no supposed to be iron due to rust build-up/corrosion over time or dielectric union issues since connected to the brass relief valve?

ChrisJ

Yeah, you need that air gap to see if water is flowing.
It's not like you'd notice the huge puddle on the floor or anything.

ChrisJ

Actually.

What is this entire thing about?
Why is there an air gap?
Why is there a pressure reducing valve?
Why is there a section of black iron that totally bypasses the autofill? Normally you build a small loop out of copper in the same area.

Pumpguy

An air gap is commonly used on the make up supply line to a boiler feed tank to serve as a fool proof back flow preventer.

If the supply side were to loose pressure and go to a vacuum, the air gap would admit atmospheric air and prevent any downstream liquid (feed water) from being pulled into the potable water supply.

Pumpguy

In this case, the downstream pipe appears to be open to atmosphere, so it is a redundant accessory.