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Water fill level Burnham steam boiler
New to homeownership, new to steam heating.
I have a two pipe system with Burnham PIN5SNC-MEZ boiler. I have no idea what the max fill level on this is.
The sight glass was about half full when we moved in, but someone told me we needed to monitor the water level, so in prep for winter I topped it off to about an inch below the top of the glass. Recently, I've had a lot of banging that sounds different and more rapid than thermal pipe expansion (I thought maybe steam/water hammer or something) soon after it trips on after having been off for a few hours. It seems to calm down after the system warms up. since there is steam in the system at this point, I imagine the water level has dropped a bit too so i wonder if I've overfilled it.
Any idea what max fill is on this?
New owner of a 1920s home with steam heat north of Boston.
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
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Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
I also just noticed that one and only one radiator is cold. The steam pipe into it is hot, valve appears open, but the rad is room temp. Will have to look in that too.
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
Also, that reducing coupling on the boiler header will cause water hammer. The water that drops out of the steam should be able to flow through the equalizer pipe (the one that goes to the copper pipe). The way it is set up now, water will have to return down the Boiler riser where steam flow up into the header. I don't see any pitch on either the Header or the equalizer. All of those things will cause noise, once the steam hits the water sitting in those pipes.
I had the same concern about the green water in the glass. It came with the house like that. The water I drained from the spigot at the lowest point of the copper pipe was dark brown, but there's another spigot on the body of the boiler that appears to drain the green stuff. There was a cap on that spigot.
Sounds like the best bet is to call a guy in to have a pre winter look since I have no idea what mainainance the previous owners did.
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
That water level looks about right for a Burnham and with good clean water and proper piping it shouldn't have any problem.
@ChrisJ , It's a bit high, even for a Burnham, especially the newer ones with a smaller block capacity. I'd say 2/3's full is a better option.
I got some pictures of the loop in back since that seems to be of interest and a few other angles
This goes to about 1550 sf of heated living space if that matters.
I found a local guy listed on here who appears to have steam system design in his resume. I figure I'll get him in to clean and inspect the boiler and system and see where that gets us.
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
Also, is that a rag or something laying on top of that vent on the Hoffman loop? If so, it will prohibit the venting of air. If it is there because the vent leaks, replace the vent. A Gorton #2 will work fine there.
After looking into the local guy a bit more, hes a plumbing and heating guy that lists a few steam jobs but I get the impression he mostly does potable and waste water work and hot water heaters and furnace replacements so it's unclear if hes a steam pro or a guy who will do steam work sometimes. He does have high reviews and emailed me back with just a few hours though.
I checked out @New England SteamWorks . Looks phenomenal, but not sure if they'll make the 75 mile hike up to me from providence for a cleaning and a consult though. I'll still reach out and see what they think though.
I want to do it right, but I just had to replace my roof, so my wife keeps reminding me that we need to be strategic about our spending!
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
Thanks for the referral, their work looks unimpeachable.
The heat just tripped on tonight - might get our first frost tonight - and I no longer hear the loud boiling water sound I noted the other day. Maybe an extra day of rest after I lowered the water level was what it needed?
It seems to be working OK now, but I definitely still want a pro to look and let me know what I have.
Thanks again for all of the input! This community is a great resource!
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch
"The toes you step on today are connected to the butt you'll have to kiss tomorrow". ---Vincent "Buddy" Cianci
> If I'm right, that's a hoffman #11, the original vent for that type of Differential loop. EDIT: If so, and if it's still working..that takes the cake for longevity.
You're right! The stamped number on it was hard to make out, but I just got a closer look and it's a #11!
So you really think that thing is 100 years old?!
Seems to still work fine as far as I can tell, though with this configuration, it likely never needs to close apparently. I'm going to make sure to keep it if I ever end up needing to replace it. A piece a history.!
Just trying to learn what I can do myself and what I just shouldn't touch