Rads heat when using shower

JohnCT

I have an oil fired boiler that heats my water and a single pipe steam radiator system. The thermostat is off but the radiators have started heating whenever I use a lot of hot water, like taking a shower. Any ideas?

Jamie Hall

Check the aquastat. It is intended that it should turn the boiler off when the water temperature reaches 160 to 180, keeping the boiler from making steam, but still allowing it to be hot enough to make hot water. It's probably failed closed...

JohnCT

Thanks, Jamie. I’m kind of new to this. Is that a pretty easy job or should I call a guy?

EBEBRATT-Ed

@JohnCT
I would call someone. It's either a bad aquastat, or aquastat setting is too high (you can check this, I wouldn't set it higher than 180), or there could be mud or sludge around the aquastat well (sensing element).

JohnCT

Thanks, EBERATT. I have a service contract with my oil company. I’ll let them come out and bang on it with a 4 pound hammer like they do for most things.

Steamhead

JohnCT said:

Thanks, EBERATT. I have a service contract with my oil company. I’ll let them come out and bang on it with a 4 pound hammer like they do for most things.

You can get better service than that. Where are you located?

JohnCT

Southeast Connecticut. Know anyone?

HVACNUT

At the top of the page you'll see "click here to find a contractor in your area".

Jamie Hall

HVACNUT said:

At the top of the page you'll see "click here to find a contractor in your area".

No, actually... but don't be afraid to look out of state -- eastern Mass. or Rhode Island. Some of the guys will work in Connecticut.