Cleaning steam drain valve

zepfan

Looking for the best way, and what chemical to use if there is one, to clean a steam drain valve on a steam humidifier. The drain valve is a Honeywell zone valve, made of brass. The deposits from the production of steam get into the valve and prevent it from closing all the way. Based on the close location of these drain valves, it would be easier to clean ,then replace the entire valve. Thanks to all

ethicalpaul

I would think a mild acid like vinegar might be involved. Was there no mention of cleaning or maintenance in the manual? May I ask the manufacturer and model?

Big Ed_4

Can you pull the cover off the zone valve ? if you can two screws pulls the power head off then four hex nuts removes the workings that could be replaced leaving the body in place ...

zepfan

Thanks for the responses. The humidifier is a dri steam, with fan pack. I could not find any mention of maintenance of the drain valve only cleaning of the tank. That is what I was planning on doing is replace the powerhead on each valve, but was looking for the best way to clean the valve body that would remain in place. Even with a new powerhead I think there may still be too much build up in the body of the valve for a new powerhead to seat properly. Thanks again

mattmia2

sometimes you can soak a piece of paper towel or rag in mild acid like citric acid or vinegar and put it in the valve body once you take it apart to remove deposits. Could also install a union or compression fitting or something similar so you could take it off and soak it.