Can I connect a transfer pump to the drain valve to add water treatment to steam boiler?

borisplata

I WANT to add water treatment to my steam boiler by connecting a transfer pump to the bottom drain valve. Will it work? I do nlt want to remove the drain valve or mess around by removing any plugs.. pls let me know your input thanks

hot_rod

If it is a bib type valve, like many boiler drains are, they really do not like flow going backwards. With enough flow it can push the washer off. Makes it hard to push into the boiler, and the valve may not shutoff tight again.
Have a hose cap ready if you do try this type of valve.

It is nice to have a ball drain on boilers, for ease of draining, cleaning and positive shutoff

ethicalpaul

Do you have to be able to add your treatment continuously or while the system is operating, is that why you want to use a pump? If not, just use the skip (edit: SKIM) tapping to install some fittings and a valve and you can pour stuff in there when it's not firing.

borisplata

where is the skip tapping located? N what is that? I m trying to use a pump to avoid messing around with boiler components. Can I pour the water treatment through the glass sight valve? 
Thank u sir

ethicalpaul

Sorry, I meant "skim tapping" (typo)

If you post some pictures of your boiler, or tell us the model I can probably tell you where the skim tapping is.

but I have to ask with some incredulousness: You want to avoid messing around with boiler components but you are going to install a pump on your boiler to inject treatment into it? That doesn't make sense.

borisplata

It is a Smith boiler series 8 gas steam.  I see a large plug in the front. What it worries me to open that rusted plug and then no able to put back tightly n then develop a leak. 

How about using the valve of the sight glass to pour the treatment? 

cbrillante23

Also curious on how to tackle this. I unfortunately don’t have a skim port set up and am weary of trying to wrestle a plug off an older boiler. I suppose taking the PRV off is also an option?

ethicalpaul

The PRV is a common spot if you don’t have another port above the water line. You can put a tee under it with a valve to let you pour in, I don’t know if there are any code ramifications.

you can just remove the PRV and pour stuff directly in then replace it—you shouldn’t need to add constantly for a typical heating system