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Potential leak above boiler/returns in 2-pipe system

Steamorbust
Steamorbust Member Posts: 1
in Strictly Steam
My 2-pipe steam system is calling for a little bit of water - seems too much for new boiler and new wet returns. New boiler with no leaks and new wet returns with no leaks. I've looked at the radiators and accessible piping and I can't find any leaks. I'm curious more than anything, can I use peppermint oil to try to find a leak, if one exists? And if so, can I simply add a few oz of oil to the boiler and let it do the work or will the peppermint oil cause other problems to the system?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,491
    Small leaks can be really hard to find. Peppermint oil just may do the trick -- and it won't hurt anything.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 2,973
    I would crank the boiler up and the leak would call to you .

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Long Beach Ed
    Long Beach Ed Member Posts: 1,284
    After you've tried everything else, plug the radiator vents and pressurize the system with air. The leak can be as simple as a gauge glass washer and radiator valve stems.

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