Do I need to add water to the boiler?

CharlesWS

Hello, I am a new homeowner with a steam heat system. Does anyone know if I am supposed to put water in the boiler? If so, how do I do so?

ethicalpaul

Welcome to Steam. Can you see the water level in the gauge glass?

EBEBRATT-Ed

Post some pictures.

If it is a steam boiler it will have a water gauge glass. The water should be about 1/2 way up the glass. The level will fluctuate slightly when running. If you can see the water level in the glass the boiler is safe to run as far as water level is concerned.

CharlesWS

CharlesWS

Here are some pictures of my system.

Jamie Hall

Water is kind of grubby -- but I think it is the gauge glass which is grubbier. But the water level is fine as is. You need to check it from time to time to make sure it stays in that vicinity.

ethicalpaul

I was in your shoes about 5 years ago, so I will share the most important single thing you need to know: if you have to add water very often, you have one or more leaks in your system and the addition of fresh water is what kills boilers by rotting them out (it's the oxygen in the fresh water that does it).

So you want to make sure your vents, your pipes, your radiators, and your boiler itself isn't leaking steam or water. The easiest way to determine this is to keep a close eye on that water level. This can be difficult if you have an auto-feeder that automatically adds water to your system, depending on the auto-feeder, but if you go down and look at your boiler a few times a week you'll know.

You will probably have lots more questions, and feel free to ask those, but the leaking thing is the most important thing to be aware of.

During the heating season I have to add water maybe once a month for a total of about one gallon per season. The exact amount will vary depending on some different factors, but this gives you an idea.

CharlesWS

Thank you everyone for your comments! I think my first step will be to hire someone to evaluate the system and advise me on recommended maintenance. I am learning that steam heat is complicated but interesting.

ethicalpaul

The most interesting thing is it's one of the very least complicated systems you can have...but fewer and fewer people are familiar with it.

neilc

https://www.heatinghelp.com/store/detail/we-got-steam-heat-a-homeowners-guide-to-peaceful-coexistence

https://www.heatinghelp.com/store/category/steam-heating-books