Locating a Steam Leak

Frankfog2

My boiler is losing water relatively quickly, though not as quick as it was. I’m having to add water every 3 weeks (when the low water cut off cuts). I generally fill a little more then half the glass. I’ve already replaced the air vents on the radiators. I don’t see a visible leak near the radiators, boiler, joints, everything is dry. There was a hiss coming from the valve steam a week ago, i used packing and tightened the nut and it hasn’t made any noise yet. I’m thinking there has to be a leak in the wet return, or it’s blocked or something. But the return goes under ground then back up and i eventually lose track of it. I’m still in the process of replacing the main vent, haven’t gotten to that yet, could the main vent be the culprit as well? There’s so much to consider. Any help would be appreciated 

Mad Dog_2

Frank...

1) Buried wet returns?
2) Crawlspace piping? 
3) excessively spitting vents ?
4l boiler itself)?
Mad Dog 🐕 

Mad Dog_2

This could get very involved &  elusive. A seasoned,  Steam  PROFESSIONAL ilmay be your best bet . Where are you located?  Mad Dog 

Frankfog2

Mad Dog_2 said:

Frank...

1) Buried wet returns?
2) Crawlspace piping? 
3) excessively spitting vents ?
4l boiler itself)?
Mad Dog 🐕 

The wet return goes down at the end of the main, behind the wall, makes a left. then a right. under ground then back up somewhere. No crawl space piping, everything is pretty much visible. no spitting vents, they are quiet. boiler seems fine, no leaks around the boiler. someone recommended to let it run and then when it shuts off to see if anything drips onto the burners. That does not happen. Located all the way up the east end of LI near orient country park. 

EBEBRATT-Ed

If you have a wet return under the floor that is the #1 thing to be suspicious of.

Could a new pipe be run from the end of main drip to the boiler by going around the basement instead of under the floor.

Jamie Hall

Agree with @EBEBRATT-Ed . and furthermore, if that is leaking even a little, it's going to leak more. Do try and figure out how to run a new one above the floor.

It can be hard to find a leak in a buried return during the heating season. You're using it. If you can shut the boiler off for a few days, though, a leaking wet return will show up in the boiler water level dropping to the bottom of the Hartford loop -- and then staying there, except in the very unusual circumstance of there just happening to be a boiler leak at exactly that same level.