Boiler situation

Dsaadmanz1

It's May here in Michigan, and I've had my boiler off for a few weeks. Every week or so I go down and take a look just to make sure everything looks ok.

Last night I saw that the PSI was 3 bar(despite the water being off), so I released some water through the pressure relief valve. I got it down to about 1.5 bar and then checked again 2 hours later. It was then down under 1 bar and water was still coming from the release valve. Since it's summer and was after midnight, I just left it figuring it'll stop over night. This morning I checked it's .5 bar and water was still coming out of the valve. So I shut water to the boiler off until I can get it looked at.

Do I need to call a person ASAP to come fix the valve and check things out or can I wait until August or September to have them come since it'll be time for routine maintenance. Basically can I leave the system empty of water for 4 months since it won't be used at all, or will it damage the system to sit like that for so long.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

GGross

While I wouldn't label it an emergency by any means I would get it fixed as soon as I could. It's a failed safety, and the more water that leaks out the more fresh water you need to add, which adds more minerals and oxygen

Whoever comes to check it out let them know the boiler was overpressurized, its possible a fill valve has failed. 3 bar is 45 PSI, most residential relief valves will discharge at 30 PSI, the relief valve itself is likely not the only problem. was the valve crusty and showing signs it had discharged before? for reference I always change relief valves when they have discharged due to pressure just to be safe and they aren't terribly expensive.

leonz

The pressure relief has to be replaced and the water feed valve should also be replaced. You should nopt leave the boiler empty in any case as that will add oxygen in to the steam chest of the boiler and increase rusting.

The continued addition of water to your boiler will increase the possibility of corrosion due to added oxygen in the system. Shut the water feed valve off if there is a ball or gate valve to shut the supply off and call a plumber to fix this issue. You should also have the plumber check the bladder tank to see if has failed as well.

You should also purchase a couple of cans of Fernox or some other boiler treatment to have on hand when the plumber gets there to do the work.

Dsaadmanz1

Ok, so I turned the water to the boiler off. I believe I've only used the pressure relief valve once previously in the 14+ years I've owned the boiler. Probably parts get old even when not used. People also normally change the tank at the same time, but it seems empty.

Looking on YouTube, replacing the valve doesn't seem difficult, but I think I'll have to call in my boiler guy to do an inspection and assessment. If all it is is the pressure relief valve, then I may choose to try it myself. But considering the age of the boiler, if it's an extensive repair, I may be forced to get a new one. Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

mattmia2

14 years isn't old for a boiler and the things that could cause your problem are relatively inexpensive, assuming you aren't making dhw with the boiler, then there is a possibility that could be moderately expensive.