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What is this?

jmramunni
jmramunni Member Posts: 2
edited July 2024 in Plumbing

What is this piece attached to the water inlet pipe? It is located just after the ball valve that I use to replenish the steam boiler with cold water. It appears to have been capped off. I'm wondering what it does and if I need to replace it. Thanks for any help. James

P1020470.JPG

Comments

  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,337

    That is a backflow preventer.

    Its purpose is to prevent water from the boiler backing into your drinking water. It is a safety device that helps prevent contaminated boiler water from getting into your drinking water.

    The nipple and cap is installed on the bottom and has basically rendered the device useless. That port is supposed to be open without obstruction.

    This BFP probably needs to be cleaned or even better, replaced. The cap was most likely put there by an unknowing but well-meaning person to stop the device from dripping out of said port.

    Have the thing replaced.

    jmramunni
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 16,892

    It is an easy replacement at the backflow preventer has union connections at both ends. Just buy the same model and replace it. No soldering needed.

    jmramunni
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,872

    A dual check, vented backflow device. Usually there is a pressure reducing valve combined with it, if it is used as a boiler feed?

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    jmramunni
  • jmramunni
    jmramunni Member Posts: 2

    Besides the ball valve in the photo, there's just another ball valve a foot away from the boiler, but no pressure reducing valve, unless it was removed from the backflow preventer.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,498
    edited July 2024
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1805405#Comment_1805405

    Typically on a steam boiler, there would not be a PRV before the BFP unless the standing pressure was extremely high, say over 80 PSI.

    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    jmramunni
  • Teemok
    Teemok Member, Email Confirmation Posts: 677

    They do make them un-vented. Not sure a vented check is needed if it's a manual fill situation. The more experienced steam guys will know.

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,305

    What's required — as well as the maintenance required — will depend on the local plumbing code. For a steam boiler (residential) it may range from simply a dual check valve all the way up to a full blown reduced pressure zone backflow preventer.

    What ever is required, however, in addition whatever is installed must be maintained correctly — and capping the vent on a unit provided with one is definitely NOT correct.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    GGross

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