Should I replace this broken pressure gauge?

CoachBoilermaker

What should I order to replace?

See 3 photos below

https://imgur.com/a/j6GecyF

delcrossv

Yes, its a code requirement.

Useless for diagnostic purposes. For that you need to ADD a 0-3 psi gauge.

Oh, you also need a water trap or pigtail before your new gauge.{s}

Jamie Hall

Are you sure it's broken? Or just out of adjustment. It probably won't show the low pressures normally used anyway.

CoachBoilermaker

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1819347#Comment_1819347

Not sure.

I just assumed since someone wrote "Broken" on it.

I will watch the gauge when the heat runs.

Steam pressure is generally 1-2 PSI ?

HVACNUT

Is there a direct replacement for that, or will a new gauge need a pigtail?

luketheplumber

Alot of them I see are broken. I don't worry about them on steam boilers.

Waher

Replace it with a 0-30psi “internal siphon” steam gauge. “Internal siphon” on a steam gauge means the gauge has a built in pigtail inside the workings of the gauge so you can screw it directly into the boiler (with dope or Teflon tape)

STEAM DOCTOR

Just write fixed on it. All will be okay

CoachBoilermaker

Jamie has a point. I wonder if the gauge works. I will watch gauge next time heat turns on and see if needle moves.

What if I break it when removing and create a leak? The pipe leading to the gauge is warm.

Also, how do I know what size thread the connector pipe is ?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/search/~SEARCH_STRING=steam%20gauge

PEvans

@delcrossv is right, you need a low pressure gauge as well, to tell what is going on. Also these low-pressure gauges don't like off-scale pressures, and at least the ones I have found are expensive.

CoachBoilermaker

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1819297#Comment_1819297

Is it possible to explain what parts I'd need to add a 0-3 psi gauge?

Fork from the line going to square dial in my pics above?

CoachBoilermaker

I have a very non-standard boiler so I assume I can't look up a video of how to add a 0-3 gauge

delcrossv

Pigtail to tee to a couple of nipples to ells to a couple of nipples to the units (add couplings as necessary).

C'mon look and see how it should go together. Visualize. Draw a picture.

CoachBoilermaker

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1820738#Comment_1820738

OK, I get what you mean by a fork into 2 pipes facing frontwards.

Pigtail would replace square gauge in front? Extending that long straight pipe a half a foot even furthur would be getting in the way of the door closing. And would look weird as hell. And risk getting broken off?

Size is 1/4" N.P.T. ?

I can't find a 0-3 gauge

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Weil-McLain-510-218-045-Pressure-Gauge

PEvans

The ways to do it are unlimited. Mine is a T off the main relief. My 0-3 psi gauge is a Wika purchased from wika.com.

I think you need to retain a 0-30 psi gauge. I have a square 0-30 psi gauge on the front of the boiler that I did not mess with.

(Yes, I know that is the wrong Pressuretrol. Not sure where it came from but It is replaced with a Vaporstat.)

Mad Dog_2

If they are too hard to get out, I just add new ones elsewhere. Mad Dog

PEvans

Some of you have these beautiful headers installed in a tap on the front of the boiler with low-pressure gauge, Vaporstat, and safety Pressuretrol all where you can see them, individual pigtails for each, a valve protecting the 0-3 psi gauge, and couplings everywhere for easy maintenance. That is probably the "right" way if there is one.

109A_5

Hello CoachBoilermaker,

Maybe that long copper pipe from the boiler to the gauge is plugged up and the gauge is actually fine.

CoachBoilermaker

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1820899#Comment_1820899

If I take off the square gauge, will water shoot out of the pipe?

How do I safely remove gauge to inspect a clog in the straight pipe?

109A_5

" If I take off the square gauge, will water shoot out of the pipe? " If the pipe is above the water line probably not.

" How do I safely remove gauge to inspect a clog in the straight pipe? " Wait for the boiler to cool down, where eye / face protection, use the correct tools.