1950’s residential boiler

Riley24

I am wondering if anyone knows what these fittings are in the picture? They are on the return side of my boiler. And is it possible that they can get clogged up, not pass water through.

Steamhead

Balancing valves. You can adjust them to make sure the system heats evenly. If the system already heats evenly, they're fine.

The one looks like the packing might be loose.

Riley24

thanks for the info, the valve in the background is from my living room and kitchen which do not put out hardly any heat, when I bleed register only ambient temperature water comes out, is it possible that balancing valve is clogged or needs adjustment?

bburd

That type of balancing valve usually has a screwdriver slot inside the nut. When the slot is parallel to the pipe, the valve is open; when it is perpendicular to the pipe, the valve is closed. A 90° turn adjusts from fully open to fully closed. You may need to loosen the nut to turn the screw. Snug it back up, but not too tight.

Riley24

thanks, what I don’t understand is the valve that appears to be in the on position is the heating circuit that is putting out no heat, it’s like that pipe is clogged or that valve is bad?

bburd

What is happening on the supply side? Circulator running normally? Zone valves open? How far does heat move up the pipe?

hot_rod

it is rare to see a valve like that suddenly fail closed . An air pocket of failed pump is a more likely condition

Intplm.

@Riley24 Please post a few more pictures. A close front, view of those valves and some pics farther away as best you can. Those valves could also be part of a purge valve system. Give us a better look.

Riley24

the heating circuit in question the pipe is hot to the supply side of the register, when i bleed out that same register only cool water comes out, it goes through 2 more registers that have auto bleeders installed and comes back on the right side pipe in the picture! Only 1 circulating pump.

mattmia2

The one on the left should be mostly closed, the one on the right should be fully open.

Riley24

yes that’s the way I interpret them valves, it acts like that whole heating circuit, that’s the valve with the green crust on it, is clogged! No water flow, that’s why when I bleed the register in my living room the water is cool? I appreciate the help!