Steam boiler pipe makes water noise

109A_5

The boiler is probably oversized and the pressuretrol does not function as it should. If the boiler is not oversized the load (the radiators) are restricted some how, closed valves, vents that don't vent etc. With an oversized boiler the Pressuretrol acts like a pressure limiter, shutting off the burner when the pressure gets to a set limit. The Pressuretrol may be defective or not electrically connected correctly.

Jamie Hall

If the pigtail got cleaned…

One very dangerous possibility which occurs to me is that the pressuretrol either isn't wired into the control path at all, or that if it is it's wired incorrectly.

Or it could be that that pressure gauge is completely wonky.

But. You really should find out.

WillS

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1832506#Comment_1832506

I’ll be engaging with a different plumber. I don’t think the guy who came today knows what he’s doing.

neilc

take one wire off that Ptrol and see if the boiler will fire with the thermostsat up and calling, boiler should not fire. careful, live electricity, turn boiler off while disconnecting and reconnecting, don't let off wire touch anything,

the pigtail looks pretty untouched in that picture, can you see fresh tape or paste on the threads? or fresh tool marks on the piggy?

Intplm.

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1832473#Comment_1832473

Cleaned everything? Did you remove the pig tail under the pressure troll? If it is plugged or even partially plugged the pressure troll will not get the proper reading. And be sure to look at the tapping where the pig tail is installed.

WillS

I think I fixed my problem. Here's what I think was happening:

1. The bottom connection on the sight glass was still dirty. I had to take that out and poke it with a rod in order for all the gunk to come out.
2. The pigtail was full of "gunk" and the pressure wasn't flowing through to the Pressuretroll. I had to remove the pigtail (and one end broke inside so I had to use an easy-out to pull it). Then, got a new pigtail at the store and connected it.
   
   
3. I still noticed high pressure on the gauge (up to 12-15 PSI 😮). I was researching online, and someone said that some pressuretrols could be defective and the pressure tab is not engaging with the system causing the boiler to keep running.
4. I had to pull the pressure tab so the "sensor" can be more sensitive and shut off when it reaches the set pressure. Now, anytime the pressure hits about 1.5 PSI, it goes off. I'm assuming that's how it should work right?
   
   
5. The water level on the sight glass is set to the middle as it should.
   

I will definitely keep an eye on this in case it doesn't work again. I was skeptical of trying to fix it myself, but I guess I learned a few things about boilers. Thank you all! I'll keep you updated.

@neilc @109A_5 @Jamie Hall

bburd

Check your main and radiator vents when the system is hot. High pressure can damage the vents and prevent them from closing.

WillS

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1832736#Comment_1832736

Read comment above. Thanks!

ethicalpaul

Mine broke off in my hand too in 2017 when I started working on my boiler, that's why we don't buy steel pigtails, we buy brass ones. It looks like you bought another steel one 😥

Honestly I don't even know why they sell steel ones at the supply houses. Surely this is an item where no supply house that knew anything would even offer them.

The brass ones don't corrode inside which makes them much less prone to clogging.

tcassano87

if you have the a multimeter, turn the power off, disconnect one wire on the pressure troll and test for continuity