Water movement in sight glass

JBB

What is considered normal amount of water movement in the sight glass? Mine is moving around 2 to 2-1/2 inches during the steam heat cycle. It returns back to mid glass within 4 minutes, once the cycle ends.

Jamie Hall

Are you saying it drops a couple of inches during the cycle, and then as the boiler cools down comes back up? Or does it bounce up and down by two inches or so all during the cycle?

The former isn't that uncommon — the latter is cause for some concern.

JBB

It drops during the time that the burner is on, then fills back up after that.

Jamie Hall

I wouldn't worry about it, so long as it isn't bouncing too much when the boiler is firieng.

Might have some slow wet returns…

techforlife

Boiler should be skimmed as you have a layer of oily contaminants on the water level.

delcrossv

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1847385#Comment_1847385

???

Possibly slow returns. If it returns to its original level, not much to do about it now.

If it's so slow it starts tripping the LWCO, the wet returns would need a look see.

techforlife

Easier to skim first than repipe!

delcrossv

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1847392#Comment_1847392

True, if skimming would solve the issue. What was reported wasn't surging.

"It drops during the time that the burner is on, then fills back up after"

JBB

I agree with skimming is probably still being needed. This is a new install that was noisy and inefficient until they skimmed it, which made a world of difference! Thanks for the help!

Jamie Hall

Well, skimming wouldn't hurt. Never does. But it won't solve this type of problem — won't even affect it much.

ethicalpaul

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1847397#Comment_1847397

This could describe minor surging

Hap_Hazzard

How long are your heating cycles?

Does the boiler cycle on pressure before temperature?

What is your maximum pressure?