Single pipe vented steam heat

steam2801

We had our boiler pressure tested and cleaned last July. I told the tech I drain about half a gallon of crud once a month. He said don’t do it. He also said it should not need more than 20 gallons of water a season. My understanding is steam heat does add humidity to the air. If so there has got to be water loss.

Steamhead

If the water is dirty, you should drain out the dirt. Other than that it shouldn't need draining. We don't want to add more water to the boiler than needed, since a lot of fresh water will shorten its life.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Steam heat adds no humidity to the air. It will only do this if your air vents are leaking. Some water vapor will be lost when the vents operate but tht is very minor. You should not have to add water very often. If you do you have some leaks.

When you add water your adding oxygen which is in the water and that will corrode the boiler. I would only drain and flush the boiler yearly. If you have a float type low water cutoff that should be blown down weekly

DanielDAY

Half a gallon of draining is 6 gallons a year so keep draining once a month!!!

Not sure what he was on about. I have stories of people’s boilers who don’t flush their boilers weekly or monthly. Let’s just say it’s more money in my pocket and less in theirs

ethicalpaul

draining and replacing brown water without addressing pH level is chasing your tail.

The fresh water just makes more rust faster

The tech is right. But I say you shouldn’t need more than 5 gallons per season