Boiler TP Valve Blowing Off Steam

Ben Smith

I have an old (50 years, looks like) one pipe gas-fired steam heat system. My Pressure valve is popping off periodically, filling my basement with steam. It used to happen only if the boiler was overfilled; now it happens whenever the heat's on for an hour or so.

Are there standard replacements for these valves? Can I just take the valve to my local plumbing supply and get a new one? Don't worry, I know the dangers of bolting these valves shut and I would NEVER do something that stupid.

Thanks in advance for any/all replies

Steve Levine

What makes you sure

that the valve is the problem. You may have a control that is allowing the boiler pressure to get too high. What is the pressure in the system?

Alan R. Mercurio

Please be careful

Mr. Smith please be very careful if you're going to attempt this on your own. Though it seems easy enough to replace. It could be very dangerous and you could get burned very quickly.

Before replacing it you may want to confirm that the pressure troll device is working correctly. The valve may be simply doing its job.What does the gauge read when the valve is discharging?

Good luck sir.

Your friend in the industry,
Alan R. Mercurio

Earthfire

blow off

that steam boiler may be poping that safety for a reason . Bad high limit control, bad pressuretrol, blocked pig tail,defective stack relay , sticking burner relay, among others . sounds like its time to call in a pro that knows steam to take a look at the boiler and diagnose and repair it properly. SAFETY is everybodies JOB # 1. PS. you mentioned the boiler was overfilling, WHY???

Ben Smith

Thanks for replies

Thank you all for your replies. Sounds like I need to call someone. The last plumber I had in (for another job, but I asked him to look at this) scratched his head, told me he'd fix it, and disappeared at the end of the other job. I don't have a pressure reading on when it pops off - I'll take a look. The reason it overfills is because I fill it manually every week, and sometimes I get overzealous.

Any ideas on how to get a steam-heat expert? The nearest one on this site is 20 miles away.

Thanks

Ben

Unknown

Where do you live , Ben ?

Steamhead

20 miles isn't too far, Ben

for a good steam man who loves his work. I'll bet that safety valve is doing its job, and the problem is elsewhere.

If you're in the Baltimore area, just e-mail me.

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