Utica Boiler spitting water

steve_6

where did you get these? the're a great tool for teaching? thanks

George Berkeley

Near Boiler Pipes

TJ and I have a question.

Several plumbers have looked at this system and can't stop water from spitting from the radiators.

TJ asked the other day about Utica Header requirements.

Here are two pictures of the near boiler pipes, and what a mess we do see.

TJ, want to add to this?

George Berkeley

Header mess and Main vent

The close up of what was left for a header and someone's solution to a main vent.

George Berkeley

Header and vent mess

Here is a close-up of what was left for a header, and someone's solution for a main vent.

TJ_2

So what would you tell the homeowner

George and I are thinking that the near boiler piping needs to be completely redone. Also, per Steamhead's response, it seems like this boiler (Utica PEG187)is supposed to have twin risers.

Steamhead

Compare that to this

and you'll instantly see the problem.

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peter desens

age???

The boiler in the pictures if a PEG-A series, manufacturered prior to 1992.

Has the radiator air vents been spitting water since the installation of the boiler? If so, perhaps the header piping is an issue, if not, the pipimg may be adequate, not the way we would like to see it, but perhaps adequete.

A few other things to consider,
1. Proper slope of radiator(s)
2. Make sure shut-off valve is fully open
3. Make sure valve, and radiator piping is free of debree
4. skim the boiler if necessary to prevent surging.

Peter Desens
Technical Sevices Manager
ECR International - Utica BOilers

jack_4

History

The history is unknown and the current owner recently purchased the house. He has had spitting problems from the get-go.

I did note that the paint on the radiator indicated that water has been running down from the vent for a long time. Paint was bubbled and flaking in strips that would match water runs.

Our guess is that it has been doing this since installation.
We have lowered the boiler water level a bit, reduced the vent sizes, and will add near boiler pipe insulation to nurse this one to the end of the heating season, then consider a re-pipe to spec. effort.

No surging or priming. Rad slope we can improve. Will check valves.

TJ_2

Water seems to spit more after boiler top up

The owner usually fills up the boiler to about 3/4 sight glass as per the manuals. At this point, the spitting of water seems more pronounced. The way the piping is set up, you can see that water will be blown down the steam main that supplies the spitting radiator. The spitting baseboard on the second floor we can probably fix by correcting the pitch.

jack_4

Mains vent

I doubt if that Main Vent is working. When you re-pipe that unit be sure to address the location of that vent.

I'm sure it is blown and flooded doing you no good.

Steamhead

The lack of a proper header is doing that

I'll bet you don't have 24 inches between the maximum water level and the bottom of what passes for a header.

Here is a shot of what it looks like in those risers, and why you need the 24-inches minimum. I like to go even higher than that if I can.

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