Relief Valve Dripping

Thad English

Here's a new one for me: this morning I walked down into my basement and noticed that that the 15 PSI relief valve on the side of my peerless boiler was dripping. I assume this is not a good thing and it needs to be replaced. Can I get a new relief valve at the HD or are they only available at a plumbing supply house? I remember a thread a month or so ago discussing horror stories regarding putting the wrong relief valve on, so is there anything special I need to get to make sure it is done right?

Thanks,

Thad

Steamhead

Is this

a steam or hot-water system? I know you've told us before, but I can't remember....

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Thad English

Sorry 'bout that: 2 pipe air-vent steam system. Peerless boiler (384,000 btu/h). Gortons on every rad and the main, mains insulated. Everything works fine and quiet but this little drip is concerning me because it is the relief valve.

Steamhead

I'm sure

if that system ran up to 15 pounds, you'd know it! Sounds like the safety valve went bad, but you'll want to also check to be sure the pigtail under the pressuretrol and gauge is clear. If it isn't, the pressuretrol won't see the over-pressure and stop the burner.

I'd have a pro check it out, and replace the safety valve.

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Thad English

Thanks.

Pro was here the week BEFORE the relief valve started to leak. He put a new pressure gauge on the boiler and it moves between what looks like about half a pound to just over a pound so I think that the pressurtrol's pigtail is clear. In Philly we are going through a serious cold snap and the 'No heat' calls are taking priority with the pros (as they should). It took 3 weeks for the last guys to come out, so, in the interest of time, is replacing the relief valve something that I can do with a wrench and some pipe dope? If so where can I buy a relief valve? I am concerned that it will just let go and I'll have a sauna in my basement and no heat upstairs.