Water Level Gauge Question

David Kiley

Hi, I'm a new home owner with a steam boiler, and have a question:
During normal use, on a boiler with an automatic water feeder, should the two valves at the top and bottom of the glass water level gauge be open or closed, or does it matter? (If open, partially or fully). Also, in general, what do those two valves do, and also what is the normal level of water (currently about 1/3 full)?

In case your wondering why I am asking :),
The first time I removed sludge with a blow down, the boiler was off, and all of the water left the gauge. Since I was completely new to steam boilers, I was concerned that the auto feeder didn't turn on (since figured out that it only turns on when the boiler is on :) ), and hence added water manually. At first I thought the water level valves were how I should turn on the water, but in playing with it I didn't pay attention to if they where originally open or closed.
So, I just wanted to check if they should be open or closed, since I don't want to harm the boiler.

Thanks

paul sr

gauge glass cocks

those two valves are gauge glass cocks, and should be open always to clearly see the water level. the only time i close them is to clean or replace the glass

paul sr

gauge glass cocks

rule of thumb for water level is 2/3 up the glass but with an auto feeder it usually sits about 1/3 to 1/2 up the glass because the feeder stops feeding when the low water cutoff switch makes

Al Letellier

water level

The gauge cocks, or valves, must always be full open. Their main function is to isolate the gauge glass for removal for cleaning or replacing without having to drain the boiler.
As to blowing down the boiler, it should always be done while the boiler is steaming. This will allow the steam to flush out any sediment that gravity doesn't get, and it's the only way to make sure the device is working. The burner should shut down when you flush it, and then restart when the water level rises again. Make sure you have a length of pipe coming out of the flush point into a bucket and BE CAREFUL. That water is extremely hot!!!! You didn't mention what kind of a feeder you have. An electronic feeder usually has a programable delay that will not add water right away. A mechanical feeder should add water immediately upon a signal from the low water cutoff. I strongly recommend you find a steam specialist in your area, and pay him to educate you on the proper proceedures to maintain your boiler. It will be well worth the investment and will keep both you and your boiler safe.

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