Okay to backfill gas furnace from sink?

Kevin McDonough

I drained the furnace yesterday but, when I went to refill, found that the feeder line is blocked, apparently by the backflow preventer just above the feeder valve.

The plumber came today and got the heat working by "backfilling" the furnace from the sink that's a few feet away.

He's going to come back during the week to, he suggests, remove the backflow preventer without replacing it because, he says, the valve is only opened to supply the furnace and immediately closed, so backflow is not an issue. I asked if that was "up to code" and he assured me that it was.

So, first question, is it okay *not* to have a backflow preventer on the supply line to the boiler?

Second question: Would there be any harm to *not* fixing the blocked supply line for a few months, and backfilling the furnace from the sink each week when I drain/refill it.

Reason is that we'll be doing a major renovation in a few months, with lots of associated heating/plumbing work, and I'd like to make the removal or replacement (depending on answer to first question) of the backflow preventer a small part of a big job instead of a job of its own.

Thank you.
Kevin McDonough

jim murtaugh

steam or h20

no problem in emerg. to fill from sink. where do you live? local plumbing codes very, and with out a proper feed line you should have a low water cut off. is this hot water or steam?

Unknown

Is this \" boiler \" hot water or steam ?

Sorry , but the term " furnace " is a whole different heating animal than what you have

I'm assuming it's steam because you mention draining - refilling once a week . Filling from the sink is just a nuisance , but it works . I'd also take the time to make sure the low water cutoff is working properly also .

Codes are different for many areas . We are required to install a backflow on every boiler .

Kevin McDonough

In Arlington, MA

The plumber is from Arlington, too, so I assume he's familiar with the code wrt backflow preventer.

Thank you (both) for your replies.

Kevin

Kevin McDonough

Low water cutoff is working okay.

I do check it every once in a while.

-kevin

Weezbo

when i did service work , i would answer ? 's like this *~/:)

that is how my sence of humor evolved to what it is to day *~/;) provided you are refering to the boilers supply water,and not the gas valve all is well pretty much.the boiler doesnt particularily care where it gets its water from however,it is reasonable practise to heep the associated parts to an appliance in one area,preferably in a mechanical room or in the near boiler piping.

Weezbo

*~/:)

.it is unusual however .

Kevin McDonough

Will be filling boiler from sink for a while.

Yes, it's the boiler I'll be filling with water from the sink (though I still don't understand what "furnace" means to the initiated ;-).

Thanks.
kevin

ed wallace

backfilling boiler

ok if its a steam system you do not technically need a backflow preventer its up to the local inspecter in ma. so i would leave it out just my 2 cents

Unknown

A furnace

is a heating appliance that blows air over a heat exchanger . Very hot and dry air that needs ducts to transfer the heat to the rooms . No water in a furnace system , unless there is a humidifier connected into the ducts .

Chuck_7

Furnace means an air heater.
I think it is a dirty word around these parts.

Bill Nye_2

Drain and refill?

Why? it is a very bad thing to do and not at all necessary. Unless you mean you are flushing the LWCO which is a good thing to do. Fresh water has all sorts of minerals and other trash.

And yes, you probably should have the backflow preventer. They are not that hard to clean [usually]

You could check out Dan's book "we 've got steam" in the books and more section

jbplumber

So

What is a water furnace ?? or wall furnace. To the unknowing and uncaring the word furnace simply means the heater dude. Best Wishes J.Lockard