advice, boiler feed and shut off valve

Matt L.

I have a question regarding boiler feed valves, I presently have a gas fired, hot water boiler for a simple closed loop system, (3) radiators, I have a 1/2 inch ball valve shut-off before a 12 psi feed valve...**Should that shut off valve remain open or can it be closed???.. there is NOT a low water cut-off device attached...I've had the system operate both ways with no problem at all, water pressure remains the same both ways also 12 psi cold and around 22 psi at system temp of 180 degrees. I just want to hear what is the proper way...and the feed valve manual says leave the shut-off valve open at all times, thanks

Robert O'Connor_7

Matt...

You may get alot of opinions on this one but here are my thoughts. If you don't have a Low water cut off, leave it on. If you really want to be anal, you can install a pressure trol that breaks on low pressure (but still install the LWCO)and keep the valve off, that way you have redundancy. I don't have water even connected to mine, but I do incorporate redundancy & protection..Robert O'Connor/NJ

Matt L.

feed valve

Thanks Bob, I just dont want to think that there may be even the remote chance that make-up water can enter my system and cause air and rust contamination (because I am not confident in the accuracy of the boiler supplied temperature gauge) as the pressure readings do fluctuate at times, I feel that if the system maintains pressure and there are absolutely no leaks then I believe I can leave the shut-off valve closed, but I get uncomfortable about having no low water cut-off device...!!

Empire_2

Valve ALWAYS to be OPEN>>>>>>>>>>>w/ or w/o LWC