return condensate buildup in water supply line

doug gailliard

installed a new steam boiler, with a two-pipe system on the return condensate line the fresh water supply line is piped in at the bullnose elbow at boiler. the return condensate is backing up also through the water supply line. need solution.

ThermalJake

condensate in the supply??

why in't there supply water in the supply line, and if there is, how does condensate overcome the pressure of the supply water?? Something fishy.....

Jack Ennis Martin

Water backing up into potable water line

I have to tell you that what you are discribing is both dangerous to the health of the customer and it is not legal. The potable water should be piped into the boiler through a proper device that will allow water to enter as required -- look at the Macdonell installation guide book. The potable water line is supposed to have as per code a backflow device so that no boiler water can enter the potable water line. PLease at the very least use a check valve on the line for some kind of protection. We use a RP909 backwater control and find we never have a problem with backup. In my opinion the supply water has only one place that it should have access to the system and that is the condensate return tank. The water temp. is tempered and the dissolved oxygen is allowed to boil off before entering the system. I do not agree with introducing potable water into a steam boiler per say I realize the chance of a cracked section is low: but, it can happen and who needs that at 4:00 aclock in the morning. I would suggest you contact Dan and ask his opinion on the best cross connectionn book on the market that meets your codes and be good to yourself and buy one; it is great reading and it is so nice to be correct when the "bull seasons" regarding technical matters comes up in the wholesale.
Good Luck and all the best to you and yours.Hug your kids they are the future we are the past.
Jack Ennis Martin -- Manitoba -- it's so cold here in January even the exotic dancers won't take off thier clothes.