Adding water to furnace

Ed_24

It is becoming a problem for me to find someone to come in to add water to the boiler if I am away for more than a few days in the winter.
I was hoping someone could tell me if there is a way to add an "automatic water level filler" to my American Standard-Arcoflame boiler.
Mant years ago I asked this question to my repair sevice & was advised not to do this because the water level would get dangerously low before the device would know to add the water.
Also,if there is an automatic filler is it expensive and do you suggest it be professionally installed.

michael_15

adding water

I'm assuming you have a steam system. . .

I don't think you should have to add water every few days. That might suggest a leak in your system or a faulty air vent that doesn't close. I needed to add water to my boiler every week or so until I replaced a few air vents that wouldn't close and repacked some supply valves, and I haven't had to add any water to the system for the past 6 weeks or so.

That's just my opinion, of course.

-Michael

Jim Walsh

Expensive is a relative term, but you should ABSOLUTELY have it professionally installed. An automatic fill is only as good as the low water cut-off which controls the filler. I'm sure that boiler has a float-type low water cut-off. If you want to use this to control the fill valve, the float assembly should be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and put back in. However, you still need someone to come in and blow down(drain) that low water cut-off.You would be much better off with a probe-type low water cut-off, and a programmable water feeder such as the Hydrolevel.

Jim Walsh

Expensive is a relative term, but you should ABSOLUTELY have it professionally installed. An automatic fill is only as good as the low water cut-off which controls the filler. I'm sure that boiler has a float-type low water cut-off. If you want to use this to control the fill valve, the float assembly should be removed, thoroughly cleaned, and put back in. However, you still need someone to come in and blow down(drain) that low water cut-off.You would be much better off with a probe-type low water cut-off, and a programmable water feeder such as the Hydrolevel.

Fred Harwood

Auto filler

Your insurance people would very much like your boiler to have an automatic water feeder or low-water cutoff on your boiler, installed and tested by a professional. In many places, such devices are required by code.

However, if you must add water every day or so, you also should investigate why. Most home boilers need water added but a few times a heating season. Also, fresh water brings in lime and oxygen, eventually clogging and rusting your boiler. A professional can investigate and solve these related problems.

Rob_21

We had the same problem on our one-pipe steam system. It got so bad that we were filling it every 6 hours or so.

A quick digging up of our wet returns in the basement confirmed our fears ... the pipes were swiss cheese on the bottom, I was surprised *any* water was getting to the boiler.

So, we converted it to a dry return system and have not had to add a drop of water since (about a month or so ago)

David Efflandt

2 level controls

My boiler (installed by previous owner) has 2 different types of probe type level controls. One controls auto water feed, and if that fails, a second probe turns everything off before water becomes dangerously low.

But since I replaced the graphite string packing of any leaky radiator valves and any faulty vents, I have not heard the auto water feed operate at all. And level is down only slightly in a couple of months.

Steamhead

Which American-Standard boiler is this?

I'm assuming Arcoflame refers to the oil burner. Possibilties are Arcoliner, Oakmont, Exbrook, A3 or something similar- check the rating plate. Most of these have no place to put a probe-type low-water cutoff, so you'd have to stick with a float type and hook an electric feeder valve to it.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"