losing water - newer boiler

brucewo1b

Any opinion on how Maid 'o Mist air vents compare to Gorton's (since Maid 'o Mist are a lot cheaper).
Last line says it all MOM are cheap try to find Varivents Hoffmann or Dole for the rads.

Also - if a boiler leak does develop, can the iron water reservoir be replaced or would the entire furnace be shot? Thanks for the help!
Depends on brand age and warrantee that you might or might not have a call that only someone on sight should give.

Jeff_66

losing water - newer boiler

Hello,

We have a one-pipe steam system with a boiler that is about 5 years old. Lately the autofill has been coming on about once or twice per day. I've checked the connections to each radiator and there don't seem to be major leaks. Some of the air valves are pretty old but I've replaced a lot of them. Are there other things I should check on to explain the lost water? Also - how do I know if an air valve is working correctly or losing steam as well as air?
Thanks!

brucewo1b

Also - how do I know if an air valve is working correctly or los

You should have a high humidity in that room but you can place a mirror in front of it and valve stems to see if it fogs up. Do you have any underfloor return pipes always suspect and you can fill the boiler to the top of the sections and see if you get water on the floor or chamber after a bit, don't forget to shut off the service switch and drain boiler back out before refiring.

Big Ed_3

Crank it Up

Crank up the thermostat and let it boil up to limit. Walk around the house if you hear hissing , you found a leak , If a vent is hissing and its hot , it's shot. Check the chimney outside and and see if its passing steam . If it is you may have a rotted or leaky boiler . 5 years , yes you can rot a new boiler out if you don't fix them leaks. Check the wet return lines as well , them could be leaking too . Underground return line I would be worried too. Sure sign of return leaks is if you loose water on warm days too.

Jeff_66

vent brands?

I didn't see any steam from the chimney but I'll keep an eye on it. A couple of vents are hissing slightly so I'll replace them.

Any opinion on how Maid 'o Mist air vents compare to Gorton's (since Maid 'o Mist are a lot cheaper).

Also - if a boiler leak does develop, can the iron water reservoir be replaced or would the entire furnace be shot?
Thanks for the help!

Al Gregory

What is the name of the boiler and where are you located?

Long Beach Ed

Gortons..

You get what you pay for. Gortons have copper floats instead of plastic and are soldered together instead of crimped. They are superior and will give you better service.

If the vents are more than 5 - 10 years old, get rid of them.

Most boilers are made of sections which can be replaced if one is cracked or leaking. The question would be if it would be worth the labor to do this.

IF you are filling the boiler several times in one day, the water is going someplace. Do what this treead suggested and go find the leak.

Long Beach Ed

Unknown

to get better servive from the wallies,

Never, ever call the boiler a furance....