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Water Level in Boiler

Tracy_4
Tracy_4 Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
The water in my boiler keeps rising above the water level. I have had to flush the boiler 3 times in the last week, should I be concerned about this? What causes it to rise so quickly?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,725
    hopefully one of the guys who really knows

    will get on this, but I am presuming steam... seems most likely that for some reason that condensate can't return fast enough (lots of reasons for this) (such as problems with near boiler piping, traps...) or that water leaves the boiler with the steam when the system fires up or (lots of reasons for that, too). This makes the automatic feeder (which I am also assuming you have) add water. Then when the thing shuts down, the condensate does come back and presto -- high water.

    Another possibility is a leaking valve in the automatic feeder.

    Another is if you have a domestic hot water coil in the boiler rather than a separate water heater, that there is a leak in the coil.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Norm Harvey
    Norm Harvey Member Posts: 684


    Spot on.

    All good causes, I just have one more to add.

    If you do not have an automatic waterfeeder, and are using a gate valve (the kind you turn the handle a million times to open and close) it could not be closed all the way from the last time you filled it, or there could be some crud on the seat not allowing the valve to close properly resulting in a slow rize in the water level. (Its still possible if your fill valve is a ballvalve type also, though the problem is more commonly associated with gate valves)

    The remedy for this peticular problem is pretty easy. Have a pro or someone who can solder proficiently replace your fill valve.


    Good luck!

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

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Tracy_4
    Tracy_4 Member Posts: 2


    Thanks for these responses. Our chimney guy looked at it, said it was just a 50 year old beast of boiler! Do you think I should have a professional take a look at it? Or is there something I can do?

    Would you be concerned?
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 25,725
    I think so...

    If indeed you have had to lower the water level in the boiler three times in a week, there is a problem somewhere that should be fixed. Not so much because of potential damage (unlike low water, which is really really dangerous) but more on general principles -- and these things usually don't get any better with time.

    That said, try to get someone who knows steam heat to do the looking. In many areas, there are folks who are in the find a pro section of this website who are really good. In some areas, though... you have to use your best judgement. But steam is just a little different, and does take some thought.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Brad White_9
    Brad White_9 Member Posts: 2,440
    Good advice

    I agree with what has been said as possibilites. Jamie and Norm have you covered.

    As for your boiler being a "50 year old beast of a boiler"... I turn 50 this year.. ouch. :)

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