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check valve on fresh water line?

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ChrisJ
ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
in Strictly Steam
A friend of ours had her steam boiler repiped two days ago after I had recommend having what was there replaced due to a very poor installation.  The new piping looks great but one thing caught my attention.



There is a swing checkvalve on the makeup water line right before it enters the wet return.  What is the reason for this?  I would think with a backflow preventer the checkvalve doesn't really serve a purpose unless it is somehow to protect the autofeed? 
Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment

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  • crash2009
    crash2009 Member Posts: 1,484
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    I think that's normal

      I have a McDonnel Miller.  The feeder is installed "ON" the check valve.  Must be for cleaning although I have never cleaned mine.  Further down the line towards the wet return, I have the backflow preventer.
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
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    a lot of inspectors

    want to see a swing check between the boiler pipe and the backflow preventer due to temperature ratings for many backflow preventers being lower than the steam temperature. I felt the same way the first time i was flagged by an inspector for it missing..now we specifically ask for a watts 9d which is rated for a higher temp..but many areas want a testable backflow..
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
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    checkvalve

    Gerry,



    Should I install one on my system? I already passed my final inspection but if its something that really matters I don't mind installing it. I have manual feed only.



    The backflow preventer I installed is a Watts 0063191 rated for 250F. Sounds like it handles steam fine but I can't find any actual info on it on the web.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • gerry gill
    gerry gill Member Posts: 3,078
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    in my neck of the woods

    anything rated at 250 degrees doesn't need any 'help' from a swing check so i wouldn't bother to alter your set up.
    gwgillplumbingandheating.com
    Serving Cleveland's eastern suburbs from Cleveland Heights down to Cuyahoga Falls.

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