How to raise water level for off season ?
I've shut off the thermostat for the season and going to leave the pilots on. I'd like to raise the water level to the top of the sight glass but it's controlled by the LWCO (right?)
How do I add the extra water?
Thanks!
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
Comments
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open the feed valve
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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There are three valves connected to a #47-2 LWCO with feed valve. Two of them are always open and one is closed. The valve in the Red circle is the closed one. Open that valve to let water in without passing thru the auto fill valve.
The other two valves should be left open but it is not a bad idea to exercise them once a year. They are used for testing and servicing the auto feed valve
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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Perfect. Thank you. I test the LWCO every week. Should I keep doing that during the off season? Maybe monthly instead of weekly?
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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Not necessary, as a matter fo fact, you don't want to flush the LWCO at all during the summer, so the water in the boiler does not drain off until you are ready to start up in the fall.
The valve exercising of the two other stop valves is the thing I am speaking of . Close them completely and then reopen them once a year should be enough.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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Got it. Will leave the LWCO alone and make sure the valves are operational.
Thanks again
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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A simple way to do this without messing with the valves… start with a washing machine double female hose connected to the boiler drain. Hook it to a garden hose to a spigot. Open up the both valves until you get the desired level. Steam is an open system so no pressure build up to worry about.
Steve
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I appreciate that but I'd rather have functioning valves. I'll take advantage of the off season to swap them out if necessary.
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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Sorry I misunderstood. Though you were looking for an ez way to raise the water line. Not a bad idea to get rid of the wheel valves and put in full port ball valves. To save a few dollars, you don't need lead free valves.
Steve
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Thanks. The valves all worked fine. All filled up for the down season!
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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why leaving the pilot on?
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General consensus in here is to leave it on, reasons below:
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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Whenever I raise my water level I make sure the water gets boiled really well.
The reasoning is to drive out any chlorine as well as dissolved O2.
I guess another option is to top the boiler off using distilled water.
Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.
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So starting up an overfilled boiler doesn't hurt anything?
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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I only overfill mine to about 3/4 up the gauge glass. If you get too high it'll blow a lot of water up into the mains and it'll be very angry and sound really bad.
I'm not sure how others who literally flood the boiler go about it but I wouldn't leave a boiler full of fresh city water
Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.
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The glass level is 80% full when cold. I'm guessing it took only a gallon or two to top it off. The rest was in there all winter and is crystal clear.
Bryant 245-8, 430k btu, 2-pipe steam in a 1930s 6-unit 1-story apt building in the NM mountains. 26 radiators 3800sqf
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