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What is this valve and how do I operate it?

ffzero58
ffzero58 Member Posts: 5
in THE MAIN WALL
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Comments

  • SuperTech
    SuperTech Member Posts: 2,494

    It looks like an old purge station valve. On the right side there might be a screwdriver slot for closing the valve. On the left there should have been a handle above the drain for opening the drain for purging. Maybe it broke off? It looks like someone was going a little overboard with putting pliers on the valve and chewing up the brass.

    LRCCBJ
  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,521

    please provide a few picture of the area and the boiler from 4’ away.

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,718

    On the left there is a place to put a garden hose, on the right is a way to open and close the valve. All seems pretty basic to me.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,817
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1830645#Comment_1830645

    What is under the upper left plug, Ed? Or is it just the other side of the butterfly when the valve is closed?

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • LRCCBJ
    LRCCBJ Member Posts: 682
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1830645#Comment_1830645

    I think it is more complicated that this. That valve must be capable of preventing flow downward and also provide an opening to allow water to flow from the drain. The only way this appears possible is for the fitting on the far side to close the flow downward and the fitting above the drain to somehow provide a passage TO the drain.

    The entire design seems a bit strange.

  • ffzero58
    ffzero58 Member Posts: 5

    I've used Google Lens to try to identify it but cannot find it. Here's a few more angles:

    It is for bleeding/draining 1 of 2 zones of my hydronic heating system. What I don't understand is when I turn the switch, does it redirect the water out the spout? I've tried turning it but its really tight in.

    image.png
    image.png
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  • LRCCBJ
    LRCCBJ Member Posts: 682
    edited December 2024

    Notice how the section between the upper hex fitting and the hose connection is protruding out and away from the OD of the pipe…………..this might be the passage for flow if the opposite side with the screwdriver slot is rotated 90 degrees and stops the main flow.

    You're going to need to soak both of them with Kroil or PB for a week if you really want to move them without destroying them.

  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 2,912

    try loosening that packing nut for easier operation, and or some spray oil, not too much or it leaks there also, which you retighten to solve for,

    I bet that is a 4 way ball valve of sorts, shuts off flow thru, and redirects to the hose bib,

    https://www.flairproducts.net/producthistory.html#airpurger

    1/2 way down

    known to beat dead horses
  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 2,912

    top 3,

    HydronicVentsandaccessbrochure.pdf

    known to beat dead horses
  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 2,912

    ah, end of pg 4,

    stem is ball valve, nut over bib is plug for hose bib,

    known to beat dead horses
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,817

    it states that it can be used to purge in both directions, so another boiler drain screws in where the plug is?

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • ffzero58
    ffzero58 Member Posts: 5

    Oh wow, it is amazing that you found this part. It makes sense as the convectors also use almost similar air bleeder valves (that will need replacing as they've corroded). Thanks, nelic!

    I think I will drain the system at the end of the season and replace it with a traditional drain spout. My setup that I've inherited is rather lacking in valves.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,817

    one if these two valves would be a good replacement

    The less expensive T valve works fine once you learn the handle positions😃

    IMG_9306.jpeg
    IMG_9305.jpeg

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • pedmec
    pedmec Member Posts: 1,142

    Thats an old flair balance and purge valve. Good luck getting it to close. It has a butterfly style closer that turns on a thin pin that is most likely broke or going to break. It has a high failure rate which is why you don't see many of them around. Better to replace with new style purge stations

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