One pipe steam dry return blockage

ArtM1 · April 14

How can I clear the partial blockage in my return ? A past repair was made by connecting a by-pass 3/4 " pipe at the furthest point in the loop (by means of a clamped saddle over a drilled hole in the return) and running it back to the main loop pipe at the boiler. This 3/4" alternate return pipe has "gone cold" , and so the need for a clearing of the original return or replacement of either the original or alternate returns. I would really appreciate your sage advise on this one ! Thanks, Art

mattmia2 · April 14

Usually the only parts that will really clog are the wet returns. Whatever is in a main extension can usually be flushed out with a hose if some sort of debris gets in there.

Both of those conditions are pretty rare, usually it is an issue with sagging pipe and water trapped somewhere because of the sag or a problem with venting.

ArtM1 · April 14

Thanks alot for your quick reply! There was a significant blockage in the lowest wet part of the return at the base of the boiler that got repiped. But the water level in the boiler at the sight glass seems to be slow to recover , particularly when the boiler is firing alot during really cold spells.

ethicalpaul · April 14

Tell us more about the water level.

Where does it start?

How quickly does it drop during a call for heat?

How much does it drop?

How long in minutes after the call for heat ends does the level return?

mattmia2 · April 14

Water leaving the boiler while firing is usually liquid water being thrown out of the boiler because of improper near boiler piping or poor water quality.

Mad Dog_2 · April 15

That stoppage was below the water line, so that is not considered a dry return. I've never seen a stoppage in a dry return. Mad Dog

Mad Dog_2 · April 15

Can you post pictures please? Mad Dog

One pipe steam dry return blockage

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