Question about boiler maintenance/fixing problem in the warmer months

redheadgenes · April 17

Hi to all

I recieved a great deal of help from this forum, I'm so grateful for it. My post concerned an ongoing water loss issue from a new crown boiler my plumber can't figure out. He replaced the main vent with a higher quality main vent, and that improved things a bit: in Feb, the boiler needed to be refilled once a week. Ofc that is still too much. Crown Boiler manufacturing instructions say adding water more than once a month indicates a problem. It's now warm out and continual use of the boiler isn't feasible - tenants have their heat on a bit, but it's heating from 55 degrees to 65 not from 20 degrees like it was in Jan/Feb. So the water loss issue isn't happening as much. The plumber has confirmed in writing that he has extended his warranty and will work on this problem next heating system. Although in many ways, I don't know if I really have recourse here should he stop being responsive. Question 1: is there anything he can do now? Or is it better to wait and hold him to his extended warranty? Given that the problem emerges with continual use in the winter, it seems better to have him work on this next Dec. But if there's anything I can do to get ahead of it, let me know. I don't want to hire a second opinion yet, as my plumber has continually shown up when I've needed him to and seems committed to figuring it out.

Question 2: Crown boiler instructions list cleaning and annual maintence instructions. Should this be done now (end of season) or in Nov at beginning of heating season? The plumber I hired has a normal plumbing company but as master plumber he took a steam class and seems to know what he's doing - however, to skim the boilers when they were put in, he sent random youngish guys from his company who had no idea what they were doing. I am going to hire a steam specific company for annual maintence and wondering the best time to do it. Spring or late fall?

A final unrelated question! I'm in rhode island. My third floor apt (I have a three family) isn't on steam, rather has electric baseboards. I'm considering a mini-split. I like that this forum is in general critical of mini-split pushing from energy companies. At the same time, I'm replacing old / unuseful electric baseboard. Any advice appreciated!

Thanks!

SuperTech · April 17

I don't have any problem with doing any boiler repairs in the summer. The only time it sucks is when you have to work on a boiler with a tankless coil in it. It's no fun working on a 160⁰ boiler when it's +90⁰ outside. I also don't like doing any maintenance that includes burner work. This requires putting the heat on after the work is performed, testing zone valves and circulators and operating the boiler until it reaches steady state combustion so an accurate combustion analysis can be performed. Checking the operation of a steam boiler would definitely require running the boiler and heating the building.

Doing any of these things right now, in the spring is no problem.

mattmia2 · April 18

what did you do to repair/maintain the valves and vents on the radiators? That and the main vents is usually where the leaks are. do you have buried returns(looks like you do not looking at your old post)?

EBEBRATT-Ed · April 18

Since the water loss seems exacerbated the more the boiler runs it would indicate steam leaks somewhere. They are more difficult to find as steam evaporates while a water leak is easier to spot.

First look around the basement for water. If you have any return lines under the basement floor that would be suspect.

When the boiler is running for heat check the air vents on the rads, the packing and union nut on the radiator valves and any vents in the basement. Look for any water stains. use a mirror around the air vents….the mirror will fog up if you have a steam leak.

Its less likely for the pipes to leak. If you have any pipes running through a crawl space you don't go into often? Or a garage that has radiation shut off?

A few small leaks can add up.

Also make sure the boiler is set to run low pressure 2psi max, 1 1/2psi is better.

redheadgenes · April 21

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1852721#Comment_1852721

Thanks Matt. When would you do annual maintenance on your system? I replaced all the vents on the rads, and checked the valves - one valve was replaced. I will ask about buried returns, but I don't think I have that. The main steam valve was replaced — that got water loss down to once a week which is still too much. Boiler is at low pressure. My plumber seems committed to working on the issue but can't figure it out. The boiler is in the basement and it's the first floor apt - the only unexposed pipe would be the small section where it goes through the floor….any thoughts appreciated

Mad Dog_2 · April 21

Have you reached out to New England Steam Works Company? They work the State & are very good. Mad Dog

109A_5 · April 21

I suppose you could have a crack in a pipe or radiator. A thorough visual inspection may help if you have not done so already.

A simple pressure test may be the most beneficial, it can be done in the off season. Remove the vents and plug the tappings.

" I'm replacing old / unuseful electric baseboard "

Unuseful ? What are you heating with now ? If I was going with a mini-split and had electric baseboard I'd keep it as a backup heat source.

Long Beach Ed · April 21

Have your plumber pressurize the system with air after plugging all vent openings. That will easily locate any leaks.

mattmia2 · April 21

did you flood the boiler and look for water leaking out of the boiler itself above the water line?

pecmsg · April 21

if you have to tell the plumber how to do it is that the person you want working on it?

Question about boiler maintenance/fixing problem in the warmer months

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