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Adding Hercules boiler liquid to boiler

genericnj
genericnj Member Posts: 75
in Gas Heating

My boiler seems to have a small leak somewhere, no water is coming out, but I have to periodically add water, it's an old Burnham boiler and hot water baseboard system, no rads/no steam so should not be losing water. Honestly not sure if the boiler itself is leaking or if there is a leak in the pipes under the house (no crawlspace, the house sits on a concrete foundation and the boiler pipes go into it so I would even know if it's leaking there... So, I want to try adding a couple quarts of Hercules boiler liquid to see if it helps. Per instructions it says the boiler must be hot when product is added. So I am thinking, I'll have to run it up to temp, then drain enough to remove safety valve and add the product, reinstall the valve and refill with fresh water. The problem is that I will be adding cold fresh water as the boiler is not hooked up to a hot water feed, but cold water. I'm worried if I do that on a hot boiler, I will crack it... Any thoughts on this? Also I read some people add the product by injecting through the drain hose using a pump. How would I do that, I don't mind buying a pump if that will make the job easier and less likely to cause a cracked boiler... Thank you all.

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,122

    There is a force pump made for that purpose.

    As far as the hot boiler with adding cold water to it… that will depend on the location of the fill valve and where the cold water enters the system. If the cold water enters on the return side, then adding cold water there will mix with the return water the is probably 160° so that should warm up the water some. just add the water slowly. If the water is fed on the supply side of the system, then adding water there with the circulator pump operating should push the cold water away from the boiler and mix it with the 180° supply water from the boiler.

    The basic idea is that the chemicals work better when hot. Adding the chemicals when the boiler is at room temperature and then heating the system while circulating the room temperature water while the burner takes a several minutes to heat the water will just mean that it will take more time for the leaks to get plugged up with chemical.

    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: 25,703

    you might look at the squirt cans, screw it onto a hose connection tightly before you pull the trigger

    It can work on small leaks, but start thinking about a plan B for your system, leaks could get worse beyond what a sealer can handle

    If the suggested dose doesn’t work, do not over do or it may plug other components

    IMG_1123.jpeg
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,122

    OMG I just looked up how much the supply companies want for that Silver King™ force pump.

    "fagataboutit"

    remove the relief valve and pour it in there.

    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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