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Help! Boiler Water Spewing from Valves

Whitney_2
Whitney_2 Member Posts: 4
in THE MAIN WALL
I came home this evening to a mess and I'm not sure what caused it. Two of my downstairs radiators were spewing streams of rusty water - and quite a bit of it. I turned the system off immediately. But now, what to do?

All I can figure is that maybe the water level in the boiler is so high that it backed up and came up through the pipes. (The two that had the water coming out are the first 2 on the cycle.) The water gauge on the boiler is always almost 100% full, and has always been since I've lived here. I know it should be at 3/4, but don't know how to adjust it. Is it possible that this is the culprit behind my mess? I'd appreciate any advice on the situation.

One last question... so, now will the radiators be full of water? How do I flush them out?? Or will it work itself out?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Comments

  • Whitney_2
    Whitney_2 Member Posts: 4
    Boiler water spewing from radiator valves

    I came home this evening to a mess and I'm not sure what caused it. Two of my downstairs radiators were spewing streams of rusty water - and quite a bit of it. I turned the system off immediately. But now, what to do?

    All I can figure is that maybe the water level in the boiler is so high that it backed up and came up through the pipes. (The two that had the water coming out are the first 2 on the cycle.) The water gauge on the boiler is always almost 100% full, and has always been since I've lived here. I know it should be at 3/4, but don't know how to adjust it. Is it possible that this is the culprit behind my mess? I'd appreciate any advice on the situation.

    One last question... so, now will the radiators be full of water? How do I flush them out?? Or will it work itself out?

    Thanks in advance for any help!!
  • JB_8
    JB_8 Member Posts: 85
    water to much

    Go to the celler and turn the water feed to the boiler all the way off. Then drain the water out of the boiler till its 2/3 or a little less maybe 1/2. Its the lowest valve with a garden hose thread connect on it. You filled it to much. Everything in moderation.
  • Brad White_52
    Brad White_52 Member Posts: 19
    A few things to check

    If the water level has been that high for that long, I suspect that the fill valve (if manual) or automatic feeder (if, guess what? Automatic!) has a leak-by condition. It is likely not closing all the way.

    It could be that if manual it has not been tightened all the way closed or if automatic, may have a piece of scale or rust under the seat, preventing it from closing.

    Now the water level comes home to roost.

    The way to lower the boiler water level to the 2/3 mark is to open the lower drain valve and/or use the opportunity to flush the Low Water Cut-Off. That is the usually black iron device with a downward projection astride the boiler at the water line. There is a valve at the base. Stuff can collect there so you want to flush it on a regular basis. By draining from that point you can get the water to below the water line quickly, then fill to where you can see the level.

    If in doubt though- do not hesitate to call a pro.

    Nothing you describe sounds unusual, it does happen, especially as you said, the water has become dirty.

    Short term you can check the feed water level controls, longer term you may be in for a cleaning. Far better minds on this site than I, by a long shot.

    My $0.02

    Brad
  • Empire_2
    Empire_2 Member Posts: 2,340
    In this case,...

    Call a pro. like Brad stated. It may or may not be a serious problem, but it sure does need attention. Without a 20 page report, we cannot tell what you have (as far as equipment and controls) but, you should ALWAY's have your boiler checked every year. Small problems usually result into larger problems, especially if unchecked....

    Mike T.
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