I really can’t figure this out. Whenever my hot water boiler is running, water drips signifigantly out of the relief valve. A few basics: two zones, about 12 ft of head from inlet regulator to highest point in loop. I have replaced the 3/4-30 psi Watts valve TWICE. I have replaced the regulator valve, and now have it set at about 11 psi. I soldered in pressure gauges on both sides of the regulator, and the valve leaks as soon as the pressure gets to about 24 psi. I probably lose about 2 gallons a day. There is a typical expansion tank, but I don’t know what the pressure on the air side is supposed to be. I have experimented with changing the pressure regulator both up and down without success. Could there be a pressure differential between the boiler’s tank area and the water inlet where I have the gauge? My city water holds at about 55 psi.
I’ve given up on dumping out the bucket where the water drains, so now the bucket just runs over on the basement floor.
Thanks for any advice,
Mike
Replies
the pressure should not climb much when the system is running 'cause the expansion tank should take care of this. Check the valve on the end of the tank sounds like it full of water or close to it. There needs to be atleast 50% air space in the tank to compress. Water does not compress so it comes out of the valve (not a bad thing, better than breaking a joint somewhere).
Since I didn't see any mention of draining the expansion tank, I gotta agree. I'd totally drain that expansion tank and then see what you've got.
If this is a "conventional" tank with no mechanical provisions for maintaining the air to water ratio, you'll close off the water valve to the tank, attach maybe a 4'-6' length of garden hose to the drain fitting of the tank, open that valve and then alternately let it drain water, blow air back into the tank via that hose and then allow more water to drain out. Continue until tank is empty. Close drain valve and open the water valve.
Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
Edited 2/1/2005 11:19 pm ET by GOLDHILLER
Edited 2/1/2005 11:21 pm ET by GOLDHILLER