Aristotle Zoulas
New Member
Hello, I understand that on a steam boiler with radiator system , one needs to remove some water on a monthly basis to help remove some debris from the entire system. My question is what is the best way to do this. My local plumber (licensed) recommended the following: With the boiler running, let water out into a bucket slowly keeping your eye on the sight glass. At some point the low water cutoff will be activated. This will turn the boiler off. A minute or so later, the auto fill valve will be activated and will automatically fill the boiler with clean water . This will happen in several stages as to prevent thermal shock. When the proper level is reached, the auto fill valve is deactivated and all is back to normal. The plumber recommended this method as this will test critical boiler components.
My question is this: if the low water cut off fails, does this mean you will burn out the boiler? In this particular case, the low water cut off kicks on after the sight glass is completely empty, is this normal? How much water is in the boiler at the point the sight glass is empty? Is it at a critical level? My main goal here is to make sure I am doing it right and moreover to prevent possible damage.
Many Thanks, Aristotle
My question is this: if the low water cut off fails, does this mean you will burn out the boiler? In this particular case, the low water cut off kicks on after the sight glass is completely empty, is this normal? How much water is in the boiler at the point the sight glass is empty? Is it at a critical level? My main goal here is to make sure I am doing it right and moreover to prevent possible damage.
Many Thanks, Aristotle