water loss


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Boilerroom.com Steam-Forum - Number 2 ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by oleg on January 02, 2002 at 06:26:04:

Happy New Year everyone,

I am a new homeowner. My 1940s town-house has a one-pipe steam system with aging Utica boiler. The system has long been neglected by the previous owner.
We flushed the boiler, replaced some worn-off electric wires, replaced old radiator vents with new Gorton vents, according to the chart.
We are now faced with the following issues:

1.I have to add water about every three days. I suspect a leak.
I understand from past messages on this site that this can be caused by a hole in the boiler, a hole in one of the pipes or bad radiator vents.
I have new vents. I dont know if there is a test to tell whether there is a hole in the boiler or one in a pipe?

2.Every couple of days I can see some black sediment in the lower end of the sight gauge.
I understand from past messages that this can be caused by dirt in the boiler.
How can I clean it ?

3.The radiator on the second floor, in the bedroom, makes loud gurgling sound coming from the area of the supply valve.
I suspect defective/old supply valve and I intend to replace it.
What is the procedure for replacing supply valve ? Do I also have to do something to the radiator in question ?

Last, but not least: It is 20F outside, and I got a newborn in my house. Is it smart to start doing things to the system now, or should I wait till spring?

I really appreciate your help, gentlemen!


Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Boilerroom.com Steam-Forum - Number 2 ] [ FAQ ]