My steam gas boiler?

Call a plumber that knows boilers, have him check out the system, and have him show you how to use it. Why take any risks?

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 9:22 AM

The glass tube should generally be half to 3/4 filled. If the boiler has too much water (ie the glass tube is filled over the top) it should automatically drain itself. It is very important that you do not over fill the boiler as water will start leaking from the radiators & cause water damage all over the house. However, more important than overfilling, is not having any water in the boiler. This can cause the boiler to crack, at which point your only remedy is to spend thousands replacing the unit.
The automatic feed (which is apparently working properly based on your description)is supposed to automatically fill the boiler to the required level. You should always visually check the water level to make sure that the feed is working properly - like any thing else it will stop working - don't panic - it could be years before it konks out. If your feed is not working, then you will need to manually feed the boiler (generally about once/week).
During the heating season you should check the boiler about twice/week - make sure the water level is good & nothing else looks or sounds odd - you'll know after a few weeks what is "normal". Most service people will tell you to drain the boiler weekly as well. This is to flush out any dirt that builds up. You should drain until the water comes out clear. When the water level gets low enough the feed will kick in - this will also help you to know if its working properly.
Finally, I would also recommend you call an experienced boiler installer/repair person to explain the system in detail - not all plumbers know about boilers.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 12:08 PM

Slightly off topic but does anyone know when landlords are required by law to turn boilers on for their tenants? I've heard there's a drop-dead date but don't know when that is.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 3:16 PM

If it's a gas boiler I'd highly suggest getting a maintenance contract with Keyspan. Aside from getting priority service they perform an annual inspection. If it's a oil system get your supplier to perform a check-up and inquire if they offer a service agreement.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 3:25 PM

In NYC heating season is October 1 to May 31. From 6am to 10pm when the temperature outside is below 55 the inside must be heated to at least 68 degrees. From 10pm to 6am if the temperature is below 40 degrees the inside must be heated to 55.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 3:30 PM

I also have a steam system with a manual feed. All I know about it is the limited rundown I got from the home inspector when I bought the house.

Home maintenance books cover forced air and hot water heat, but not steam. Even on the internet, I have not found a website that provides information on how homeowners should maintain steam systems and what problems to look for.

Steam heat is the info black hole.

Posted by: guest at October 30, 2007 4:00 PM

Go to www.heatinghelp.com

The best website for steam and hotwater heating. Also have a board where you can post questions.

Posted by: guest at October 31, 2007 7:48 AM

Steam heating is not a big black hole. There have been numerous posts on steam heat on brownstoner. Do a search. Heating help will give you three books to buy, we got steam heat, pocket full of steam problems and a pink one, can't remember the name. Steam heat is common here, so most plumbers around should have knowledge. Get a service contract. We use gateway. It's about $200 a year and they will show you what you need to do to maintain the boiler.

Posted by: guest at October 31, 2007 7:20 PM

I have a boiler steam heating system . I normally flush and feed every other week to rid the system of the sediment. Tonight I opened the flush value and no water is coming out! The glass tube is 3/4 full with water and my pressure is showing normal. Then I added more water to the system and it still won't flush. Can anyone help me out? I'm completly baffled. Thank you for time.
Linda

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 8:52 PM

I have a boiler steam heating system . I normally flush and feed every other week to rid the system of the sediment. Tonight I opened the flush value and no water is coming out! The glass tube is 3/4 full with water and my pressure is showing normal. Then I added more water to the system and it still won't flush. Can anyone help me out? I'm completly baffled. Thank you for time.
Linda

Posted by: guest at November 13, 2007 9:33 PM

I have a Weil-McLain gas steam boiler. When the feeder start filling the boiler with water, the feeding pipe starts vibrating violently, causing all cold water pipes to vibrate and make a terrible noise. The boiler maintenance company changed the feeding valve, but the vibration and accompanying terrible noise continue. Any one can help?

Posted by: guest at December 19, 2007 11:23 AM

I have a Weil-McLain gas steam boiler. When the feeder start filling the boiler with water, the feeding pipe starts vibrating violently, causing all cold water pipes to vibrate and make a terrible noise. The boiler maintenance company changed the feeding valve, but the vibration and accompanying terrible noise continue. Any one can help?

Posted by: guest at December 19, 2007 11:27 AM