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April 13, 2008
Boiler Glass Water Gauge Slow to React.
When I either add or remove water to my Burnham boiler, the glass water level gauge is very slow to show the actual change in the water level of the boiler. I have to come back a half hour later to see what the results are. I assume that the connection from the gauge to the boiler tank is clogged. If this is the case, are there any thoughts on how to unclog it or should I call in the experts to have a look.
Thanks for your help...
Comments
You can flush the lower gauge valve by loosening the hex nut plug on the bottom.
The best way to do this is:
With boiler off and COOL and a bucket under the gauge assembly:
1. Turn valve handle all the way clockwise.
2. Unscrew hex plug until water drains from gauge glass.
3. Turn valve counter-clockwise to allow water to drain from direction of boiler.
4. When water is flowing freely, passageway is clear. Screw plug back in either while water is flowing or turn valve clockwise again and then do it.
5. Don't overtighten plug. Hand tighten plus quarter turn with flat-jaw tool.
6. Ensure both upper and lower gauge valves are in the full-counter-clockwise (open) position.
7. Fill boiler and return to service.
Good luck with this easy DIY job.
www.GatewayPlumbing.com
Posted by: Master Plvmber at April 13, 2008 12:26 PM
OP Here... Thanks for this great info. I did this and the water was still not flowing. What I noticed is that when the top valve was in the open position, water flowed into the glass tube and out the opening in the bottom (Yeah, it must have been flooded since I had no indication of where the water level was). However, when the bottom valve was open and the top closed nothing would flow. I assumed that the bottom valve was clogged somehow so I removed the valve stem. I then grabbed a piece of electical wire and jammed it into the valve and broke through some crud that was blocking the flow of water and water is flowing. I just thought I would post a follow-up in case anyone else encounters this same problem.
Thanks again Master Plvmber. Your contribution to this forum is greatly appreciated.
Posted by: pwhite at April 13, 2008 8:18 PM
My pleasure, pwhite. Just know that there is no practical reason to ever turn off that top valve.
Also, as you seem to have the DIY skills to remove the bottom valve's stem, next time just use one of the gauge glass's protector rods to push through and clear that passageway.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at April 13, 2008 8:45 PM
Good point about not needing to close the top valve. I figured I would shut it off so I could isolate the bottom valve to prove out that it was the one that was clogged.
You know I searched for about 5 mintutes looking for something the right diameter to poke through that valve and it never occurred to me to use the metal rods that were staring me in the face. I guess that's why you are the pro and I'm just a DIY'er.
Thanks again...
Posted by: pwhite at April 13, 2008 10:14 PM
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