Fluctuating Gas Pressure???
How likely is it that we have fluctuating gas pressure supply in Brooklyn? What is most likely to cause it (eg external supply problem, undetected leak, bad meter,…)? Over the last week we have had a problem with our (high efficiency) boiler turning itself off because of insufficient gas supply. When our plumber came, he…
How likely is it that we have fluctuating gas pressure supply in Brooklyn? What is most likely to cause it (eg external supply problem, undetected leak, bad meter,…)?
Over the last week we have had a problem with our (high efficiency) boiler turning itself off because of insufficient gas supply. When our plumber came, he got a gas pressure reading of 4″ of water column, below the necessary 6″ required (& 7″ promised by national grid). National Grid then came to check it out & they found the pressure was fine (ie around 7″). National Grid checked for leaks & found none, turned on the boiler & it worked. Since then the boiler has failed again yesterday although when we started it, it fired up fine. This morning it failed again. Any ideas? Thanks
Thanks again. We have an indirect hot water tank heated by the boiler. The only other gas appliance we run is the cooktop which is on a different meter & certainly not the culprit.
The meter seems a likely culprit
Do you have a gas-fired water heater? The pressure may drop when both units turn on simultaneously.
Sometimes you have to put a gauge before and after the meter at the same time and see what is being lost through it as it runs. This will tell you if the supply line from the street is compromised as well.
A plumber who specializes in HE boilers will know this stuff. Maybe just give him time to figure it out.
Thanks for the reply.
Do you have any other thoughts as I believe the 4″ reading was made when the boiler was off. Also, the plumber (who specializes in these boilers) & the National Grid guy both thought the supply was sufficient.
It probably only drops when the unit is on and drawing gas.
That usually means the gas supply line to the boiler is undersized.
Common problem with high efficiency boilers installations.