Filling the Boiler and Recommendation for a B

We are new homeowners of a house with steam heat, and were told we have to “fill the boiler” every week.  The boiler does not have an automatic water feeder.  Where/how to we fill it?  I don’t see a place where one could pour water in, but it does seem to be connected to the hot water heater – am I supposed to turn on the faucet from the hot water heater?  Something else? We have read We Got Steam Heat by Dan Holohan, which is very helpful primer but doesn’t tell us how to fill the boiler.   Also does anyone have a recommendation of a boiler professional who can give us an orientation to our boiler and heating system? Thanks!

backeast

in Boiler Repair 13 years and 3 months ago

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Master Plvmber | 13 years and 3 months ago

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Why not take out a Service and Maintenance Agreement with a plumbing company and have the technicians show you how to do it yourself. By the way, filling a boiler once a week is absurd. Any boiler under 250,000 BTUs shouldn’t require more than about a gallon a month. If it needs more than that then you’ve got a leak somewhere.

http://brownstoner.staging.wpengine.com/gatewayplumbing

wyckoff | 13 years and 3 months ago

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There should be a cold water line running into the boiler, with a turn valve about 4 -5ft off the ground.  It should be on the same side of the boiler as the glass tube water level indicator.  The water level should be 1/2 to 2/3 the way up that tube.  When you turn the valve you should be able to hear the water running and watch it rise, slowly, in the tube.   Strongly suggest you call a good plumber to check out and service your unit, make sure your automatic cutoff is working properly, and give you a tutorial.  While your at it, the automatic feed is not that expensive to add and well worth it.

timber | 13 years and 3 months ago

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You’ll ultimately need a plumber if you’re a homeowner so it would be wise to develop a relationship right away.  Most reputable and licensed plumbers can give you an accurate primer about your boiler. Check the archive on this site as their are many recommendations.  My “go to” guy for my steam heat is Joe Kerrigan, 718 697-0000\. Since it is cold today you should make sure you check and fill it asap.