No Water in Boiler Gauge Glass

I have one-pipe steam heat with a gas boiler. I flush the low water cutoff every week or so and usually add some water to the system at the same time. Tonight when I went to do it, I noticed there was no water in the gauge glass. So I flushed the low water cutoff and then added what seemed like a lot of water to the boiler -in fact water started dripping out of the main vents, but still no water was showing up in the gauge glass. I had the boiler serviced a couple of months ago. Any idea what could be wrong?

backeast

in Plumbers and Plumbing 11 years and 6 months ago

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g2bdon16st | 11 years and 6 months ago

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No, you’re all set. Just don’t over-service the system. Check periodically: view the water level in the glass (when cool) periodically; drain a small amount (when cool) periodically to flush sediment (approx 1 pint) and , of course, in the future don’t over-fill. Good luck.

backeast | 11 years and 6 months ago

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Thanks! The gauge glass was indeed completely full, which explains the flooding at the master vents and vents at some of the radiators. I’ve let water out of the boiler so now the gauge glass is a little more than half full when the boiler is cool. Is there anything else I should do?

g2bdon16st | 11 years and 6 months ago

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Apology; last post not too clear. Master Plumber put it correctly, i.e., the glass is actually full; you’re just not seeing b/c when full it appears empty. YOU OVERFILLED THE SYSTEM; DRAIN THE EXCESS WATER OUT AND YOU’LL BE SET.

g2bdon16st | 11 years and 6 months ago

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You have water in the glass; you are not seeing it because you over-filled the system as evidenced by water coming out of the vents. (This is easier to do than you might think). Drain the water as usual until you see it again at approx half way up the glass.

sam56729 | 11 years and 6 months ago

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I would suggest that you call a pro for this to prevent future failure/damage. I’ve tried and it’s not easy being on the other end doing it all on your own without expereince in doing so. You can just go to myezbz.com and find local repair services by posting a free inquiry.

Master Plvmber | 11 years and 6 months ago

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Make sure the two valves on top and bottom of the gauge glass are both open (turned counter clockwise). Also, are you sure the glass isn’t completely full and only looks empty? Does the dial-type pressure gauge show a reading?