How familiar are you with the operation of the boiler in your Waterford, MI home? One of the keys to proper operation is making sure the system is operating at the correct pressure. This is vital to assure proper circulation between the radiators. This is especially critical in multi-story houses. Your boiler should have a pressure gauge (styles vary) to show clearly if the pressure is in the proper range. If not, there are some things you can do before calling for a boiler repair.
What if the pressure in my boiler is too low?
- Go to the boiler and locate the two filling valves.
- Completely open one of the valves.
- Slowly start opening the second valve while watching how the pressure gauge responds.
- Allow the needle to reach the middle of the normal or green zone.
- Close the 2nd valve fully but do not over-tighten.
- Now close and tighten the 1st valve.
What if the pressure in my boiler is too high?
This situation is pretty rare because the system should regulate itself. The system will have a pressure relief valve to release excess pressure. Here are some things to note about the pressure relief system:
- When the valve opens to release pressure it’s normal to see a drop or two of water.
- Any sort of continuous water flow means the valve is defective or the boiler is over-pressurized.
- If the pressure doesn’t drop, make sure both filling valves are closed.
- Still too high? Then it’s time to call for boiler maintenance or repair.
How Often?
Pressure in a boiler generally remains very stable so there is no need to check the pressure gauge every day, or even every week. This is our recommendation for when to do it:
- When the heating season starts
- One or two months later
- Immediately after bleeding the radiators and again the following day
Rest assured, a check of boiler pressure is part of any heating maintenance performed by Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
Caution and Safety
There is certainly no reason why the typical Waterford, MI homeowner can’t monitor boiler pressure, but always remember any pressurized system does present some level of danger. Do not attempt ANY sort of repair or maintenance if you are not completely comfortable with what you are doing. You are better off calling in the professionals from Kotz. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
