I started draining my radiators today fearing a clog since our heater hadn't turned on yet. After dumping at least ten gallons, I'm wondering how much more I have to go... The pilot light is ON on our gas pushed-water heater... new to this... advice appreciated... TIM
2006-10-01 11:39:00 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
None. Never drain a boiler unless you have to. Air in a system causes all kinds of problems. Most boilers have an automatic fill valve that maintains 12# of pressure in the system.
Bleed the air out of the radiators and forget about it.
Most boilers are trouble free and draining the system will only increase the chances of having a problem.
The only thing that needs periodic draining on a boiler is the expansion tank. If you have a diaphram type it doesn't need draining. Diaphram type: http://www.kingsolar.com/catalog/mfg/amtrol/4un87.jpg
The type of expansion tank that needs draining every few seasons: http://images.oldhouseweb.com/stories/bitmaps/10463/expansiontank.jpg
2006-10-01 18:22:07 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THe rule of thumb is after you figure out your capacity, drain 3/4 of the water, but only with the system off. Refill with distilled, if possible. Why? because distilled water does not contain the scaling properties of city or well water and will not scale your system. While filling go to the highest point (radiator) in your system and open the bleed. Eventhough most systems have a type of auto air bleed, they usually are archaic and do not work very well. Fill the system and the air will be pushed out of the open bleed loop. Operate your system, but bleed it a couple of times, this is called burping the system. Some trapped air will rise to the highest point, but you need to circulate the water, the easiest way to do this is by simply running your system. Then repeat the steps fpr bleeding. Good LucK
2006-10-01 20:04:25 · answer #2 · answered by biganess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out the brand name of your boiler -- the unit that heats and propels the water. Then you can find an owner's manual on line.
If you let water out without adding some back in, you'll have air in the system, which can cause unwanted noises. It can also interfere with the flow of water. Your system has a built-in way to let air escape, but these methods vary in different brands.
Also, you can great problems by running your system with too little water. So turn it off until you find out how to get it going properly :)
If you can't find a manual, look for the model number, then post a request on here. Someone is sure to help!
2006-10-01 19:00:15 · answer #3 · answered by MailorderMaven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stoppp shut everything down before draining! and either way a heater will start reguardless of whether its clogged or not! it simply wont heat as well...but once you drain you have to bleedout each and every radiator in most cases afterwards!
2006-10-03 18:09:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it hot water or steam.
2006-10-02 13:44:02 · answer #5 · answered by Carp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋