How do you fill a header tank in a hot water heating system?

Question

My system is full of air , although I bleed it it continually fills up again.

Answer 1

Shut the valve off that goes to the tank,then open the drain on the tank, and completely empty it(this will take quite a while to gurgle out) then open the valve, a combination of air and excess hot water will fill the tank and you should be good to go.

Answer 2

I believe what you are calling the "header tank" is what is refered to as the expansion tank. This tank, (bladder type) has a small air valve(similar to a bike tire air valve) on the top. It should also have a rating pressure on the label. The purpose of this is that your hydronic system is supposed to be a sealed system and the pipes are expected to be completly filled with water.
But Physics raises its pesky head and when you heat water it expands to fill a larger volume. The tank absorbs that expansion without allowing your pipe to burst. The Bladder, under pressure actually diplaces the air space that would form as the water cools.
That kind of leads into your problem with air "constantly" getting into your system. Yes, it could be the tank has failed but a more likly culprit would be one or more water leaks in the system. Has your boilers low water shut off engaged?
Has your automatic water feeder been kicking in?
Do you have a water meter installed on your feed line to moniter if it is feeding water? (good investment from a maintainence outlook, discover the leak before you get the $800 water bill).

Test the expansion tank with a tire gauge, is the air pressure close to its rating?
Did water squirt out instead (its shot if so).

Anyway below is a link to a website with more information on Hydronic and steam systems than you ever thought to as. The forum there is frequented by heating contractors from around th US and they are pretty willing to help out the new guy (or gal).

Answer 3

your header tank is designed for expansion, once you get the system filled, you should not have to keep adding water. One thing you want to look for is to see if your system has any leaks in it, water can escape, but also air is allowed in at the same time.

Answer 4

Try doing a search on (hot water heating systems) see what comes up. You may want to try a google search also. Include the parentheses, hope this helps you. There are so many different systems. It is hard to give you a definite answer.

Answer 5

Get the newer style bladder tank. They're smaller, lighter and work much better. You'll have to replace the old one so you'll get some minimal air in the system. Bleed the radiators
starting from your farthest to the nearest to the boiler.

Answer 6

Simplest technique is to stand above it and have a ****.