After no heat In December of 2009, my steam furnace was serviced. On the first visit, the service ticket indicates the sight glass was replaced and system skimmed. The system was still not operating properly and on the second visit, a pigtail and pressure tool was replaced. Even after the service, the system is still making the noises that are not “normal” and I have recently noticed that some of the radiators have been leaking at the release valves and temperature knobs. Yesterday, I finally reached my limit with the unusual sounds and leaking, so I decided to “look” at the furnace during a cycle and noticed the water level was extremely low (about 1 inch of water showing). I have monitored the system for the past 24 hours and during this time the water levels have not reached the optimum level [the system has an automatic water feed]. I am concerned about a safety issue with this problem and have already spent over $600.00. I wondering if this sounds like a new problem or related to the original service? I’m not sure what to expect when I have the service company come back. Thanks in advance for your insight.

Hi Pa337:

Your boiler sounds like it is still surging and basically throwing water up into the steam system... creates some pretty loud noises and clunking sounds. Your boiler will need to be skimmed again. Rare, but sometimes a boiler needs to be skimmed more than once, especially if the boiler hasn't been skimmed before.

Let us know if you'd like to discuss more... O.K?

MARK