Ask Me Help Desk - Leaking Water Boiler

Leaking Water Boiler

We have an oil burner which heats water for the central heating system in our house. This boiler also heats water in an Amtrol Boilermate hot water heater for the potable hot water system. I turned off the water supply to the house at the main to perform a plumbing repair and the boiler leaked a few gallons of water until the water supply was turned back on a few hours later. I think it was coming from the PRV although I cannot be certain as I didn't actually see it.

Could this be indicative of some bigger problem or could it be normal ?

Thanks,
Curt

Quote:

I think it was coming from the PRV

A PRV,(pressure regulating valve) valve regulates the pressure coming into the house. I know it sounds like a "pressure relief valve" but I believe you're referring to a T & P Valve. Do you have a sprinkler system or a check valve/ backflow preventer installed? Let me know, Tom

Yes, when I said PRV I really meant a T & P Valve. Also, we do have a sprinkler system installed with a backflow preventer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unleadedblues

Yes, when I said PRV I really meant a T & P Valve. Also, we do have a sprinkler system installed with a backflow preventer.

Even though you were impolite enough to lay a bad report on me because you didn't understand why I asked those questions I'll still give you a solution. (Do you think I ask these question to confuse you or to make myself feel impotent ?) What is your house PSI? The PRV valve installed on the water service makes it a closed system. Any fluctuation in the system such as turning off and on the water or even as the water in the boiler expands as it heats will kick on the T&P valve. The solution would be to install a expansion tamk, (see image). This is a tank that accepts the extra pressure and fluctuation that installs on the cold water supply to the heater. Think of it as a big air chamber for your system. If you already have one installed check to make sure it's not loaded up with water. Tom

I still need to know the house PSI after the water enters. Regards, Tom