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The boiler goes off on low water

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Published
July 10, 2009 Subscribe to RSS feed

The water backs out of the boiler.
This problem often pops up with a gravity-return (no condensate- or boiler-feed pump) system. If the boiler pressure is more than the "B" Dimension can overcome, the water will back into the return lines, and often cause water hammer at the ends of the main. The water hammer can damage the steam traps.
If the boiler has an automatic water feeder, the feeder will add water. At the end of the heating cycle, the condensate will return from the system, and since the feeder added water, the boiler will flood. Try lowering the pressure.
And keep in mind, the Dead Men designed most gravity-return, two-pipe systems to run well at extremely low pressure (typically in ounces). If you can't heat the building at low pressure, the system is probably air-bound. Check your air vents.