Relief valve blowing off on hot water boiler (furnace).possible cause...Part 3

32 years in the trade has taught me a thing or two.This is another possibility why your relief valve has popped on your hot water boiler.Very first thing to do is turn off the power to the furnace as heating the water will cause the relief to pop again as it has no where to expand. If it is extremely cold and you cannot get it fixed you will have to contend with the water. An extrol tank could be the problem. There is a diaghram in the tank. The tank comes pre-charged with 12 pounds of pressure. If your relief valve is blowing off; check your tank by tapping the top and then the bottom. They should sound differently if the tank is good. If they sound the same then it is time to replace the tank. I personally don't like extrol tanks as it cannot be drained like an expansion tank can. Every time the extrol tank diaghram gets a pin hole you have to purchase a new one as compared to a 36 inch expansion tank that will last for decades...please subscribe and have a good day.

[@72MAV]

I watched your video after I had water coming out of my pressure relief valve. I replaced the Extrol tank and it fixed me up! I just wanted to say thank you very much. You saved me a lot of money by doing it myself. Appreciate it.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello 72MAV; You are more then welcome! Congrats on the repair! Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@PSCIED Hello there; Glad to see you finally got a handle on it. Pain in the backside for sure. Every now and then I will come across a faulty tank. Stay on top of the recall and I hope everything works out well for you. Thanks for commenting and all the best in 2012!!! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@PSCIED Once the guage is reading zero on the boiler; take a tire guage and check the pressure in the extrol tank. It should read around 14 pounds. If it is not reading anything then the tank either has to be charged or may have a bad bladder in it considering it is new; it should be replaced under warranty.Once you have checked the tank slowly open the feedwater valve to the boiler and let the pressure build up to 12 psi. Good luck and keep me posted!!! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Ben; Thanks for the input ben; A pressure relief valve that blows at 20 pounds would be a faulty valve. I have seen boilers dancing on the floor and the relief valve didn't hit 30 psi, but the temperature exceeded 212 degrees and was producing steam. In the case mentioned I would say the aquastat could be somewhere to start at if the temperature is climbing for no reason at all. Some relief valves do not seat after they pop as well. Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@ianmacdon Hey Ian; Over time I believe it happens to most people unless they regularly check the pressure on the boiler and drain the expansion tank. Although there a number of things besides the tank that will cause this problem. With the extrol tank being about 1/5th the cost of an expansion tank; most installers are using extrols.Once the bladder goes in them they are simply replaced. Thanks for commenting and have a great day!!! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@kendry007 Thanks for your comment. Yes, it is preset at 12 psi from the factory. Have a great day!!!...Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@PSCIED Hello; First thing I would check would be the tradicator (gauge)on the furnace. If it is reading around 20 pounds pressure when the furnace is operating and water is coming from your relief valve may; the relief valve is faulty. Not overly common,but it happens. If your furnace has a coil in it for your domestic hot water; it's possible for the coil to get a pinhole in it over time and put the pressure over 30 psi. Let me know what is going on with it... Tks for commenting and G.L. Al

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Jay; Where did you drain the water off the boiler at?You turned the valve off that feeds the boiler. It should be before the feed water valve ( pressure reducing valve ) which reduces the pressure of the water going into the boiler.Do you have an expansion tank which would be located in the ceiling or do you have a small extrol tank that would be connected just above the boiler most times?It is about 12 inches in diameter. Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance! Al

[@windsurfed1]

That’s funny. I have this same exact system. My pressure was going up relief valve is opening. Now I know what the problem is. Thanks for doing this video.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello windsurfed1, You're welcome! Hopefully the repair goes well for you! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the weekend! Al

[@rl4889]

Great video and also great input and comments

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello R L, Thanks! Hopefully it helped with your repair! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@kendry007 Thanks for your comment.

[@TheOldkid888]

@mandy5181 Hello Mandy; Does your boiler have a coil in it for domestic hot water? At what temperature does the burner turn off at. The guage on the front is called the tradicator will show you this. Let me know as soon as possible and I will send you a response! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@mandy5181 Hello Mandy; When your boiler is operating the pressure should be around 20 psi. Give or take a pound. The relief valve is set at 30 psi. The coil in your furnace may have a pinhole in it. One way to check is to turn the supply valve off to the coil. If your pressure does not rise then your coil has to be changed. When your boiler is operating and calling for heat does it cut out where the high limit is set at on the Aquastat? How old is your Boiler? Al

[@evertonmclean3328]

how are you today.my boiler relief valve was leaking so i change it but my pressure is now up to almost 30 psi before i change the valve it was in the 20 max

[@cpoul]

Hi OldKid Heat running, pressure builds to 20lbs, blows off some water until it builds back up to 20lbs and blows off some water again. Bell & Gosset expansion tank. 11-12 year old boiler w/coil. Boiler temp was increasing from 175, 180, 185, 190, 195. Pressure never went beyond 20lbs and blew off some water every time once it hit 20lbs. Suggestions?

[@amaz1ng77]

My pressure relief valve leaks. The tractometer is at 30psi when the boiler is operating . I put in a new pressure relief valve and a new expansions tank and still have the same problem .?

[@TheOldkid888]

@PSCIED Hello; Something is not adding up here.You had the tank already replaced and the pressure reducing valve.Shut the valve feeding the boiler and see where the pressure goes when it runs;just to check the pressure reducing valve.To me;it sounds like the tank. Is it an extrol tank or a 36 inch expansion tank?One way to check the pressure in the extrol tank is leave the valve closed feeding the boiler and take a hose and drain the water off until there is no pressure showing on the guage.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello amaz1ng77; Does your boiler have a coil for hot water in it? If your tradicator is saying 30 psi then this is either caused by the coil,a water logged expansion tank or a faulty pressure reducing valve. If you boiler temperature is very high as well this will cause your pressure to increase as well which would mean that your aquastat is faulty. I apologize for the late response as I was away for a few days! Thanks for commenting and let me know how you get along! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello everton; I am fine! Do you have an expansion tank or an extrol tank on the system. The expansion tank should be about 3 feet long and the extrol is about 12 inches wide and about 12 inches high. Let me know when you get a chance. Al

[@cpoul]

I checked 15 minutes after I turned heat off and boiler not running. Boiler temp 205, 12lbs pressure. Settings at 140 & 180 degrees

[@WayneBurgess1]

Is there a valve on the top of the extrol over there? Because over here there is and if you press the pin and no water comes out sometimes you can get away with pumping them up to pressure again.

[@jaypeters5572]

I don't know how to get my pressure down to 0 ....It only went down to about 10??

[@rotorway133]

Hi. Water started dripping quite a bit from the pressure relief valve (30psi) so I replaced it. Still dripping the same. Also if I barely puff on the lever on tge relief valve, water rushes out. That tells me pressure is too high. Toughts?

[@TawanaBrawley]

Hi, Do you recommend changing the expansion tank after a few years, as a precaugtion? My HVAC guy said he had installed one back in 1971 on a clients house, and it still works. He claims the new ones are not as good. My Taco conduit I change every 7-8 years. I have heavy water where I am, and rust closed the circumference of the opening, thus blocking access to the expansion tank. Luckily I heard the water gush out of the the relief valve, thus saved myself a lot of water damage in the basement.

[@TheOldkid888]

+Papa Smurf I don't recommend changing the tank, but if you have mineral laced water; it might not hurt to do it perhaps every five years. They are not overly expensive. Funny thing with tanks and it doesn't matter what type they are (pump,hot water or expansion) they can give you trouble at anytime. I agree with the HVAC guy. The old saying...They don't make things like they use to...is true of many parts made today. I have seen many tanks last decades myself. Water quality does play a big part on life expectancy. Thanks for commenting and enjoy 2016! Al

[@physiques]

Wow this video is almost 10 years old and still so helpful. I hope all is well and you're staying safe during this unfortunate time. I have a question, I changed my expansion tank, my relief value and I believe it's the regulator (bell shaped) and I'm still having pressure issues. I have to go down to the boiler and let pressure out in the morning around 9am and then again at around 6pm. Pressure will rise as high as 40 if I don't. I'm wondering what else it might be, I was thinking from online reading it may be my coil. Is there anything else I could check before having the coil replaced? Thank you for any input you can share.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Steve, First thing to check for is the boiler is shutting off at the high limit on the aquastat and not going above the setting. Simply remove the grey cover on the aquastat and check what it is set for. You will see a high and low number. As long as the boiler is shutting off around the number that the high limit is set you can eliminate the aquastat. The aquastat is the rectangular box mounted generally on the front of the boiler about two feet off the floor. A simple way to check to see if it is your coil is by turning off the water to the coil only and opening a hot water faucet overnight. Leave the hot water faucet open all night to releave any pressure build up. If the pressure doesn't go up when you check it in thew morning then you know that it is your coil. You don't necessarily have to do it over night, but it is a time when the house will be not using water. Doing it during the day can be a bit of a pain as people may open both the hot and cold and put pressure into the hot water line through the faucet. Hope this helps! Thanks for commenting and let me know how you get along! Al

[@physiques]

@@TheOldkid888 Thank you so much Al, I will start with the aquastat. I never even thought of that being a possible cause 👍 Stay healthy, stay safe. I'll keep you post not pestered lol

[@FranklinParkIL]

If your relief valve blows off the pressure was exceeded. It was most likely exceeded because your reserve air tank is filled with water. First pump up the tank with a bicycle pump. This will inflate the bladder and remove the excess water from the tank. If your relief valve remains open, foreign matter has possibly lodged between the stop valve and body. Chances are you can fix this by removing the valve, run water from the faucet while pushing up on the valve to free the foreign matter. Good.

[@johndunckley376]

my heater pipes are making sounds like running water ,,I don't see any water any where ..bit it sounds like it is pouring out some where ??? thank you

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello John; That is more then likely air in the system. I take it you have baseboard radiation. You should probably look at purging the air out of the system at some point. I did make a video on this procedure. What will eventually happen is the system will become air locked and you will not get any heat. If you are a little hesitant to do this procedure. You should look at getting someone in to do this for you. Thanks for commenting and let me know if you need any advice! Al

[@windsurfed1]

I have not checked the pressure in the tank yet. I can tell just by looking at it that it is Weighty. It’s been on there since 2003 when the system was installed.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello windsurfed1, Hopefully it is the tank and your problem is resolved. The tanks are hit and miss. Some of them las t for a few decades while others may last for a few months. If you managed to get 18 years out of it you have done very well! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the holidays! Al

[@windsurfed1]

@@TheOldkid888 got it fixed. It was the expansion tank. I put it in myself and a new gauge. Fired it up and the pressure stays right at 12 1/2 pounds

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello windsurfed1, Perfect! That's great to hear! Nice to have that behind you! Congrats on the repair! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the holidays! Al

[@windsurfed1]

@@TheOldkid888 Yes it worked great thanks for the video

[@dbest1aVlogs]

What if on the traticator the temp continuously goes to max even though temp is set to 170 or so. Then I get water blowing out the relief valve and steam .. any ideas. I did call my boiler guy.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Dbest1a Vlogs, Is the boiler still firing or does it shut down and keep climbing? If it is still firing then you have a faulty aquastat. Let me know how you make out when you get a chance....Al

[@joshuabarker9423]

What if the pressure relief valve is leaking after you change the tank, and the valve? Simultaneously, when the indirect water heater is turned off then the boiler pressure relief valved stops leaking/dripping?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Joshua, It sounds to me that there is a leak in the coil of the indirect water heater and the domestic water pressure that is higher than the heating system pressure is pushing the water back into the heating system. A very small pinhole in the coil will cause this to happen. I have seen it before. If you isolate the indirect water heater and the pressure relief valve stops dripping then that is your problem. Unfortunately the only way to correct it is to have the water heater changed out. It should be under warranty. Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the repairs! Al

[@nolan577]

Hey great video. Hope your still commenting on it. My furnace is blowing off water throw the relief valve when the furnace shuts down after a cycle. I do not have that little green tank I have an expansion tank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Adam, It sounds like the expansion tank could be waterlogged. I would shut the boiler down and close the valve going to the expansion tank and drain it. The reason it is blowing off at that time is the boiler has reached high temp and the water is at it's highest temperature which has increased the pressure in the system. I would go that route first. When you shut the valve off to the tank and put the hose on you will need to drain off at least a few large buckets of water. I drain it completely myself, but a few five gallon buckets should be good. A mistake people make is they place a hose on it and open it to a drain, but air has to replace the water in the tank, so generally there is an air inlet valve on the end the tank or built into the drain of the tank. You will have to open that after you open the drain valve. Use a bucket at first to make sure you get good flow and air goes into the tank. Sometimes there is no air inlet valve and it is painful to drain the tank as you must use a bucket and get small drips and drabs. Hopefully that is not the issue here and it drains well. Slowly open the shut off to the tank after you have drained it. I open it just a little and let it fill like that myself. Old plumber showed me how he opened the valve afterwards. Kinda stuck with me. P.S. Don't forget to turn the boiler back on....it happens. LOL Thanks for commenting let me know how you get along.....Al

[@nolan577]

@@TheOldkid888 that's exactly what it was. I shut off the flow of water to the tank and opened the drain came out with lots of pressure for a good 2 minutes then finally found the air valve on top of the tank that I had never seen before thank you for that. I could hear the air being sucked into the tank. Let it drain for 10 mins. Never really measured how much water came out but the furnace isnt blowing off water anymore and running between 10-15 psi Thank you again greatly appreciate your knowledge

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Adam, You're welcome! Glad everything worked out for you! And congrats on making the repair! Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al

[@mm-ji6iy]

Hi, the pressure relief valve keeps going off. Lots of water then steam. I've replaced the expansion tank, the pressure regulator, the circulation pump, and the pressure relief valve. Out of options and too the point of frustration. Any idea why the pressure relief valve keeps going off?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Maricela Hela; Does your boiler have a coil in it for domestic hot water? If so; I would turn the valve off that supplies water to the coil. The way the coil works is it is submerged in the water in the boiler. What ever the boiler temperature is set on; that is what temperature the water will reach. I have seen this happen several times; A small pinhole will get in the copper coil and drive the pressure inside the boiler up and blow the relief valve. Simple way to find out if this is the problem is turn the valve off feeding the coil and see if the pressure rises. If it remains at the same pressure and the relief valve doesn't blow off; then you the coil is the problem and you will have to change your coil which is one option. You have a gauge on your boiler. It is called a tradicator. It has 2 gauges on it. One shows the pressure and the other shows the temperature. If you look closely at the gauge that shows the temperature; see what it shows when your boiler shuts off. You have a control on your boiler that is called an aquastat. This has a high and low temperature setting on it. The temperature should be set around 180 for the high and 160 for the low ( in that area). If you boiler is not shutting off at the high setting and going above it significantly before it shuts off; then you will have to replace your aquastat. If you have a coil in your boiler; you will need a triple aquastat. If you don't have a coil in your boiler; then you will need a double aquastat. An aquastat is not a common item that goes on boilers, but I have seen a number of them over the years. So it is either the coil or the aquastat. Sorry to hear about your troubles! Thanks for commenting and let me know how you get along! Al

[@FranklinParkIL]

To the comment below: Tap on the tank and notice the sound it makes. If the tank is filled with water it will make a dull sound. When filled with air tap on it. The tank will make sound closer to an empty can. Also if the tank is suspended by a single pipe, notice how it vibrates. A full tank slower vibration. A tank filled with air a faster vibration.

[@jimthompson2138]

hi. we have had our furnace turned off all summer and noticed it is letting off water from the relief valve pipe. filling buckets every so often. what would be causing pressure to build while it is off?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Jim, Is the burner turned off completely or is it running from time to time to maintain boiler temperature? If it is there is a possibility that your expansion tank could be waterlogged. Do you have a coil in the boiler? Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance...Al

[@shu-wenlu5581]

I have my boiler turned off in the whole summer. When I turned power back on to the boiler with high temp limit 180 F and low temp limit 160F, the temp ran over 200F and the relief valve open & spit out water and steam before boiler stop. When I went down to my basement and saw water (not a lot) on the floor and knew something was not right. I turned power off again and waited overnight. Next morning, I turned back on and stood by watching. Again relief valve open ONLY the first cycle before boiler stopped. For all the following cycles boiler worked correctly between HL 180F and LL 160F WITHOUT opening the relief valve and spit out water and steam. I checked the Extrol model 30 expansion tank which had 12 pounds pressure with tire gauge. Why did it run above 180F and did not stop for the first cycle only? What could be the problem/defect which cause it? Should I be concerned? Please help. Thanks.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Shu-wen Lu, The only thing that controls your temperature is your aquastat. This is where I believe the problem is located. There are a number of things that cause your relief valve to pop, but only one that will cause your temperature to rise above 200. I would keep an eye on it and if it goes above the HL again; I would suggest having the aquastat change. Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@shu-wenlu5581]

Thank you so much for your reply. AI

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Shu-wen Lu, You're welcome! Hopefully everything works out for you! Best of luck! Al

[@edmarcinczyk9075]

HI, I drained the system down to around 15 lbs pressure once the unit cooled down, then shut off the water feed to the unit to rule out (bypass) the regulator. Once started up after around 10 minutes the pressure rose back to around 35 blowing the pressure relief as designed. Is it positively my extrol tank defective?

[@TheOldkid888]

+Ed Marcinczyk If your relief is blowing off and your water is shut off to the unit then the expansion tank is definitely defective. In your case it is an extrol tank. If you drain the boiler to where the pressure is at zero and pump some air into the extrol tank; it will hold you over until you get a new one. I have done this before and it does work for a short time. Be sure not to put too much air in it, but if you can get the gauge back to about 10 pounds with the pump; it will hold you over. A small compressor will do the same thing. Do you have a domestic hot water coil in the boiler? Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you can. Al

[@edmarcinczyk9075]

Yes I do have a coil in the boiler and also an electric hot water heater which work together somehow. I ordered the extrol 30 tank and should be here today! Thanks for all your help. I will watch the video again to be sure I don't get drenched when changing the tank. I'll reply back when the tank is switched.

[@TheOldkid888]

Ed Marcinczyk Hopefully this is where the problem lies. If the relief is blowing off periodically. Best of luck with the repair and let me know how you get along! Al

[@edmarcinczyk9075]

+TheOldkid888 Hi Al - everything worked out perfect! It was kinda funny because the guy fixing it for me hates when I refer to youtube videos so I didn't dare mention how heavy it was going to be if waterlogged. He got it off with a nice brief shower then dropped it on the cement floor because it was so heavy. It was full of rusty water and other junk. Everything if fine now! Thanks so much for our "secret" conversation. Have a great day!!!

[@TheOldkid888]

Ed Marcinczyk Glad everything worked out for you Ed. I go to youtube for many different things myself. There is not much you can't find on it that's for sure. Great resource!!! Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend! Al

[@MyJubilation]

Dominick, does this mean that I have to replace the extrol tank? Why is automatic air vent valve dripping? What did I do to cause this to happen? Thanks :)

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello MyJubilation, You may have sent the message to the wrong person. Al

[@MyJubilation]

TheOldkid888 Sorry!

[@anwaryousef9335]

@@TheOldkid888 My pressure is running high around 50 but it's not popping my relief valve.any ideas on what causing also I have hot water coil

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Anwar, If your pressure is at fifty you may possibly have a leak in your coil. I would close the valve going to the coil and drain pressure off the system and drop it down to 20 pounds. Leave the valve off to the coil and watch the pressure on the tradicator (gauge) and allow the system to work as usual. If the pressure doesn't rise, you know you have a leak in the coil. It could be a faulty pressure reducing valve, but sounds more like the coil. If the pressure relief valve is not popping at thirty; it has to be replaced. Normally thirty is the pressure it pops. Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@10--50]

how do you purge the air after refilling the boiler?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello remingtonbradley1030, I made a video on how to purge the air on a hot water heating system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKbJaXRteZtnj7c How to remove the air out of your hot water heating system-girgling noise. This video should help with any air problems. Hope this helps! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@TheOldkid888]

@WayneBurgess1 Hey Wayne; Happy New Year to you my friend! There is a snifter valve on the extrol tanks and sometimes you can get away with that. I always use to use full size expansion tanks and would never use an extrol tank, but the price of expansion tanks is now about 6 times that of an extrol which is redicules. They do come pre-charged as you know, but the odd time they come with very little air pressure and do require some to be added. Tks for commenting and all the best! Al

[@MtnXfreeride]

Mine is creeping its way upto 80psi and the valve isnt triggering :(

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello MtnXfreeride; If you have an expansion tank; it could be waterlogged and should be drained immediately. If it is an extrol tank with a bladder; it should be changed. It could be possible for the pressure to go this high if the boiler was not looked at for a long period of time. You want to turn the valve off to the coil if there is one in the boiler. A pinhole in the coil will allow street pressure to enter the system and drive the pressure up. If there is not a coil in it; you will have to turn the feed water valve to the boiler. Obviously there is a problem with the relief valve and it should be changed as soon as you find out what is happening. This should be address ASAP. Thanks for commenting and let me know how you get along! Al

[@george8943]

If I replace the expansion tank but not the pressure relief valve and it was good for couple day only small amount of water come out. But couple day later more water coming out almost half gallon per day, is that mean pressure relief valve is bad or could it be other things bad too?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Surachet, Let's start off by asking the question..What is the pressure on the gauge? The water can come from a relief valve that doesn't reseat properly, but the pressure is what really matters. You have replaced the expansion tank? Just to be clear. Is there a coil for the hot water in the boiler? These are a few questions that you could answer for me and we can figure this out. Get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@george8943]

@@TheOldkid888 Pressure guage read 20psi expansion tank was changed but not pressure relief valve at first and water still leak slowly from pressure relief valve. Turn out 2 weeks ago pressure relief valve had been replaced and water stop leaking, I just wait to be sure that is the problem before I reply. So are expansion tank and pressure relief valve usually fail together?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Surachet , Most often what happens is the expansion tank fails and the relief valve will pop and then leak a bit afterwards. The relief valve never really seats where it was to begin with and will continue to leak. I have seen it many times as it is VERY common. You should be all set if your gauge is around 20 PSI with the boiler is maintaining temp. The problem was the expansion tank becoming waterlogged, but as you can see it created another one as well. You should be all set to go! Any other questions feel free to ask! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al

[@Lukas-Jabs]

Hello, I replaced air valve because it was leaking. To do that I drained some water to reduce pressure (pressure was 15 psi) . After replacing valve I bled the system to get rid of air. Now my pressure is at 20 psi. Why is that? Also right after when system was filled was at 15 psi but within an hour goes to 20 psi and stays there.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello TheLukeE9, Once the boiler is filled and fires up the water expands and builds pressure. It will be in that range as long as the heat is on. No need to worry about that pressure. If it should get above 25 and heading to 30; then there is need for concern. Your relief valve will begin to leak around 30 PSI. You should be good to go! Congrats on changing the air valve! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@Lukas-Jabs]

@@TheOldkid888 thank you for a reply!

[@Lukas-Jabs]

@@TheOldkid888 actually I forgot to add that 20 psi was on when boiler was off. Today i turned it on first time after the summer and pressure went to over 30 psi and pressure relief valve was leaking by the time temperature went up to 170 degrees. Is it a expansion tanks fault? But it doesn’t get warm and I checked the valve no water coming out.

[@TBONENYC]

Once i change out the expansion tank, do i need to do anything to set the pressure the the correct psi?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello TBONENYC, Once the new tank is installed and the water is back on; you have to check the pressure. It should be between 12 and 15 pounds. If it is lower; you may not get heat to the upper level. If the pressure is below 12; you can lift the lever on the pressure reducing valve gently. You will hear the water entering the system. Watch the tridicator (gauge) as it will rise quickly. You don't want the pressure any higher than 15 pounds if possible. If the system is hot; it may reach 20 psi. That is more than suffice to get heat upstairs to the rads. Hope this helps! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@TBONENYC]

Ah ok thank you !!! I’m not positive if it is my expansion take, but Right now my pressure sits at around 15-18, and as it heats up it end up hitting 30psi and the pressure relief valve pops. Is there any way to tell if the tank is functioning properly? Is the top of the tank supposed to be hot and the bottom cold?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello TBONENYC, There a number of things that will make the pressure rise in the system. A water logged expansion tank for one; which is the most common. The entire tank will be warm; so it's hard to say. Is the tank suspended in the ceiling or is it a smaller tank screwed into a fitting coming off the boiler. The expansion tank suspended in the ceiling would be about 3 feet long and 1 foot in diameter. If it is this style of tank; you can turn the boiler off and close the valve going to the tank. Then you drain the tank. generally there is a bleeder to allow air into the tank. if it is this style of tank; be sure to get a few five gallon buckets of water out of it and then slowly open the valve you closed and turn the boiler back on. If it is an extrol tank about a foot wide and a foot high; you will need to purchase another one and replace it. This could be a little tricky if there is no valve on it. You will need to turn the water off to the system and drop the pressure to zero on the system before you replace the tank. Be careful as the tank will be waterlogged and heavy. Hope this helps! Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al

[@jdsbeau1]

Hi, I just bought and installed an expansion tank because boiler relief valve would spurt water from the relief valve violently and I got hammering sounds. I did not check the levels or adjust the expansion tank - I didn't know it was required, though the factory adjustment would be normal and useful. Not so - when I got the furnace going again, the same thing happened. Is it the expansion tank ? Could I have killed the tank in one shot ? I already replaced the systems water pump and regulator and thermocoupler.

[@clintoncooper3427]

Hey, u figure this out?

[@jdsbeau1]

@@clintoncooper3427 Yeah, a door valve was in the open position, but taking it apart realized it was stuck closed. Even the plumber missed that ! I took the door out, put the valve back together, and now that it is open, there is no pressure back up. Do plumbers ever consider that valves which appear to be open are closed ? Thanks for asking.

[@Supanova70]

All 3 tank/make up/and PR were changed but still coming out at 20psi? 1 yr later if air is in the sysytem would that do it?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello John, Air in the system wouldn't cause the pressure relief valve to drip water if the tank and pressure reducing valve were changed. When you look at the gauge on the boiler when it is hot; does it go near 30 pounds or is it always around 20? You may want to sit there for a while and watch it just to be sure. If it is always around 20 PSI, then it is a faulty pressure relief valve. Sometimes after they pop; they will not reseat properly and will continue to drip. Was your relief valve the last thing that was changed on the system? Here is a video I made on removing air from your heating system if you are interested. It won't stop the relief valve from dripping. I am positive of that. "How to remove the air out of your hot water heating system-girgling noise." kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKbJaXRteZtnj7c Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance...Al

[@Supanova70]

@@TheOldkid888 i climbs to 30 psi as boiler reaches set point

[@TheOldkid888]

@@Supanova70 So you have changed the coil? Correct? And no difference in pressure? So you closed the valve before the pressure reducing valve that supplies water to the boiler not to the coil; the pressure still climbs? Is this correct? I just want to clarify this so we can figure it out. What are the high low limits set at? !60/180? And does the boiler go much higher than that before it shuts off? At what temperature does it shut off? Do you have a small expansion tank or a large one? Dimension would be helpful. If you can answer these questions for me I can give you a better diagnosis of the problem. Get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@Supanova70]

@@TheOldkid888 Yes to question one. It is a amtrol 30 tank. With A12PSI taco pressure reducing Valve. H180 low limit 160 , 20 differential. It shuts off at 180 as it does reach that point it bleeds out.

[@Supanova70]

@@TheOldkid888 After all that work turned out to be another failed Extrol...ugg. 5 months old..

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks, the relief valve on my oil fire furnace is leaking, but its doing the job as my PSI is 35. , expansion tank is good though.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Rons Beers & Ales, You're welcome! Do you have a coil in the boiler? Is the expansion tank a 36 inch by 12 inch or is a small bladder tank? What temperature is your boiler cutting out at? You can see that on the tradicator (gauge) as well on the boiler? Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

I went to Lowes and purchased an expansion tank and a pressure reducing valve , tomorrow I will change the PRV, my question is, Do I use Teflon tape on a Pressure reducing valve ? And I do have a coil in my furnace (boiler ) for domestic water.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Rons Beers & Ales, Sorry for not getting back to you yesterday. You can use a little teflon on the threads that screw into the pressure reduing valve. The biggest thing is to carefull not to tighten the valve to much as it can crack easily if overtightened. I generally put three to four windings of teflon on the threads when installing a PRV and a little pipe dope. One thing to keep in mind is...if it leaks at the threaded connection, you can remove it and add more teflon. If you accidently crack it; it will cost you a new valve. Any threaded connections; I always use teflon. The amount depends on the product. Plastic water filters get only a feqw windings and pipe dope. The heads have a seam in them and will crack easily. PRV are in the same category. I hope the repair goes well for you! Let me knwo how you fair out. I am swaying towards the expansion tank myself, but it could be something else. Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks OLDKID888, the PRV was changed, and it stopped the relief valve from leaking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .for a small while , then back to leaking , and me hauling buckets of warm water to the sink ☹, today I will change the expansion tank. If I dont blead the air out of the radiators will it cause the PSI to go up to 35 PSI (which its been at) to open the 30lb relief valve in back of the furnace. Thanks also for the info U have giving me.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Rons Beers & Ales, Let me know how you got along when you get a chance. Good luck with the repair! Thansk for commenting and enjoy your day! Al

[@albertomolinares5750]

Hi, l have a gas hydronic boiler system and the pressure is about 31, 32 psi but spantion tank is fine as well as relief valve. it's this normal if not how can l reduce the pressure?

[@TheOldkid888]

+Alberto Molinares Is your relief valve blowing off? That pressure isn't normal. Working pressure should be between 15 to 20 pounds when it is hot. Do you have a coil in the boiler for hot water or do you have a separate water heater? Is the expansion tank a 12" by 36" or is it an extrol tank? Roughly 1/3 the size of an expansion tank. Get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@albertomolinares5750]

+TheOldkid888 Hi, l have an extrol Expantion tank # 30 it's about 12" to 11", l do have a separate water heater. It's a tree zone house .Hydronic gas boiler system. Burnham series 2 164 btu.Model #65340571. Thanks.!

[@albertomolinares5750]

+Alberto Molinares l apologize l couldn't get back sooner l was out on vacations, thanks.

[@TheOldkid888]

Alberto Molinares Is the relief valve blowing off? If so; I am leaning towards the extrol tank. It is hard to tell if the bladder is gone in them or not. If you drop the pressure in the boiler, you can pump a air into the tank with a hand pump or compressor and see if the pressure stays below 20 for a few days. Considering you have a separate water heater there are only a few other things. What high temperature does the boiler reach? You can find this by looking at the gauge and seeing what it is when it shuts off. Hope you had a good vacation. Get back to me when you get a chance. Al

[@albertomolinares5750]

+TheOldkid888 No, the relief valve is not going off,no water is leaking. Also l shot off water feeder l let the boiler run and the pressure went up from 12 to 20-23 psi.

[@WeekendHobbyMechanic]

My pressure in my furnace goes over 30psi only when the circulator pump runs. Slowly goes back to normal when it shuts off. I added air in my expansion tank and made no differences. Any ideas?

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Pernell German, Did you drain any water out of the expansion tank (size...1 foot by 3 feet) or is it a small tank about a foot wide that is screwed onto a fitting near the top of the boiler? What pressure is it when the system is shut down and the pump is not running? Is it popping the pressure relief valve? Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@WeekendHobbyMechanic]

Hello Al It does pop the pressure relief valve when it reaches 32psi. I added air to the tank twice. No difference. I have a old furnass, my expansion tank doesn't have a bladder inside. It's on top of the boiler on the return side. I shut the furnace off for two days before and the pressure goes down to normal.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Pernell German, Just trying to be clear on your expansion tank...it is about three feet long and about a foot wide suspended in the ceiling? So shutting the boiler down for a few days allowed the water to cool and the pressure to drop. As water is heated; it begins to expand; which in turn creates pressure in the system. That would be normal for the pressure to drop. Adding air to the tank will not decrease the pressure unless you have a drain valve opened on the system. You can add air, but must remove water to allow it to expand when it is heated. Adding air and not reducing the water will only increase the pressure. You are almost there.... Thanks for commenting and get back to me when you get a chance...Al

[@WeekendHobbyMechanic]

The tank is a little bigger than a regular expansion tank with a blader. The tank sits on top of the furnace. The return line is on the side of the tank and then feed the furnace underneath.. (When I added air in the tank I did removed water to lower the pressure to 15psi . It has a air fitting to add air). The pressure stays the same all summer but when I call for heat is rises to 30-32psi in 10 to 15 mins. It never did this before. One thing I was going to do is shut off my water pump , bring it to 0 psi and then call for heat. If it's still climbs then I know it the furnace and not the water regulator.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello Pernell German, I am pretty sure the problem is with the boiler system. generally pressure reducing valves don't fail and allow more water to enter the system. They usually get plugged with sediment over time and won't allow any water to enter the system unless you lift the lever on top of them. So after you added the air and removed the water; what was the pressure on the gauge? It should have been down around 12...14 pounds. Possibly 18 if the water was hot. You want to remove a fair amount of water when adding air to the system. I would have removed a few gallons of water at least. Biggest thing is to make sure the pressure is low after you have added the air and removed the water. Next time your thermostat calls for heat, watch the gauge (tridicator) and see what temperature the burner shuts down at. It's working off the high/low limits in the aquastat. You want to make sure it shuts off at the high limit setting. If it goes above 180; you should remove the grey cover from the front of the aquastat see what your high limit is set at. Should be set around 170/180. Low limit should be 20 degrees in the difference.150/170. Most that I have found are 160/180 setting. Low to high. Do you have a coil in the boiler? If you shut the valve off before the pressure reducing valve that will eliminate the prv. I don't believe it is that myself. Get back to me when you get a chance....Al

[@tyTrades800]

Don't have to bleed the air off after draining the tank??

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello tyler j, Not quite getting the question, but.... Once you have drained the tank you open the shut off valve to the tank just a little and let the water enter the tank slowly. Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al

[@tyTrades800]

@@TheOldkid888 yeah once you empty the system of water. It leaves air so if you fill it back up you need to purge the air right? Only reason I'm commenting is because I need to change my tank. But I have 0 zone shut off valves or bleeders. Just the waterline IN and the drain valve at the bottom. And 2 zones....

[@user-bm2ue4zl9i]

The pressure should be 12 to 15 psi

[@hotdawg9840]

Who knew. 30lbs of pressure weighs 30 lbs 😁

[@lancerudy9934]

The boiler

[@Mark_L]

Boiler not furnace.

[@oilheattommy3405]

but that is a boiler not a furnace.

[@TheOldkid888]

Hello OIl Heat Tommy, You got that right! My bad. lol Definitely a boiler... Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al

[@user-bm2ue4zl9i]

It's not a furnace

[@gearhead0800]

please stop calling a boiler a furnace. sounds really lame.

[@airmech5083]

32 years and he calls a boiler a furnace

[@caru3257]

Is there a pneumatic boiler?