What does a feeder valve do?

The water feed valve adds water to the boiler when needed: If water pressure in the heating boiler drops below 12 psi, the water feeder valve will add makeup water to the system automatically, until it reaches 12 psi inside the boiler.

How does a boiler water feeder work?

On a signal (normally from the low water cutoff valve) the water feed valve will open to send additional makeup water into the steam boiler. The McDonnell & Miller float operated water feed valve will automatically send water into the steam boiler if water falls sufficiently to activate its float.

What is a water feeder?

Definition of water feeder : a device or pipe for supplying water (as in a boiler or tank)

Should boiler valves be open or closed?

The filling loop is where water enters the system from the mains, and consists of two valves. When both valves are open, the system lets more water in, and the pressure rises. Make sure they are both closed – your system circulates its water, and rarely needs topping up.

How do you adjust water feed?

To reset the regulator valve: Remove the fast fill lever cap, and loosen the lock nut. To raise the reduced pressure – slowly turn the adjusting screw clockwise until the system gauge indicates the pressure required. To lower the reduced pressure – turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise.

What is a feeder on a boiler?

Most residential steam boilers have an automatic water feeder that adds water to the boiler in the event that the boiler’s low water cutoff device says it needs some water. Water feeders do what they are designed to do. That being feed water to the boiler system. They will do this any time they are asked to do so.

Why is my boiler overfilling?

Dirty water, a too-high pH, overfiring and improper near-boiler piping can all cause the boiler’s water line to surge up and down. Even a tiny pinhole in a tankless coil will flood a boiler because the pressure inside the coil is so much greater than the pressure in the boiler.

How does an automatic water feeder work?

It works by sensing the fact that water is stacking up in the piping and exerting downward pressure. Once enough downward pressure is exerted to cause the switch to ”open” then the feeder is physically disconnected from its power source.

What happens if a boiler runs out of water?

Boiler Failure If a boiler has enough water, the steel will never reach temperatures high enough to weaken it. In a dry fire accident, there is no water to moderate the temperature. As a result, the boiler’s steel can overheat, warp and crack at the welds.

How high should boiler pressure be when heating on?

between 1 to 1.5 bars
What should your pressure be? The ideal boiler pressure should be between 1 to 1.5 bars on your pressure gauge when your heating is switched off. Around 2 bars is a normal pressure level when your boiler is active/heating up. Anything below 0.5 is too low and must be replaced.

What are the different types of water feeder valves used on boilers?

Here we explain the various types of manual and automatic water feeder valves used on steam heating boilers, including when and how to add makeup water to a boiler. Keeping the proper amount of water in a steam boiler is a critical function for both safety and to avoid damaging the boiler itself.

Can a pressure reducing valve be used as a water feeder?

But the manufacturer warns that the purpose of the pressure-reducing (and automagic water feeding) valve is to fill heating boilers after installation or servicing. The company says ” It is not a safety device and is not intended to be used as as a water feed valve to control boiler water at a safe operating level “.

How does an automatic water feeder work on a boiler?

An automatic water feeder used on hot water heating boilers performs two functions: Bell & Gossett’s sketch of their pressure reducing valve is shown at left. The automatic water feed valve reduces the incoming water pressure from the building supply side down to (typically) 12 psi.

How do I adjust the pressure on my automatic water feeder?

An arrow cast into the valve base shows the direction of water flow (from building supply at right into the boiler at left in this photo). The screw and lock nut on top of this valve permit adjustment of the automatic water feeder valve pressure (it’s normally set to 12 psi).