| Author |
Message |
    
ashear
Supporter
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 1656
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 6:10 pm: | 
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So I noticed tonight that the water level in our steam boilers sight glass is really high. This is odd since I have not added water in some time. I'm wondering if there could be a clog somewhere? I tried letting a little water out but then the red light went on on the low water cut off. So I added water till the light went off again. Of course, Murphy's law, we are going on vacation Wed morning. I'm thinking as a precaution I might turn off the water at the main. Any thoughts? Thanks. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 302
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 6:28 pm: |
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That's probably a good idea.
Ashear, have you been turning any radiators off?
Gateway Plumbing and Heating |
ashear
Supporter
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 1657
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 7:40 pm: |
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No. This is what I get for procrastinating about calling you guys for a service contract. You'll hear from me when I get back one way or another. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 303
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 7:51 pm: |
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Enjoy your vacation.
Gateway Plumbing and Heating |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 621
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 11:04 am: |
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Is it safe to shut off water when you're going to be gone, even when temperature is so cold? (I realize that may be the best time to do it, but just want to double check.)
I see it's supposed to get down to 7 degrees friday.
Is there anything to worry about when shutting off the water main for a few days? Anything special you have to do with the hot water heater or boiler?
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cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 622
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 11:04 am: |
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...for instance, you don't want water sitting in yourpipes in the house, right? Do you just need to run faucets to clear them out, or what?
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kriss
Citizen
Username: Kriss
Post Number: 118
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 7:21 pm: |
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Turning off the main alone accomplishes only one thing, and that is if a pipe does happen to freeze, water won't run and run and run continuously. It's an easy way to minimize potential damage, but the frozen pipe(s) would of course still need to be repaired.
There's no point in going beyond this unless you're planning on turning off the heat entirely and allowing the structure to freeze. Not recommended just for a vacation, this technique is appropriate for a seasonal building that's not utilized in the winter. Only in this case would you need to drain the entire system, including water heater and boiler tanks.
PS you do not run the faucets, you open the valves at the lowest point in your system, and then open the faucets (this is after turning off the main). The faucets do not run, they suck air in, as gravity pulls the water out the bottom of the system.
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ashear
Supporter
Username: Ashear
Post Number: 1659
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 8:31 pm: |
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Kriss - that was exactly my thinking. If something does happen it will minimize the damage. I dont see how shutting the main could do any harm? |
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