Hi all - total novice here so bear with me.
I have a 3-zone system with a gas boiler and hot water heater. Have lived in the house for 3 years and each winter have had this problem.
Basically, I'm having to bleed the system using bleed valves regularly and what seems to be happening is some issue surrounding the pressure regulator/feed valve. Here's what happens:
1) Before turning on for winter: bleed from the bleed valve on top floor to get out all air out and make sure there's water all the way up the house.
2) Turn system on and runs well for a few weeks.
3) After a few weeks I notice weak or no heat and check to see that the pressure release valve has been triggering because of built up pressure/air over time.
4) Turn system off completely to let air/water settle.
5) Slowly turn the thread on top of pressure valve to let in water very gradually, wait 30 mins, check bleed valve at top of system to see if enough water has been added to push the air out the top.
6) Repeat. 1/2 turn, 30 mins, check bleed valve, 1/2 turn, 30 mins, check bleed valve. I do this until I get water at the top of the system.
The problem, as I see it, is I'm adding new, raw water all the time and the pressure is SO sensitive that once I get it high enough to get heat to the top of the house - that proves too much pressure over time. Have recently replaced the expansion tank and pressure release valve, so it shouldn't be those.
My plumber father-in-law says it's just a matter of patience and playing with that pressure valve ever so slowly until it's just right. Don't fill the system too fast and don't over-pressurize it. If I'm triggering the pressure release, even after 3-4 weeks of good heat, that means I did something wrong.
What gives here? Am I doomed to play with this thread on the pressure gauge/automatic feeder every winter for the rest of my life. help!
I have a 3-zone system with a gas boiler and hot water heater. Have lived in the house for 3 years and each winter have had this problem.
Basically, I'm having to bleed the system using bleed valves regularly and what seems to be happening is some issue surrounding the pressure regulator/feed valve. Here's what happens:
1) Before turning on for winter: bleed from the bleed valve on top floor to get out all air out and make sure there's water all the way up the house.
2) Turn system on and runs well for a few weeks.
3) After a few weeks I notice weak or no heat and check to see that the pressure release valve has been triggering because of built up pressure/air over time.
4) Turn system off completely to let air/water settle.
5) Slowly turn the thread on top of pressure valve to let in water very gradually, wait 30 mins, check bleed valve at top of system to see if enough water has been added to push the air out the top.
6) Repeat. 1/2 turn, 30 mins, check bleed valve, 1/2 turn, 30 mins, check bleed valve. I do this until I get water at the top of the system.
The problem, as I see it, is I'm adding new, raw water all the time and the pressure is SO sensitive that once I get it high enough to get heat to the top of the house - that proves too much pressure over time. Have recently replaced the expansion tank and pressure release valve, so it shouldn't be those.
My plumber father-in-law says it's just a matter of patience and playing with that pressure valve ever so slowly until it's just right. Don't fill the system too fast and don't over-pressurize it. If I'm triggering the pressure release, even after 3-4 weeks of good heat, that means I did something wrong.
What gives here? Am I doomed to play with this thread on the pressure gauge/automatic feeder every winter for the rest of my life. help!