Safety Concerns

Here are three safety and legal issues that you should check.

If you need assistance or are concerned about any of the issues mentioned below, please contact us.

Pressure Relief Valves

Generally, these can be found on any hot-water boiler system on or near the boiler. If the water pressure exceeds 30 PSI (as a result of the water turning to steam in the case of a malfunction), the valve will automatically open to relieve the pressure. This prevents a very dangerous situation--the boiler exploding!

Unfortunately, many installations do not have the blow-off pipe set to within 6 inches of the floor as required by code. If someone were to be near the boiler when the valve released, they could be seriously injured.

This is a simple issue to address, and we will be glad to help.

Low-Water Cut-Off

While these devices have been standard equipment on steam boilers for decades, just recently they have become mandatory on how water boilers. Why?

If a boiler were to start without water, or without enough water, it could create a very dangerous situation. Eventually the possibility exists that the boiler could crack or explode. The low-water cut-off is placed in the piping above the top of the boiler and will prevent the burner from firing if there is not enough water.

If your boiler does not have a low-water cut-off, we can do a retrofit without significant system shudown. We would be glad to help.

Backflow Preventer

Building codes have recently changed so that it is now mandatory to install a backflow preventer in the incoming domestic water line to the boiler. While all boilers have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), most older installations do not have a backflow preventer. While most have a check valve of sorts, the possibility exists of boiler water flowing back into the drinking water supply. This is of particular concern when the domestic water pressure drops, either a well supply or the city supply.

Why is this important? Over time, air in the water is compressed and the oxygen removed. This is manifest in blackish water in the heating system. Obviously, this water would be both unpleasant and unhealthy in the drinking supply. In addition, many systems are treated with chemicals that can be toxic if ingested.

Again, if this is an issue that needs addressed with your system, we will be glad to help.