Page 1 of 2

Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 7:45 pm
by BigFoot
I changed the Aquastat (set 220 -180 10 Diff)water got a little hotter ,not as much as I would like ,did this last night this morning I had a bucket of water under my pop off on my water line next to my mixing valve . Watched it all today nothing , but I just went to check on it and all was good ,but I hear angry bees in my boiler never heard that before or didn't think so ,I guess its the water is this trouble ? (triple aquastat)

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 7:52 pm
by lsayre
I'm assuming here that your boiler is at the typical 12 PSI. The boiling point of water at 12 PSI above atmospheric is about 244 degrees F. If your temperatures and pressures are accurate, are you sure you aren't just hearing the sound of the crackling coal?

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 8:04 pm
by BigFoot
no it sound like angry bees !

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 8:08 pm
by Carbon12
Sometimes the circulator relay "buzzes"

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 8:08 pm
by coalkirk
You're not burning that Bee-tuminous coal are you? :P

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 8:39 pm
by wilder11354
Hmm if pressure regulator opened due to high pressure/temp I would change it, for 2 reasons.. I wouldn't want to trust it anymore, and it is the highest point in boiler, any trapped air in boiler from new make up water(disolved oxygen) will be right there at base of regulator in stem pipe. chenging releif valve and slowly filling boiler thru auto fill will remvoe the air thats in boiler in releif valve stem pipe, then screw in new relaif valve. Do this while boilers not at operating temp, after an hour or so of cooling down. No air trapped in boiler means no noise(hissing).

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Tue. Nov. 19, 2013 9:50 pm
by whistlenut
I assume you have a hot water system, if so it could be boiling and making that sound. I have seen it a few times before. I would ask why you want that high a temp on the aquastat for a hot water system? :?: If the PRV is discharging, sometimg is too hot and or the pressure reduction valve could be screwed up. Any special water characteristics where you live? How old is the PRV? Have you ever exercised it in the past? The sounds you are hearing sure sound like steam is bei9ng created, and it can not withstand that psi, so it pops the prv.....good thing!!!!

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 4:08 am
by Rob R.
BigFoot wrote:(set 220 -180 10 Diff)water got a little hotter ,not as much as I would like
How hot do you want it to get? :shock:

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 6:07 am
by BigFoot
thanks for all in input havnt had any more water out of pop off and boiler temp is between 180 &185 ,I replaced my pop off this spring it was leaking , I was trying to get higher temp at the sink , the water comes out a little more then worn ,but I would like it to be a little hotter ,( I didn't think 220 & 180 settings would hure the boiler and give me a little more hot water ,It was set at 190 &180 with a Diff of 10% My water line go into hot water heater then to boiler then out to taps ,I also have a mixing valve in the mix ,(set all the way open to allow the most hot water ) my water is a little hotter then warm I would like it just a little hotter

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 6:10 am
by Rob R.
Have you checked the expansion tank?

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 6:40 am
by oliver power
Neighbor had less and less HOT water. Turned out, the water coil which goes inside the boiler was getting built up with minerals.

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 6:42 am
by Carbon12
Yup, sounds like it might be time to cook out the coil. How long has the coil been in duty? Do you have hard water?

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 7:00 am
by Rob R.
The mixing valve is the first thing I would look at, they stick/fail frequently. The coil might also need to be flushed, as mentioned above.

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 7:41 am
by whistlenut
I now understand what your goal was, and it has nothing to do with the boiler temp. Two issues are the only place to look, and as Rob and others said, the domestic coil might be clogged, and/or the mixing valve is compromised. If the mixing valve can be taken apart, you may be able to clean it out and free up its operation. I have not been that lucky in most cases, so I'd plan on a replacement. The coil in the AA can be flushed in place, however if you are feeling like you want to remove it, understand that those bolts are NOT going to come willingly. Start soaking them today and for a few days, A torch is the only safe method to get them off in the event you do need to remove them. You should be able to have any temp you desire at the sinks, remembering that 130 is on the high side, and 140+ is dangerous. Know where the shutoffs are before you start is a good idea. Most homes don't have enough or they may be 'leakers' also. Good luck!

Re: Sounds in My Boiler

Posted: Wed. Nov. 20, 2013 7:44 am
by Rob R.
I have been told that a few gallons of vinegar recirculated though the coil for a day or so can remove calcium deposits...but I have not needed to try it.