Leak test boiler system
#1
10-27-19, 11:40 AM
Leak test boiler system
Can I open the pressure release valve and plug it, to run full pressure tap water into system to see if all the sweat joints and piping is tight ?
also, once the system is full, can I power the circulator pump to further test the system?
I would take the pressure release valve out, but since the flu pipe is in, I cant get a wrench to make the swing.
also, once the system is full, can I power the circulator pump to further test the system?
I would take the pressure release valve out, but since the flu pipe is in, I cant get a wrench to make the swing.
#2
10-27-19, 11:51 AM
Typical city water pressure is 60 psi. You would over-pressurize the boiler - whose design working pressure is 30 psi. Don't exceed 30 psi for system leak testing.
Once the system if filled, you can run the pump - but it shouldn't really be necessary for leak testing.
You didn't propose it, but don't use compressed air for leak testing. Too dangerous due to the stored energy. If a fitting lets go, it may become a lethal missile.
Once the system if filled, you can run the pump - but it shouldn't really be necessary for leak testing.
You didn't propose it, but don't use compressed air for leak testing. Too dangerous due to the stored energy. If a fitting lets go, it may become a lethal missile.
#3
10-27-19, 12:01 PM
can I just allow the city water to fill the system through the pressure reducer on top of the expansion tank, and test the system like that? there is no heat involved and the overall pressure will be lower than when running.
#4
10-27-19, 12:49 PM
I'm not sure what you are proposing. The pressure reducing valve (a,k.a. automatic fill valve) should be on the line from city water supply to the boiler - not on top of the expansion tank. Photos of your system would help.
#5
10-27-19, 01:10 PM
Member
Filling the boiler to regular pressure should do what you want done.
Under no circumstances should you exceed MAWP listed on the boiler.
There is a test done on steam equipment called a hydrostatic test, but not on hydronic equipment.
I’m not sure what you want to test here. If fittings hold at normal pressure there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
Under no circumstances should you exceed MAWP listed on the boiler.
There is a test done on steam equipment called a hydrostatic test, but not on hydronic equipment.
I’m not sure what you want to test here. If fittings hold at normal pressure there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
#6
10-27-19, 06:45 PM
photo of fill location above expansion tank
I have attached a photo of the fill location on my system. the city water attaches to the open fitting.
I am just trying to test my new piping including sweat joints, pipe threads, circulator pump etc. We are in the process of installing a new boiler. I am doing some of the pipework, working with the installer.
Glad to hear if the system holds at 12lbs, it should be good.
Thanks for the help !
I am just trying to test my new piping including sweat joints, pipe threads, circulator pump etc. We are in the process of installing a new boiler. I am doing some of the pipework, working with the installer.
Glad to hear if the system holds at 12lbs, it should be good.
Thanks for the help !
