Weil McClain HE Expansion Tank Drain Leak


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Old 07-09-16, 08:59 AM
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Weil McClain HE Expansion Tank Drain Leak

My expansion tank does not have a pressure relief valve. What seems to be a drain line coming off the expansion tank also does not have a valve but has a slow drip. Can I just put a ball valve on the end of the copper drain line to stop the leak or will that cause my expansion tank to blow? Not sure how the expansion tank is currently bleeding air naturally. Or why this dead end copper line is dripping all of a sudden.Name:  image.jpg
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Old 07-09-16, 11:30 AM
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If that relief valve is leaking you need to replace it... Thats the device thats to the left of the ext tank with the handle..

When you replace that you should also replace the exp tank as that most likely may be the cause of the relief valve leaking..

Whats the temp and pressure gauge read on the boiler?

The exp tank should have 12 psi air in it..
 
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Old 07-10-16, 08:31 AM
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Temp is fine, no pressure gauge that I can find. The relief valve isn't leaking, the open copper pipe is dripping. If the valve or cap isn't leaking do I have to worry? Can I just put a valve on the end of the copper line?
 
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Old 07-10-16, 08:51 AM
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the open copper pipe is dripping.
Yes and that open pipe goes to the relief valve correct?

On the temp gauge on the boiler it should also show the pressure..

Can you take more pics?

Can I just put a valve on the end of the copper line?
NO!!!!

Thats a saftey device. Plug it up and bad things can happen..

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/powerful-boiler-explosion-blows-home-washington-family-survives-29741352
 
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Old 07-10-16, 10:30 AM
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Just took this pic after the boiler was running
 
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Old 07-10-16, 10:33 AM
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That the tstat and pressure gauge attached to the boiler not the tank. No gauge attached to the tank. I assume that is the pressure of the system.
 
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Old 07-10-16, 10:47 AM
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Not sure why I can't upload my pics. Psi on gauge on side of booker is almost 30. Temp about 180. No gauge attached to expansion tank. Pipe dripping is attached to relieve valve.
 
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Old 07-10-16, 11:14 AM
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So your relief valve is leaking because you have too much pressure in the boiler. The expansion tank needs air added or its shot..

Need to add 12 psi to the expansion tank.. But you need to do that with the system at 0 psi..

IMO just replace the expansion tank. Before you install the new tank make sure there is 12 psi in it..

If this dont fix your issue then your fill valve may be shot.. Additionally you may need to replace the relief valve also...

Do you understand?
 
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Old 07-10-16, 11:15 AM
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I do. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old 07-10-16, 12:11 PM
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relief valve trips at 30 psi.. You have 30 psi in boiler..

1, either exp tank shot
2,or fill valve,
3, or both
4, and possibly relief valve if it dont stop leaking after you fix above..

Cold boiler pressure should start at 12 - 15 psi.. Hot boiler should not really go past 20 -22 psi...
 
 

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