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Water Feeder Valves on Steam Heating Boilers

POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how and when to use and maintain the water feed valve on steam boilers; diagnosis of causes of steam boiler over-filling or water feed valves that don't shut off.

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Water feeder valves on steam heating boilers:

Automatic & manual water feeders. Here we explain the various types of manual and automatic water feeder valves used on steam heating boilers, including when and how to add makeup water to a boiler.

Keeping the proper amount of water in a steam boiler is a critical function for both safety and to avoid damaging the boiler itself.

So on a steam boiler we consider the automatic water feeder to serve as a safety device too.

We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.

Steam Boiler Water Feeder Valves, Automatic & Manual

The photo at page top shows a modern automatic pressure-reducing water feeder valve on a hydronic (hot water) heating boiler - one of the safety controls which we discuss in this article. Contact us to suggest text changes and additions and, if you wish, to receive online listing and credit for that contribution.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Our photo at left shows the steam boiler sight glass - a key place to look when checking that the steam boiler water level is set properly. More information about using the sight glass to maintain steam boiler water levels is included in the article below.

Article Contents

WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM
- AUTOMATIC WATER FEED VALVES On steam boilers
- MANUAL WATER FEED VALVES On steam boilers
- WATER ADD FREQUENCY When, how often, and how much water to add to the steam boiler

Water feed valves on steam heat systems operate under very different requirements than those on hot water (hydronic) heating systems.

Residential steam heating systems are mostly "low pressure" systems operating at less than 2 psi. In fact if you see the pressure set higher on a residential system it is often an indicator that the occupants/technician have been having trouble getting the steam heat to locations where it's needed.

But steam heat systems all consume some water which escapes from radiator air vents during the time that the steam (heat) is first rising in the building.

So unlike a hydronic water feeder, the steam boiler water feeder is going to be much busier, regularly adding makeup water to the steam boiler, but operating at low water pressures.

Automatic water feeder valves on steam boilers

Steam boiler water feeder

Automatic water feed valves on steam boilers such as the McDonnell & Miller™ automatic water feeder shown at above left and the Hydrolevel Co. VXT 120 programmable water feeder at above right perform functions similar to the water feed valve described

at WATER FEEDER VALVE, HYDRONIC BOILER and used on hydronic (not steam) heating boilers.

But while a hydronic boiler does not normally consume water, a steam boiler always consumes water during normal operation. This means that some method for checking and keeping water in the boiler is critical both for safety and to assure against loss of heat.

A steam boiler will be damaged or unsafe if its water level falls too low. The water feed valve on a steam boiler has to operate more often, and will be a more heavy-duty (and probably reliable) device than that used on hot water heating system boilers.

What's the Difference Between the Two Water Feeders Shown Above?

Each of the devices shown in the two photos above is a water feed valve. On a signal (normally from the low water cutoff valve) the water feed valve will open to send additional makeup water into the steam boiler.

The McDonnell & Miller float operated water feed valve will automatically send water into the steam boiler if water falls sufficiently to activate its float.

The piping and position of the valve determine how it maintains water level in the boiler. The yellow-handled manual ball-type valve in our photo at above left is a water feed bypass for manual water feeding - a step that we discuss just below.

The VXT Programmable Water Feeder from Hydrolvel is a universal control that can be used with just about any float-type low water cutoff. Models are sold that operate on both 24-Volt and 120-Volt power. The digital display we see in the unit above is a count of the amount of water that has been added to the boiler.

That information can be helpful in diagnosing boiler leaks or excessive water usage - two conditions that are especially important in the life of a steam boiler, but that are concerns on any water-based heating system. The following information is adapted from the Hydrolevel Company's product literature cited at REFERENCES.

In addition to including its own manual water feed button, VXT Water Feeder's programmable features allow some nice features that a manual water feeder or more traditional water feed valves would not provide:
Make-up water feed delay: allows time for condensate to return to the boiler following a boiler water level drop, avoiding over-filling the boiler.
Six additional settings allow the technician to control the amount of water added to the boiler at each feed cycle, feeding from 1 to 5 gallons or selecting a LWCO setting that will stop feeding water into the steam boiler when the LWCO re-energizes the burner electrical circuit.
The control protects against starting the steam boiler while water level is too low. If after one feed cycle (in one of the 1-5 gallon volume settings) does not cause the LWCO to re-start the boiler, the control will feed additional water, but after a time delay.
Why might you care? By slowing the feed of water to a hot boiler we reduce the chances of thermal shock that could damage or crack a heating boiler.

See
McAuley, Jr., John A., THERMAL SHOCK to HEATING BOILERS [PDF], risks of thermal shock damage to heating equipment, contact Mr. McAuley at Brant Steel Products Limited 49 Craig Street Brantford Ontario N3R 7H8 Tel: 519-756-5700 Email: fabricate@brantsteel.com Website: www.brantsteel.com
An additional safety feature will lock-out the heating boiler to prevent it from starting if two consecutive feed cycles do not cause the LWCO to turn the burner back on. Essentially this is adding an extra level of boiler damage protection.

Really? while we have not found reliable research nor an authoritative citation, we have read some heating website authors' posts describing buzzing and product failures in the Hydrolevel VXT unit. Other installers acclaimed the unit. [9]

Also see CHECK VALVES, HEATING SYSTEM where we discuss backflow preventers that may be required on some steam heating system water feeders.

Manual water feeder valves on steam boilers

Water feed valve override button © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com In our photo at left, a close up of our page-top photo, you can see a "manual water feed" button on the top of the automatic water feed valve.

This button permits overriding the automatic feature of the valve to force water into the steam boiler.

But on lots of steam boilers, especially older residential units, you may find that only a manual feeder valve is installed. You'll need to use it to manually add water to the steam boiler whenever its water level is low.

Below we discuss the detailed procedure for manually adding water to a steam boiler.

In our photo above at automatic water feed valves, an automatic water feeder is installed. But the yellow valve handle is an manual water feeder that will bypass the automatic water feeder and force water into the boiler.

On this particular system you shouldn't need to use the manual feeder lever unless the automatic feed valve is broken.

As you'll see in that photo, the yellow handle is in the horizontal position, "across" the water pipe, showing that it is in the "closed" position (we're depending on the automatic feed valve).

How often you'll need to manually add water to a steam boiler that lacks an automatic feeder depends on how rapidly your particular steam heating system loses water.

If you are new to your particular steam heat system, you should check it's water level (and flush the low water cutoff valve) at least weekly until you know more accurately how the heating system behaves in normal use.

Steam heating systems without an automatic water feeder are less safe and risk serious boiler damage should boiler water be lost and should there be no low water cutoff installed on the system. That's why all modern steam heating boilers can be expected to include at least a low water cutoff valve.

Low water cutoff valves & blowdown valves, an important safety device that shuts down the boiler if water level falls to an unsafe position, are discussed in detail along with step by step instructions in using the blowdown valve

at LOW WATER CUTOFF VALVES.

Separately, at LOW WATER CUTOFF VALVE NOT WORKING we describe the steps recommended by Hydrolevel if that company's CycleGard LWCO is not responding properly to low water levels in the boiler.

When, How, & How Much Water to Add to a Steam Boiler

If your steam boiler has an automatic water feeder you should see the water level always close to the fill-mark and the automatic water makeup valve will normally do this job for you.

When to add water to the steam boiler

If your steam boiler has only a manual valve for adding water, until you know the system's rate of water usage, you should check the water level at least once a week during the heating season.

You'll want to add water whenever the sight glass shows that the water level has dropped to the "add" mark and you should always see some water in the sight glass.

How much water to add to the steam boiler

The sight glass on a steam boiler, combined with a mark or gauge usually placed on the sight glass or on the boiler body behind the glass, will show the proper level to which the steam boiler should be re-filled when it's low on water.

Details are

at SIGHT GLASS, STEAM BOILER - a key component that shows when boiler make-up water is needed and how much to add manually.

If you don't know what kind of heat your building uses, we explain how to figure out the answer

at HEATING SYSTEM TYPES.

If your heating system is not working properly,

see NO HEAT - BOILER. This website answers nearly all questions about central heating systems to aid in troubleshooting, inspection, diagnosis, and repairs.

Steam Boiler Water Feeders References & Manuals

McDonnell & Miller ITT WFE 24V Automatic electric water feeder valve - at InspectApedia.com Illustrated: ITT McDonnell & Miller WFE Electric water feeder control, cited below along with a llink to the company and to the instructions for this and other water feeder valves and controls. .

[Click to enlarge any image]

B&G Flo-Control Valves - installation, operation, and service instructions manual - original source Bell & Gossett, 8200 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove IL 60053, USA - Tel 847 966-3700 Fax 847 965-8379 . www.bellgossett.com/BG-Literature-Detail.asp?LiteratureID=607
B&G / ITT Reducing Valves, Instruction Manual V55999: Reducing Valves Installation, Operation, & Service Instructions, Bell & Gossett Air Separators and other heating system components, Bell & Gossett, 8200 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove IL 60053, USA - Tel 847 966-3700 Fax 847 965-8379. Original source www.bellgossett.com/literature/files/610.pdf
BOILER LOW WATER CUTOFF CONTROL MANUALS - separate list
Boiler Water Treatment, Phosphate Polymer [PDF]
BROKEN UNION TEST [PDF] described in McDonnell & Miller ITT Series 101-A Electric Water Feeder Installation & Maintenance Instructions, McDonnell & Miller Controls - XYLEM Global Headquarters, 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604, Tel: +1-914-323-5700, Fax: +1-914-323-5800 retrieved 4/23/2017, original source: http://s3.supplyhouse.com/product_files/Mcdonnell-Miller-169500-Install-Instructions.pdf
Hydrolevel Company, "VXT™ Programmable Water Feeder", [product literature brochure], Hydrolevel Co., PO Box 1847, New Haven CT 06508 USA, Tel: 203-776-0473, Tel: 800-654-0768, Website www.hydrolevel.com, retrieved 1/25/2014, original source: http://www.hydrolevel.com/new/images/literature/ sales_sheets/VXT_sales_sheet.pdf
"Hydrolevel VXT Failures", HeatingHelp.com, retrieved 1/25/2014, original source: heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/139729/Hydrolevel-VXT-Failures
Kenny, Steve, Dave Pope, "BASIC WATER TREATMENT of STEAM BOILERS", [PDF] Chemco Water Technology, Vancouver WA, Western Dry Kiln Association (2000), retrieved 4/23/2017, original source: http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/5199/Basic_Water_ocr.pdf
McAuley, Jr., John A., THERMAL SHOCK to HEATING BOILERS [PDF], risks of thermal shock damage to heating equipment, contact Mr. McAuley at Brant Steel Products Limited 49 Craig Street Brantford Ontario N3R 7H8 Tel: 519-756-5700
Email: fabricate@brantsteel.com Website: www.brantsteel.com
McDonnell & Miller Controls - XYLEM Global Headquarters, 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604, Tel: +1-914-323-5700, Fax: +1-914-323-5800
McDonnell & Miller ITT Series 47 & 247 MECHANICAL WATER FEEDERS, Series 47-2 & 247-2 Combination Mechanical Water Feeder & Low Water Cut-Off Installation & Maintenance Instructions [PDF], retrieved 4/23/2017, original source: http://s3.supplyhouse.com/manuals/1350993347279/84563_PROD_FILE.pdf
McDonnell & Miller ITT Models 51, 51-2 & 53 WATER FEEDERS & Models 51-2, 51-S-2 & 53-2 FEEDER CUT-OFF [PDF] Combination Instruction Manual, [PDF] retrieved 4/23/2017, original source: https://www.nationalpumpsupply.com/content/pdf/mcdonnell-&-miller-series-51-51s-53-instruction-manual.pdf
McDonnell & Miller WF2-SERIES AUTOMATIC WATER FEEDER INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] (2007) ITT 8200 N. Austin Ave. Morton Grove, IL 60053 USA Tel: 847-966-3700 Website: www.mcdonnellmiller.com retrieved 2019/02/15
McDonnell & Miller ITT WFE Uni-Match ELECTRIC WATER FEEDER INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] Op. Cit.
ITT McDonnell & Miller WFE-ELECTRIC WATER FEEDER INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] (2008), ITT 8200 N. Austin Ave. Morton Grove, IL 60053 Tel: 847-966-3700 Website: www.mcdonnellmiller.com retrieved 2019/02/15
STEAM BOILER FEEDWATER STANDARDS, [PDF] The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, 1055 Crupper Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229 Tel: 614.888.8320, NB-410-Rev 3, (2015) retrieved 4/23/2017, original source: http://www.nationalboard.org/SiteDocuments/Commissioned%20Inspectors/NB-410.pdf

Reader Q&A - also see the FAQs series linked-to below:

If flushing the low water cutoff and turning the water supply off and back on don't stop the water feeder problem then the feeder is damaged and needs replacement.

Meanwhile, waiting for repair, you can shut off the manual supply valve that's ahead of the automagic water feeder, so as to stop flooding the steam boiler.

But if you do that,

Watch out: if you turn off water to the boiler you will need to check the boiler water level frequently, no less than daily, and in the first day I'd check maybe every 6-8 hours to be sure that when the boiler needs water (check the sight glass and the fill line marked on the boiler) you can SLOWLY add make-up water to the boiler.

See STEAM BOILER WATER FEEDER VALVE MANUALS

Automatic water feeder not shutting off

Willie

Yes if you close any water valve completely it ought to stop water flow but if the valve is damaged, pitted, or has lost an internal washer it may still leak.

But 12 and 24 psi pressures are NOT describing a steam boiler - the subject of this page.

You must have a hydronic or hot water heating system (hot water baseboards or radiators not steam radiators).

Those water feeders can leak but another cause of creeping up pressure in a hot water boiler is a leaky tankless coil.

See TANKLESS COIL INTERNAL LEAKS INTO the BOILER https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Tankless_Coil_Leaks_Into_Boiler.php

if the feed valve is bad will it let water pass through even if it turned off tight

I think my water feed valve is bad to bleed my psi down every other day set at 12 psi the next day it at 24 psi and it was not running heat is off I turn the valve off think the valve is letting waterin

If your steam boiler has an automatic water feed valve then it's not working. Sometimes it's simply a matter of flushing debris. But if you are using the low water cutoff flush system intended for Homeowner operation and it's making no difference to your system then it's time to call for repair by your heating service tech

I have to manually raise the water level twice a day when does this me And?

Anon:

If flushing and cleaning the low water cutoff valve LWCO doesn't fix the problem
and

if you are certain that the water supply to the boiler is on and not blocked
and

if you are certain that the water feeder has electrical power (if your water feeder uses electricity)
then

the water feeder needs repair or replacement

water feeder auto not working

Like I said I did this and the auto feeder never gets out of dwell..it stays in dwell and does not feed..Also as I said we swapped the electronic part of the feeder with a brand new one and had the same result..also the LWCO in brand new

Rick

DId you take a look at the test suggestions in the water feeder manual?

Question: My steam boiler seems to be taking more water than usual

I blow the system down regularly and then make up the water in the sight glass. However I seem to be using significantly more water then years past whereas I'd top the sight glass every couple of weeks in the past compared to every other day now. What do you think the problem is? - Tom C 10.27.11

Reply:

Tom C: a common reason for increased water consumption in a steam heating system is one or more radiator steam vents that are not closing properly. Check also for a leak in the condensate return line.

Yes, assuming we're discussing a steam heating system that uses a manual water feeder, and that no automatic water feed valve is installed, then you should be checking the water level in the boiler frequently, possibly even daily in very cold weather.

Ask your heating service company to check the installation of your heating system, to tell you whether or not an automatic water feed valve is present (but not working?), and if there is none, consider installing such a valve.

Watch out: failure to keep sufficient water in a steam boiler can cause it to be destroyed or to become unsafe.

Is it normal for the manual water feeder on a gas furnace to go below the line every few days? my furnace level seems to go below the line and shut off and I have to fill it about every 3 days

...

Continue reading at STEAM BOILER SIGHT GLASS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM FAQs - questions and answers posted originally on this page, for more diagnosis and repair help with water feed valves on steam boilers

Or see WATER FEEDER VALVE, VXT-24 FAQs if your water feeder is a Hydrolevel VXT-24 programmable water feed valve

Or see these

Suggested citation for this web page

WATER FEEDER VALVE, STEAM at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to STEAM BOILERS

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