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Author:
Jonf (VT)
If I need to shut off the main house water to make a routine repair at a bathroom or kitchen sink that will take me a couple hours or so, do I need to shut off power to the boiler while the house water is off? I have an older Weil-McLain boiler, baseboard heat, no external water tank. Thank you. (Hot water shutoff valve under bathroom sink leaks when I shut it off, so I need to replace it with a quarter-turn valve.)
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Author:
Plumberpalmer (MA)
Your heating system is a closed system shutting off the water to the house will have new effect on the heat.
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Author:
Jonf (VT)
Thank you! I never was sure about this. So that means I could shut the house water off while away on vacation and won't have an effect on the boiler. That's good to know.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Make sure the boiler has a low water cut-off. If not, adding cold water to a dry-firing boiler could make a section of the house go bye-bye.
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Author:
Jonf (VT)
I looked up images of a low water cutoff and don't see one on the boiler (though it might be there). The last service report shows N/A marked for low water cutoff--I don't know if that means I don't have one or that wasn't part of the service check. So my question is, if I don't have a low water cutoff, can I still cut off main house water for a couple hours to do the sink repair without damaging boiler? Sounds like I should be OK given the closed loop, but just want to make sure.
FOLLOW-UP: OK, now I see you were referring to turning house water off while away on vacation. I will cross that bridge next time I go away; for now I will proceed with the repair I need to do. Let me know if I have misunderstood; otherwise, I will proceed with the repair. Thanks for all the responses.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
off for a short time = OK
as for the 'low water cut-off': the boiler 'should' have one, perhaps it is a 'modern type' diaphragm pressure switch which can not be 'visually' tested as opposed to an 'old school' float type switch
your boiler's manual will instruct you
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
Jonf (VT)
Thanks,Bernabeu. "Diaphragm" sounds familiar from last time I quizzed service guy about my boiler, and pretty sure i know which part that is. I will double check manual again.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
visuals:
[www.bing.com]
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
You're right...I was referring to you shutting the water off while on vacation. Here's the scenario...you shut the service off and go on vacation. While you're away the boiler cracks a section (typical), and drains the system. Now there's a call for heat and the boiler fires. Since there is no water at the bulb of the aquastat, the boiler just keeps firing. Now you come home and turn the water on. Not good. Low water cutoffs are code in most places now. If you have an older boiler, an aftermarket one is a worthwhile purchase.
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