Water Heaters - Yet another leaking TPRV issue.....
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Gold'n'dugout
05-17-05, 10:38 AM
I have a problem with the TPRV on the water heater in my townhome. The current set up is this: The water heater itself serves more as a "holding tank" than anything else since hot water is sent into the unit from a heating oil fired boiler. The thermostats on the water heater are set at about 118 degrees. The heater tank is wrapped with additional insulation (I'm in Fairbanks AK, and the water heater is in the garage with the boiler, but it is a heated garage.) I've replaced the TPRV which has NOT solved the leaking issue.
I'm 99% sure this is a temperature related issue as after replacing the TPRV and turning everything back on, there were no leaks until the boiler fired some 4 hours later. Unfortunately the boiler is injecting 150 degree water into the heater tank, and I'm unsure how to reduce the temp setting on the boiler, and how that would effect it's ability to heat the home itself. (hot water baseboard with three zones.)
Would removing the extra insulation on the tank help with heat dissipation, and possibly eliminate the problem? (I plan on flushing the tank this weekend when I have a day off.)
The leak is worse when the boiler is refilling the tank, which is why I believe this is a temperature related issue. Perhaps a small expansion tank might be necessary as well?
Also is there a simple way to change the heat setting on the boiler to a more reasonable level? Unlike many people, I don't run out of hot water, but have to continue to adjust the faucet during a hot shower since the water gets hotter with the length of time in the shower due to the direct boiler input, instead of colder as the tank refills.
I'm guessing that reducing the setting of the boiler thermostat might solve this problem, so I'd like to start there. If anyone has a suggestion I'd be appreciative.
I'm 99% sure this is a temperature related issue as after replacing the TPRV and turning everything back on, there were no leaks until the boiler fired some 4 hours later. Unfortunately the boiler is injecting 150 degree water into the heater tank, and I'm unsure how to reduce the temp setting on the boiler, and how that would effect it's ability to heat the home itself. (hot water baseboard with three zones.)
Would removing the extra insulation on the tank help with heat dissipation, and possibly eliminate the problem? (I plan on flushing the tank this weekend when I have a day off.)
The leak is worse when the boiler is refilling the tank, which is why I believe this is a temperature related issue. Perhaps a small expansion tank might be necessary as well?
Also is there a simple way to change the heat setting on the boiler to a more reasonable level? Unlike many people, I don't run out of hot water, but have to continue to adjust the faucet during a hot shower since the water gets hotter with the length of time in the shower due to the direct boiler input, instead of colder as the tank refills.
I'm guessing that reducing the setting of the boiler thermostat might solve this problem, so I'd like to start there. If anyone has a suggestion I'd be appreciative.
Ejbogusch
05-17-05, 08:37 PM
First you need to stop guessing and gather some facts. To do this you need to place a pressure gauge on the hose bib of the heater to check pressure. Don't be shy about leaving it on for 24 hrs to mark high pressure. If it turns out that the pressure gauge exceeded the PRV then install or replace your pressure regulator at your home's inlet. Also make sure the bypass is working on your pressure regulator. A closed system upon heating will cause a PRV to open.
If the above checks out okay check your water temp at the inlet when your boiler is firing. It should not exceed the PRV rating. 150 degrees would not be hot enough to open the PRV.
If the above checks out okay check your water temp at the inlet when your boiler is firing. It should not exceed the PRV rating. 150 degrees would not be hot enough to open the PRV.