Posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on January 27, 2000 at 21:30:19:
In Reply to: radiator maintenance posted by Craig T on January 27, 2000 at 12:41:45:
Near the boiler is a hand valve and a pressure reducing valve on a line feeding into the hot water heating system pipe. If this valve is closed and the pressure on the gauge on the boiler does not fall under 12 pounds, there is no leak in the system. That means that no fresh water and the air that comes with it is being introduced to the system, so there is no need to open the air bleed valves at the top of the radiators. The water inside the system is valuable treated water that should not have fresh water (and rusting oxygen with it) added until the water must be replaced after a leak is repaired. If that ever happens, you can buy the little keys for the valves at some local hardware stores and plumbing supplies. For now, hope you won't need one in the near future.