Leaky backflow preventer

[JHZR2]

Got our ultra high efficiency boiler installed last Jan. was down in the basement tonight and saw moisture under the boiler.

It was this:

Which I believe is a backflow preventer.

It is part of this network:

Which has a valve where it attaches to the cold water supply , then that gadget, then the auto filler, then another valve and then it connects in a t to where the pressure tank is.

So it is dripping. It's a consistent drop, not a flow, but a drip.

Is this all as long as these things last? I didn't notice a country of origin, but some of the iron pipe that was used is marked China.

My boiler runs year round as it heats our indirect water heater. I have no reason to think/fear a leak, but I assume that is why the auto fill is there. Any reason why I should be concerned about closing off the two valves to prevent the dripping? Right now I have the pipe routed into the condensate pump so it isn't dripping onto the floor.

Thanks!

 

[Sumboodie]

They aren't hard to pull apart. might just have a bit of junk it in.

Or bleed off some water from the boiler and so fresh water flows through it, might clear the junk.

 

[Rob_Roy]

It doesn't take much to get those BFP's to leak...a little crud on the seat is all it takes. Often a quick tear-down and cleaning is all that's needed. Yours looks like it has a union-type connection on each end, so you should be able to close the ball valve on each side and take it apart.

Is there a low water cutoff control installed on the boiler? If so, (and it is functional) there is no reason you can't valve off the make-up water. I don't even have a back flow prevention valve on my system...but I normally leave the make-up water valved off.

 

[KeithS_NW_Ohio]

Try this plumbing Forum:
http://www.terrylove.com/forums/forum.php

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: Rob_Roy


Is there a low water cutoff control installed on the boiler? If so, (and it is functional) there is no reason you can't valve off the make-up water. I don't even have a back flow prevention valve on my system...but I normally leave the make-up water valved off.


I thought the point of the "make up water" is to put pressure into your system so you can lift the water to the top floor of home.

 

[Rob_Roy]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: Rob_Roy


Is there a low water cutoff control installed on the boiler? If so, (and it is functional) there is no reason you can't valve off the make-up water. I don't even have a back flow prevention valve on my system...but I normally leave the make-up water valved off.


I thought the point of the "make up water" is to put pressure into your system so you can lift the water to the top floor of home.


Yes, 12 psi is generally sufficient for a 2 story home. Once the system has been bled of air and has the correct pressure, you shouldn't need anymore make-up water (in theory at least). Assuming there are no leaks, the bladder/air cushion in the expansion tank should maintain the proper system pressure.

My boiler has been isolated from the domestic water for 6 months and is still sitting at 12 psi.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Call your contractor.

They should correct an issue like that at no cost to you. Our HVAC company has always given us at least a couple years warranty on the installation-I would assume yours would as well.

If the issue is caused by deposits/crud in the system then it's time to put a filter on it to protect your investment from further damage.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Rob_Roy
Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: Rob_Roy


Is there a low water cutoff control installed on the boiler? If so, (and it is functional) there is no reason you can't valve off the make-up water. I don't even have a back flow prevention valve on my system...but I normally leave the make-up water valved off.


I thought the point of the "make up water" is to put pressure into your system so you can lift the water to the top floor of home.


Yes, 12 psi is generally sufficient for a 2 story home. Once the system has been bled of air and has the correct pressure, you shouldn't need anymore make-up water (in theory at least). Assuming there are no leaks, the bladder/air cushion in the expansion tank should maintain the proper system pressure.

My boiler has been isolated from the domestic water for 6 months and is still sitting at 12 psi.


We have a circulator pump too, FWIW.