How to Stop a Boiler From Surging

Some water temperature variation in a boiler is normal and is part of the heating, delivery and cool-down process. Dramatic fluctuation in the boiler water line, however, is a different matter entirely. Called surging, severe water line fluctuation can eventually damage the boiler if the problem is not addressed. Determining if the boiler is surging and fixing the problem should only be done by an adult familiar with boiler operation to help avoid possible injury.

Bucket
Nipple valve pipe

Instructions

- 1
  Watch the water line in the boiler sight glass and monitor the water line for several hours. Note fluctuation of more than 1 inch in the sight glass or water running down from the sight glass top. This means the boiler is surging.
- 2
  Turn off the boiler and allow the unit to cool fully.
- 3
  Remove the relief valve or another valve on the boiler side above water level that is at least 3/4 inch in size.
- 4
  Connect a horizontal valve nipple onto the valve. Restore power to the boiler and allow the water to heat. Set an empty bucket under the valve.
- 5
  Disconnect power to the boiler once the water is hot but not steaming and then open the relief valve slowly. Do not stand in front of the valve; always stand to the side to escape any possible steam.
- 6
  Open the boiler fill valve and wait for water to flow into the nipple valve. Wait for the water to stop flowing out of the nipple valve and then slowly open the manual fill valve slightly. Close the manual fill valve if the water flow is larger than the diameter of a pencil.
- 7
  Repeat the process until at least four to six buckets are filled and emptied or for a total of one to three hours.
- 8
  Shut the manual fill valve and remove the nipple valve. Replace the relief valve or the other valve that was initially removed and open the drain valve after placing the empty bucket under the drain valve.
- 9
  Let the boiler drain until the normal fill level is reached and then close the drain valve and restore power to the boiler.

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