How the Water Feeder Works in a Home Boiler

Home Boiler Systems

• Home boiler systems circulate heat through a home using steam or water as a medium for heat transfer. Steam boiler systems heat water to produce steam. The steam generated then travels through a home’s duct and vent system to room radiators or baseboard registers. Water boiler systems use a network of piping throughout a home to pump hot water to room radiator or baseboard registers. With both types of systems, maintain a certain level of water in a boiler tank at all times or risk serious damage to the boiler system.

Water Levels

• A boiler system hooks directly into a home’s main water supply line. Most water feeder valves attach to the pipe that connects the water supply to the boiler tank. When water levels within the boiler tank drop below a certain point, the valve allows water to flow from the main supply line. In the case of steam boilers, a certain amount of water loss is normal as steam evaporates in different areas of a system. With water boiler systems, water levels should remain constant since no water-to-steam evaporation takes place.

Water Pressure Levels

• Water pressure levels within a boiler system can fluctuate whenever water temperatures or water levels drop inside the tank. When water temperatures get cooler, the water takes up less space in the tank than when temperatures are on the warm or hot side. As cool waters occupy less space, pressure levels drop inside the tank. The water feeder valve responds by releasing more water into the tank. On most boiler systems, pressure levels below 12 pounds per square inch will cause the water feeder valve to open, according to InspectAPedia, a home building reference site.

Automatic Vs. Manual Feeder Valves

• Water feeder valves may operate on an automatic basis or require manual adjustment depending on the age of the boiler system. Older boiler systems may only have a manual valve, meaning homeowners must stay on top of changing water levels inside the boiler tank. Newer boiler systems typically include an automatic valve that’s able to sense water and pressure levels in the tank. Automatic valve devices also include a manual lever, which allows homeowners to open up the valve when the automatic mechanism breaks down.