My baseboard heating was starting to sound like a babbleing brook. So i drained the pipes and I refilled them. I am thinking i didnt refill them enough because it STILL sounds like a babbleing brook.There are 2 guages on the side of my boiler. How do I know what preassure to make the pipes?I have 2 zones. There is also a weird bell shaped switch or lever that comes immidiatly after the water pipe that feeds the boiler. What is it for?
The bell shaped thingy is a water pressure regulator. typically factory set for 12psi. The lever is a regulator bypass used to fast fill the boiler. The bubbling sound is likely air in the lines, which you should be able to bleed at the end of each baseboard heater; this typically requires a bleeder key, although you may be able to do it with a screwdriver. (depends on the style of bleeder) Bleeding a system to get it quiet can take a few tries, over time, because as the water is repeatedly heated, it gives off it's oxygen, causing the need to bleed again. Usually after two or three times, perhaps a week apart, the system should be quiet. If you need a key, you should be able to get it at any plumbing shop, I'm not sure, but I've never seen them at Home depot or Lowes. Also a Plummer Fitter in Ohio. Local 189
your boiler's PRV (pressure reducing valve) should automaticlly set your pipe's pressure The bell shaped object sounds like another type of PRV. It controls the amount of water introduced into the boiler. DO NOT ADJUST it. It comes preset, and sized for the boiler's requirements. What your first step should be is to identify weather you have a steam boiler, or hydronic system. If it is steam, is it a single pipe system, or 2 pipe system. Then if it is a 2 pipe system is it standard, or reverse return? Find out these facts, and re-post the question. You are lacking key information. I am a Union Pipefitter here in Ohio, boilers are my game!
Not sure what type of boiler you have but you could try to use a auto-vent.These will screw into the elbow next to your baseboard.The bell shaped devise should be your backflow preventer.You should not have to touch that.
