What is this valve?

[spectralcav]

First post time

I wonder if anyone could help me to identify this valve:

Untitled

• spectralcav
• 25 Nov 2010
• 1

It is fitted to 28mm pipework just above an old Potterton Netaheat boiler.

It used to leak (hence the limescale!) but hasn't done so for a while.

I assume it's some kind of air release valve, but can't find any reference to anything that looks like it.

Can it be replaced? What are the chances of cleaning it up and making it function again?

 

[londonboy]

Looks to me like 28mm Tee with a cap on the right.

Replace it with a 28mm coupling.

 

[spectralcav]

There is some kind of valve within the branch of the tee. There are holes all round the circumference of the branch between the pipework and the cap. Ever since the fitting stopped leaking/working, we've had trouble with air in the boiler.

 

[wotan]

Definitely a pressure relief valve of some sort, must be there for a reason.

Wotan

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

It's a safety valve.

 

[spraggo]

First post time

I wonder if anyone could help me to identify this valve:

Can it be replaced? What are the chances of cleaning it up and making it function again?

It is a spring loaded adjustable safety relief valve, it used to be standard practice to fit these to avoid pressure build up in old heating systems, for instance, if the vent and feed from the expansion pipe froze etc. They are now obsolete and can be discarded. There is no connection with this valve allowing air into the system.

spraggo

 

[spectralcav]

Thanks Spraggo! The positioning of the valve didn't seem quite right for an air release valve

Do you think there's a chance it could be restricting the flow from/to the boiler - ie would it be a good idea to discard it, or is it best to leave well alone!?

 

[spraggo]

I cannot see any way that this valve could restrict the flow. If it is not leaking I would leave well alone.

Regard spraggo

 

[spectralcav]

Thanks! I'll leave it where it is.