Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: Roger2561 on April 07, 2014, 05:38:03 AM

Title: Water quality question
Post by: Roger2561 on April 07, 2014, 05:38:03 AM
Hi all, at the beginning and the end of the heating season I always check the water level, ph and nitrates in my E-classic 1400.  They were at the levels Central says they should be when I last checked them in the fall when I fired her up for the season.  I always look at clarity at the same time.  It was nice clear.  Just for giggles, on Saturday morning while servicing it I decided to check the water level and clarity.  The water level was to the full mark in the site glass but it was cloudy.   Its not rusty colored, just cloudy.  I have not tested the water due to lack of time so I do not know where the nitrates and ph levels are right now.  I will check them later this week.  But for now, should I be concerned about the cloudiness?  Your thoughts, please.  Roger
Title: Re: Water quality question
Post by: slimjim on April 07, 2014, 05:45:25 AM
Are you looking at the clarity through the tube or actually looking at sample drawn off at the drain, the tube will discolor over time, it can be bought at most any hardware store.
Title: Re: Water quality question
Post by: LittleJohn on April 07, 2014, 07:23:52 AM
I would not be too concerned, as long as your pH and nitrate level are within the Manufacturers Spec's. 

I should take a picture of what some of my PEX lines on a closed loop look like after 1 season!  Its pretty gross, they get this nice dark red/brown almost black coating on the inside of the pipe (its just the small amount of oxygen reaction with ferrous metals in system) aka thin layer of rust.  Its not bad for the system, actaully if you were to stck your finger in there you could wipe it all off cause its only a very thin layer.
Title: Re: Water quality question
Post by: Roger2561 on April 07, 2014, 11:01:46 AM
Are you looking at the clarity through the tube or actually looking at sample drawn off at the drain, the tube will discolor over time, it can be bought at most any hardware store.

Hi Slim, Thanks for the response.  I would have answered earlier but work is getting in the way of my play time.  I looked at the water through the site tube.  The tube is clear when no water is in it so I kind of figure the water is cloudy a bit.  I'll take your subtle hint  :thumbup: and draw off a sample at the drain later this week to have a looksy.  Roger