How to Find and Bleed the Bleeder Valve of an Oil Burner
As a homeowner, maintaining your oil burner is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe living space. One crucial step in the maintenance process is bleeding the bleeder valve, which can be puzzling if you’re not familiar with the process. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to find and bleed the bleeder valve of your oil burner.
What is the Bleeder Valve?
The bleeder valve is a small valve located on the oil burner’s burner cartridge or on the combustion air intake. Its primary function is to release any air or gas that may enter the system during maintenance or repair, which can cause the burner to malfunction. Air in the system can lead to poor burner performance, uneven heat, or even safety issues.
Why Bleed the Bleeder Valve?
Bleeding the bleeder valve is essential to ensure the following:
- Proper Air-Gas Mix: Bleeding the valve allows you to eliminate any air pockets that may have formed in the system, which can cause issues with the burner’s performance.
- Prevent Safety Risks: Air in the system can lead to poor combustion, which can result in carbon monoxide buildup, a serious safety concern.
- Improve Burner Efficiency: By removing air from the system, you can increase the burner’s efficiency, reducing energy bills and extending its lifespan.
- Prevent Noisy Operation: Air in the system can cause the burner to vibrate and make noise, which can be annoying and disturbing.
How to Find the Bleeder Valve
- Locate the Oil Burner: Before you can bleed the bleeder valve, you need to identify the location of your oil burner. Typically, it’s installed in a utility closet, basement, or garage.
- Check the Burner Cartridge: The bleeder valve is usually located on the burner cartridge, which is the part of the burner that mixes fuel and air. Look for a small valve with a nipple or a hole, and a release valve or a hex key socket.
- Inspect the Combustion Air Intake: The bleeder valve can also be located on the combustion air intake, which is usually a round or rectangular fitting connected to the burner.
- Consult Your User Manual: If you’re still unsure about the location of the bleeder valve, consult your oil burner’s user manual or contact a professional heating technician for assistance.
How to Bleed the Bleeder Valve
- Turn Off the Oil Burner: Ensure the oil burner is turned off and the power is shut off to prevent any accidents or injuries.
- Open the Bleeder Valve: Use a hex key or a T-handled wrench to open the bleeder valve. You may need to use a bit of force, but be careful not to damage the valve.
- Allow Air to Escape: Allow the air to escape while you’re opening the valve. You may hear a hissing sound, which indicates the air is escaping.
- Close the Bleeder Valve: Once the hissing sound stops, close the bleeder valve.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect the valve and surrounding area for any signs of leaks.
Tips and Precautions
- Always turn off the oil burner before attempting to bleed the bleeder valve.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to prevent injury.
- Be cautious not to touch any hot surfaces or electrical components.
- If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, consider hiring a professional heating technician.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully find and bleed the bleeder valve of your oil burner, ensuring a safe and efficient heating system. Remember to bleed the valve regularly to maintain your oil burner’s performance and extend its lifespan.
We let the oil run out, we refilled it, but the system won’t turn on. I’m assuming we need to bleed air from the system but I can’t find the bleeder valve. TIA