I get a lot of gurgling sounds from my heating system which leads me to believe that I have a fair amount of air in the system. I have a 5026 or 5027 attached directly above the expansion tank, next to my boiler (in the basement). Is it better to have the air vent where it is or should the air vent be located at the highest point in the system?

BEFORE YOU TRY WHAT IS DESCRIBED BELOW, KNOW THIS: We do not recommend manually letting all the air out of a vent; maintaining the air pocket under the vent cap is important. If the air pocket is eliminated, water and any debris that is floating on top of the water will get into the small vent valve/opening and could cause malfunction (sticking open or closed) and then you'll have to disassemble and clean the vent.

I have the Caleffi 5020/5021 Series vent on my indirect fired water heater. There is a slight leak, a little dribble of water every few mins. Should it be replaced, or can I let it go for a bit? I don't know how necessary the vent is to the system. Thanks.

Hello, Should I manually release some air after the initial installation and then snug cap back on? Thanks for your advice! Rich

RJ, the reason that water would be coming out of an air vent is usually if there is a little piece of debris caught in the seat. This can usually be fixed by removing the cover with the float and linkage, and blowing compressed air from the outside in through the "bleeder". If a little piece of rust or a copper shaving or something is caught in there, it will leak water.

Bob, An auto air vent can be placed on the supply or return side of the system and typically installed at a high point in the system. As long as there is positive system pressure it will not allow air back in. If it is at a point where there is a negative system pressure then it could draw air back in through the vent. Caleffi does offer an "Anti-Suction" cap for air vents that end up in that location under part number 562100.

Terry, that noise could be consistent with excess air in your system. Adding an auto air vent at a high point where air is collecting could help. Also you may want to consider our 551 Discal air separator. This product has a coalescing mesh element that will separate the air from the water and remove it. It is a multi-pass device and is more efficient in removing air. The air vent typically does not separate the air from the water it simply removes air that migrates into the vent body.

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is a valve that helps reduce the water pressure in your home. When water pressure is too high, it wears out joints and causes pinhole leaks. Water pressure also causes water hammer, or when fast-moving water suddenly stops and is magnified by high pressure. PRVs help reduce water hammer and keep pipes safe and healthy. There are several signs your PRV needs to be replaced. Early PRVs are usually located on the main water line before it enters your home. They are often buried or obscured by landscaping. Most homeowners aren’t aware that they are there. You can identify them by looking for a double clean-out (the white pipes sticking out of a flower bed). PRVs are used to stabilize water pressure and reduce noise in the pipes upstream. These noises can damage pipes and appliances. Phyn hears better in a quiet environment. The pressure plot of Phyn’s pressure shows water events that are occurring at various points. Each spike has its own characteristics. If you have a PRV installed, you’ll see fewer water spikes and save money on your water bill. When a PRV is installed on the main water supply line, it will reduce the pressure from high to low. This will protect your plumbing from any damage from water pressure too high. A licensed plumber can assess your plumbing system and recommend whether or not you need a PRV. This device is important because it will reduce the risk of flooding, which can cause costly damage. If you have a high water pressure, it is best to have a PRV installed. It is a small component of your home, but it is a crucial part that affects the whole plumbing system. A functioning pressure reducing valve can reduce your monthly bills and increase the lifespan of water-consuming appliances. If you have a PRV, make sure you have it checked out. A properly functioning valve can increase the efficiency of your plumbing system and water-using appliances. You will appreciate the savings. And when it fails, the price of repairing a failing PRV is small compared to the savings that it can make you. In addition to residential and commercial installations, PRVs are mandatory for all new residential buildings. Residential units have eighty-seven PRVs installed by default. PRVs are also required by the Plumbing Code since 1990, and in Lyons, there are currently four hundred and forty-four installations included in new building permits. A commercial PRV can add up to £900 to £1300 to your property’s plumbing bill! Click here to learn more about the boiler service company derby.

When you unscrew the air vent cap you will see inside a small, white plastic stem holder. The mechanism works like the air valve on a bicycle tire. Using a pen or small screwdriver, if you push down on the stem holder to un-seat the spring-closed valve, you'll vent the air pocket. Again, see above!

Getting new boiler in couple of months and I’ve read as a temporary fix I could maybe drain a radiator to put air in it and get pressure that way?

Perhaps you’re concerned about your budget and finances when it comes to home improvements. If this is the case, give us a call about your budget, and we will offer you a free quote without any pressure. We will also work with your budget to ensure you get the desired fence.

Yes, there is a way, and we recommend against it!  Read on. All of the Caleffi 5020/5021 Series MINICAL, 5022/5023 Series VALCAL and 551 Series DISCALAIR automatic vents have a spring-closed air release valve under the air vent cap. Most of our air separators and air/dirt separators, such as the 551 Series DISCAL and 546 Series DISCALDIRT have the same mechanism.

Our auto air bleeder was leaking water so we installed a new one… a day later there is a small pool of water on top of the new bleeder… could it be condensation? Or is this bleeder faulty as well?

Hello Matt, You can replace the air vent and that may be your best option, however that model is servicable. You could try removing the top and float assembly, clean any debris from the body and float mechanism and reinstall to see if that would correct he issue.

Gary, you can contact our Rep in Cleveland, Campbell Equipment Company, at 866-779-5151, to ask about your best source for the 5021.

After initial installation the valve should be releasing air automatically but you can double check with the manual procedure as well. If the cap on the air vent is tightened down it will not be able to release air automatically. Typically the cap is left slightly loose.

Paul, One way to test this would be to shut off the auto fill to the boiler and see if pressure increases in the system. If the pressure increases with the autofill shut off then it is more likely thermal expansion and not a PRV issue. If the pressure stays stable then that may indicate you have debris in the PRV causing it to over pressurize.

My boiler is losing pressure every day, main combi boiler, no noticeable leaks, I’ve topped up expansion vessel, but when on its up to 3 bar and dripping like mad outside, do you think it’s a prv issue or expansion vessel fault? The error says to top up and check auto air vent.