If there is much sediment in the water used, this must be drawn off from the bottom of the boiler to prevent its accumulating there. When this is done, fresh water must be added to replace the water drawn off. Loss of water from evaporation must also be replaced. No water should be put into the system except to replace such loss. Do not draw the water out of the system, and refill it from time to time. The practice of changing the water in the furnace rusts it more than keeping the same water in it all the time.
69. Radiators. Radiators (B, Fig. 31) are made of rather complicated coils of pipe, so often an accumulation of air lodges in them. This interferes with the circulation of the water and the radiator does not get hot. There usually is a vent (A and B, Fig. 33) attached to each radiator to let out air which collects there. If a radiator does not heat well, open the air vent until the air ceases to flow from it and water comes; then close it. Valves should be placed at places where cold water collects in bad plumbing.
Fig. 34. Radiators under floor.
In very cold weather, do not entirely shut off the valve of the pipe leading to any radiator, as the circulation of a little warm water is needed to keep it from freezing. Radiators may be placed under the floor (Fig. 34) when so desired.
CHAPTER IX
Steam-Heating Systems
