Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’ve been seeing alot of capped off draining cocks at and around boilers lately.
The only problem is… These caps are hiding leaks. Everytime I find signs of leakage at a boiler, I look for the source and low and behold… The faucet was leaking but is now capped with a copper cover.
Someone tell me the dangers of these caps. Should these be exposed at all times or is it not a big deal?
I’ve been telling my clients that these should be replaced because of signs of leakage. What’s the dangers?
Originally Posted By: rking This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
David,
I would say that the faucets should be clear and in use (not capped). The faucets are a safety feature in most cases.
If you had to drain that boiler in a hurry you would be SOL if the faucets were capped.
-- Muskoka Home Inspections
"Wisdom is the Anticipation of the Consequences"
Steering Committee Member At Large
Originally Posted By: Steve Yared This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I see capping them as no problem. The safety release valves are for safety, the valves are there for draining when needed. Just like a water heater drain valve, once you open them they never seem to close tightly again and drip. I recommend a cap on the water heater drain valve if it drips, if they need to flush water out the the water heater each month, why have the hassle of it dripping constantly.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks guys,
Do I have any more recommendations? Should these be replaced? Or are the temporary caps good enough? 
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Dave
I think you said it yourself with the phrase “temporary caps” I would take the view that the reason that the cap was there was solely due to the fact that the tap was defective and therefore like any other defective piece of equipment it needs to be serviced or replaced.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Ask yourself the question, Why did someone go through the trouble to manufacture the damn caps in the first place. If they do the job, then use them.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I did ask myself that question and realized that I had an answer too.
I'll write it up as a possible leak and recommending a new replacement drain faucet.
Geeze, that was easy. I wonder if I can answer all my questions the same way. I'm going to try that again on my next multiple tap in a SE Panel.
If it doesn't work, I'll holler for Dennis. 
Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ok, everyone has valid points so if you want to have the drain valve replaced go ahead and replace it, if not I don’t see the caps as a problem unless they are permanently attached, meaning they can not be removed.
