Minutes ago I looked outside to see smoke barreling out of the chimney, and also from the eves on the shed. I knew right away what happened. You ever see the instructions that say DON'T leave the bottom door open, stay near the boiler etc. They were serious about that.
I usually start a fire in the am from the bottom door and leave it open for 5-10 minutes while I stand there waiting - I then close the door and switch the fan on with the flap open for about 1 hour to get good coals - on my way to work I shut the flap, and we're good - it my tested and proven method.
This morning, my wife had to be to work extra early for a meeting, and I started the fire, leaving the door open. I then came inside to dress our son and help feed our newborn. Well, about 45 minutes later I saw (start at the beginning of this story).
I have been a volunteer fireman for over 15 years, and at first when I saw the shed, I though I had lost it, thinking it was completely engulfed in flame inside. When I looked through the windows, there was no flame, and the smoke felt wet. When I opened the door I heard a lot of hissing, indicating that the pressure relief valve had opened (this is a very important feature to have on your boiler!). I ran back inside and shut my Furnace "emergency switch" off. This is the red plated switch that is supposed to be placed somewhere you can get to it in an emergency (both my oil and wood furnace are hooked to it). As soon as I shut it off, the steam (smoke ) stopped.
When I went to the shed, it was wet, but no apparent damage to the boiler or piping. The boiler was making a bubbling sound, like water boiling. My manual guage on my outlet pipe was reading 270 degrees - and it can read higher, so I'm fairly comfortable that it didn't go above. The only issue I see is that my pex was a little soft, but am hoping it will be okay. It was not soft on the outside where you could put a fingernail scratch in it, just a soft pliable feeling.
When I restarted, it seems to be fine except for a controller reading of "E1", but am thinking that will go away once the temp is down. I currently have the shed doors open and my therms at 80 degrees, including in the garage with the doors open to help bring the temp down.
I'll keep you posted, but want everyone to read this as to not screw up like I did - and of course, I knew better. At least there is no damage, and no one got hurt!
Lastly, I was thinking of all of you, as I faile to mention that after I threw the switch off, I ran upstairs to get the camera so I could post a pic - by the time I got outside, there was nothing to take a picture of. Sorry guys and girls.
Live and learn - Mark
I usually start a fire in the am from the bottom door and leave it open for 5-10 minutes while I stand there waiting - I then close the door and switch the fan on with the flap open for about 1 hour to get good coals - on my way to work I shut the flap, and we're good - it my tested and proven method.
This morning, my wife had to be to work extra early for a meeting, and I started the fire, leaving the door open. I then came inside to dress our son and help feed our newborn. Well, about 45 minutes later I saw (start at the beginning of this story).
I have been a volunteer fireman for over 15 years, and at first when I saw the shed, I though I had lost it, thinking it was completely engulfed in flame inside. When I looked through the windows, there was no flame, and the smoke felt wet. When I opened the door I heard a lot of hissing, indicating that the pressure relief valve had opened (this is a very important feature to have on your boiler!). I ran back inside and shut my Furnace "emergency switch" off. This is the red plated switch that is supposed to be placed somewhere you can get to it in an emergency (both my oil and wood furnace are hooked to it). As soon as I shut it off, the steam (smoke ) stopped.
When I went to the shed, it was wet, but no apparent damage to the boiler or piping. The boiler was making a bubbling sound, like water boiling. My manual guage on my outlet pipe was reading 270 degrees - and it can read higher, so I'm fairly comfortable that it didn't go above. The only issue I see is that my pex was a little soft, but am hoping it will be okay. It was not soft on the outside where you could put a fingernail scratch in it, just a soft pliable feeling.
When I restarted, it seems to be fine except for a controller reading of "E1", but am thinking that will go away once the temp is down. I currently have the shed doors open and my therms at 80 degrees, including in the garage with the doors open to help bring the temp down.
I'll keep you posted, but want everyone to read this as to not screw up like I did - and of course, I knew better. At least there is no damage, and no one got hurt!
Lastly, I was thinking of all of you, as I faile to mention that after I threw the switch off, I ran upstairs to get the camera so I could post a pic - by the time I got outside, there was nothing to take a picture of. Sorry guys and girls.
Live and learn - Mark
