Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bassexpander]

Why is it that every year or so, an Ondol heating machine must be "drained" in some way? I've seen Koreans do this when it stops working properly, but no one has ever explained to me what needs to be done. When winter hits (like now) I feel as if there is some kind of maintenance I should be doing to prevent the total loss of heat overnight, and a cold shower in the morning.

[JongnoGuru]

I think you will find on the front of your water boiler a round dial-type gauge with two needles, a long yellow one and a shorter red one.

Now, imagine that gauge is a clock face. Disregarding the actual numbers on the dial, if everything is normal it should read "9 o'clock" so to speak. Red needle pointing to where "12" would appear were it a clock, the yellow needle pointing to where "9" would be.

Problems occur when those needles don't *read* "9 o'clock". Typically, the upwards-pointing red needle will drift down in the direction of the yellow needle (which I don't believe I've ever seen not pointing at "9"). This indicates that water has leaked or evaporated from / air has entered into the ondol circuit (system of coils).

When this happens, heating will be inefficient or non-existent. This is when you would drain the pipes empty and then refill them with water to get the circuit back. If that doesn't work, you've got a leak somewhere.

People will also drain their ondol system when they leave on extended holiday during the winter, so that water in the circuit will not freeze, expand and potentially crack tubing & joints. Alternatively, you can leave the ondol on at the lowest possible setting to ensure the pipes won't freeze.

[Kimchi Cowboy]

[bassexpander]

Ha... well, I mean it's time to start up the Ondol soon.

Thanks, JG.

[boatofcar]

I mean this in a completely serious way.

This site has been the most helpful place on the internet to get ondol/hot water information for your Korean apartment.

[spliff]

It's not necessary to drain it completely (don't even know how that's done). I just twist the water adder valve until it overflows this ensures the pipes are completely full.

[JongnoGuru]

[Cheonmunka]

HI guys, I've got eight pipes going through the house coming from the valve cylinder connecting the pipe from the boiler room. When I turn on valves for each of the eight pipes I hear water bubbling in the cylinder. Does this mean there are air pockets? If there are, will it reduce the heat dramatically within the house? I've located all the pipes' locations but one of the pipes (an important one) seems only to warm up just a little one very small area in a room. The problem is it's in the living room right at the foot of a sofa area so it's going to be cold there and it's going to be a Gaddamn cold winter. Anyway, could this pipe not heating up be because of air bubbles?

Thanks for that interesting take you guys, especially Spliff. Though, I thought you would have said something witty, or even sexy, during your post. Alas, not to be ...

PS: Is the water adder valve near the boiler or is it near the valves?

[Tony_Balony]

[mrsquirrel]

WHat the hell is a 'water adder valve'?

[Luna]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but - I live in an officetel, do I even have access to my water boiler? (It's not hidden inside my apartment or anything...right?)

[spliff]