Steaming below the surface

We were so sure our rather unlucky period with appliances and household necessities was quite over. Two chairs were pulled up to the new iMac. My sinuses were not happy and T was tired from outside fall clean up jobs. We were relaxing and gazing at the new enormous screen. Suddenly we heard the sound of water and hissing, we looked in the bathroom first, but I soon ran to the cellar door and opened it to a wall of hissing steam. I ran downstairs thinking the water heater had let go and was in the process of emptying it's contents in the cellar. But no, more terrifying than that, the steam gas boiler was expelling a large puddle of red, rusty water, shrouded in steam. I saw $$$$ flash before my eyes, my legs were weak, we have a wedding soon...oh my. I shut the boiler down and rubber legged it up the stairs. I could barely get out the words that it was the steam boiler. We couldn't speak. I called my brother and he came over armed with a flashlight and a calm bearing, we went down together. He swore and then got to looking around, inspecting things. My legs were jelly. He let the boiler cool a bit and began adding water, slowly. The water stayed inside. He speculated that too much pressure had built up and the water was released as a safety measure from the relief valve. He was sure that it was just parts needed, not a new boiler( this one is only 14, gas boilers last much longer than that). We pay for a service plan that covers all parts needing replacement. My legs began to hold me up properly.

The fantastic young service tech came this morning, a great explainer and was well versed in steam boilers which are a thing of the past now. He said the pressure gauge wasn't working and he expected the 'pig tail' was blocked, now I even know what that is. He had me turn up the thermostat and waited till it happened again, less violently. He'll order and replace the pressure control valve as well. All to be done tomorrow because they don't carry those parts as standard on his van.

I just want to send out a thank you to the Steam Boiler gods, they knew we couldn't handle a new boiler at this time.

Last night I read this blip and felt Maud's mum's pain, but could not write this until I knew we were in the clear.

Sinuses are a bit better...not great.

For the Record,, This day came in warm(a good thing) and cloudy. Roasted root vegetables ready to come out of the oven.