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Badly plugged sections

Paulien
Paulien Member Posts: 7
Hi Guys...Any advice to clean badly plugged up sections of a steam boiler?/ Tried the thin saw & brush on the sides but when I removed the jacket the top sections are cement like plugged in some areas..the little "nubs" are breaking off as I try to chip away..any liquid material to pour down to loosen up?  Thanks alot

Comments

  • billtwocase
    billtwocase Member Posts: 2,385
    possible

    leaking boiler if it has hardened the "soot" to the extent of calling it cement. I would seek a pro to determine that
  • RJ_4
    RJ_4 Member Posts: 484
    section

    I agree I would get someone familiar with your boiler to determine how to clean it   I would also get someone with a strong background in boilers who  can do a complete flue inspection ( proper flue size, fresh air,combustion air ) and a combustion analysis of the burner.     I would also put a co monitor in the boiler room.  Be carefull using any chemicals in boiler rm.  especially if there is other gas or  oil fired equip.in room.
    RJ
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Plugged Sections:

    Is it possible that this steam boiler has a hot water coil to supply domestic hot water and you are running the boiler as a "Cold Start" where the burner only runs when there is a call for heat or hot water? And the temperature controller is set low for domestic hot water use?

    I see what you describe in an account where there is ODR on hot water boilers and they usually run for most of the year at temperatures below 140 degrees. I clean them every summer when they are off with a soot saw and threaded rods with file handles. If I didn't clean them every year, they would plug solid with a grey cementious material.
  • kcopp
    kcopp Member Posts: 4,407
    if the pins are....

    breaking of... that's not good. You may very well have to put in a new boiler.... however I would find out what happened so you don't get a repeat
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,771
    Try

    a long drill bit, no more than 1/4" diameter. Even if it doesn't get all the way in, it'll get some of that mess.



    The burner may be running with too much excess air, lowering the flame temperature.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Tony Massi
    Tony Massi Member Posts: 86
    Boiler Plugged

    You could loosen up the scale in the boiler by slowly letting some water into plugged flue sections. Just a very small amount, like just above a drip from a hose .You can use some water off the boiler drain with a short hose.Then try to open one section at a time, use soot sword and then a very small brush or a piece of ridged wire you will throwing it away when your done. Clean on an angle with the brush be patient. It may get a bit messy but its better than breaking off the pins on the boiler or getting a brush stuck in it or worse. If you do it right you will clean the boiler and get a proper draft over the fire. You will get some water into the chamber but it will burn out  I have done this a few times with success.
  • Tony Massi
    Tony Massi Member Posts: 86
    Boiler Plugged

    You could loosen up the scale in the boiler by slowly letting some water into plugged flue sections. Just a very small amount, like just above a drip from a hose .You can use some water off the boiler drain with a short hose.Then try to open one section at a time, use soot sword and then a very small brush or a piece of ridged wire you will throwing it away when your done. Clean on an angle with the brush be patient. It may get a bit messy but its better than breaking off the pins on the boiler or getting a brush stuck in it or worse. If you do it right you will clean the boiler and get a proper draft over the fire. You will get some water into the chamber but it will burn out  I have done this a few times with success.
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