Radiator / return flush?

steve_173

For a ~90 year old system with an original boiler what needs to be flushed when the boiler is changed? Returns? Radiators? What is the best procedure for this? Anything special or just blow down the boiler often in the beginning?

System is single pipe steam.

Steamhead (in transit)

I would flush the returns

better yet, replace them if they're original. Definitely replace any that run underground.

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bill_97

I agree with Steamhead

If the return pipes are below the water level and are original and old , think about having them replaced when the boiler is installed .

On a typical install day we'll add a mild cleaner and purge the returns of hot condensate and crud and skim the boiler . We'll usually follow that up a week or so later with the same purge and skim . After the system is clean we recommend changing all the main and rad vents .

steve_173

Should they be replaced with copper or the iron that is there or does it make no difference? They are above ground near the basement floor. They may or may not be original.