annual steam system checkup

AlexR

What should I expect to have done during an annual checkup/maintenance for system that's working fine (as far as I can tell)?  It's a gas fired Burnham IN5 that feeds one-pipe radiators on one floor and a hot water loop upstairs.  The boiler and hot water part is two years old; the steam piping and radiators are probably 90.  I believe this will be the first visit since the boiler installation.



I realize there may be some variation from contractor to contractor, but I want a sense of what the basic tasks are before I start looking for someone (starting with the "find a professional" link...).



thanks!

Alex

gerry gill

we do this,

Remove the burners, clean them, inspect them for hidden spider sacks. Check burner orifices, (again spiders love them). Clean the pilot, clean spark rod if equipped, replace thermoucouple if equipped. Inspect fire box with a mirror (ladys hand mirror works well)..replace all above. Remove gauge glass and clean, remove top and bottom gauge glass valves and shoot water thru ports, reinstall valves and glass..remove low water cutoff and clean the probe..reinstall..remove pressure control and clean pigtail with water jet of coffee pot spring cleaner tool..reinstall..test operate low water cut off and water feeder, check chimney draft, test combustion with a digital analyzer..thats pretty much the boiler service..if you want the system checked to its easiest to use a thermal camera to see whats going on but the touch it and see if its hot works well also..may be ho, may be cool depending upon what its supposed to be.

jpf321

i found this ...

i found this smart looking PDF .. perhaps some of the pros here could confirm or deny the points on the list. enjoy!



Link http://www.houseinspections.com/PDF_LINKS/02HOC-boilers.pdf

File Attached below as well.