Annual Boiler Clean-out Necessary?

Jim Ward

I have a two year old boiler and have been told that I should have it cleaned by a professional annually. Unfortunately these cleanings, at approximately $800/yr would pay for a new boiler every decade if I did nothing every year. I recognize that there must be a balance between the two and would like to understand what really needs to be done annually and how frequently the mud legs need to be cleaned.

nicholas bonham-carter

dirty mud legs?

if your boiler was piped properly, you, yourself  can over-fill the boiler, and check for leaks in the boiler itself. the you can flush out the wet returns, and LWCO, and bottom drain the boiler.

don't forget when adding water to restore the amount you drained,  to run the boiler long enough to drive out the oxygen. this costs much less and gives you a chance to examine the boiler condition more thoroughly.

this leaves checking the burner, which should be done by a pro with a combustion analyser.--nbc