drain boiler

DanT

I just got a house with one pipe steam and a utica boiler from 1976 with no skimmer, hartford loop, or header.  it was overfilled so I drained it to an inch above the sight glass and it started working really well. I had a pro come check it out to make sure it was safe.  he adjusted the pressure, cleaned the sight glass, cleaned the pigtail, inspected the burners, etc.  It was after hours so he couldn't stay too long.  He recommended coming back to fully drain the boiler, then use it for awhile, then fully drain it again.  This boiler probably had not been maintained for 6 or more years.  When i drained it partially it started out with sludge and then filthy water. 



Should I fully drain the boiler or leave it alone since it is working fine?  What are the steps involved?  I want to keep this boiler working for at least three more years.



Thanks,

Dan

BobC

draining boiler

You can drain and refill it but it would be best to drain it from whatever valve is lowest on the boiler. Do you have a valve on a mud leg (lowest point on the boiler casting)?



Just kill the thermostat so the boiler won't try and come on and open up the drain valve and let it flow. When it's done feed water to help flush it and the close the drain valve after its flushed for a bit. With that drain valve closed, fill the boiler up to the normal level on the gauge glass.



Mow turn up the thermostat and let the boiler build up a head of steam. This is important because you want to drive off any dissolved oxygen in the water you just added. That dissolved oxygen will corrode the boiler if it's not driven off.



Let us know how you make out and post some pics of the boiler and the near boiler piping. If you don't have a manual for the boiler, you can probably download one from the internet.



Bob