Drain boiler or let it be

Jimbo11

Hi All-



I've got a new boiler that is running really well. After the install I decided to replace a copper steam pipe to one of my rads that the previous owner installed. I changed it over to black pipe but apparently was a bit to liberal with dope and oil as a result this stuff has entered the system and my site glass is brown, the lower section that is.



so - I hate to drain the new boiler - but should I? Is it harmful to wait a bit perhaps until spring after the heating season?



any thoughts would be appreciated.-



J

Jamie Hall

The question really is...

is it surging?  Are you having wet steam problems?  If not, I'd let it be -- but then I always have been an if it ain't broke, don't fix it kiind of a guy.

Long Beach Ed

Don't be afraid...

Don't be afraid to drain a steam boiler to clean it.  But as Jamie said, don't bother unless you're having dirt problems. 



Corrosion problems come from continually adding water to a poorly designed steam boiler.  By continually, we mean consistently and perhaps daily.   Nothing wrong with cleaning a boiler that has dirty water in it.  Just don't do it 100 times a year.

FJL

Wet Steam Problems

Just curious to know what kinds of problems can be caused by wet steam.

Thanks.

Rod

Problems Caused by Wet Steam

What problems are caused by Wet Steam? Wow!- Well take you choice. Here are a few:

1.Noise

2.No pressure

3. Running out of water

4. Radiators not working

5. "Spitting" Radiator Vents

6. High fuel bills due to the inefficiency of wet steam

I'm sure there are more but these are the ones that readily come to mind.

However, keep in mind there can be other causes for the problems above but eliminating the possibility of wet steam would be the high priority if you were troubleshooting.

-Rod