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is it safe to fix a boiler that was submerged

jonny88
jonny88 Member Posts: 1,139
hi,so sandy has come and gone leaving a mad scramble for boilers and water heaters.utility company has said it is dangerous to try to relight boilers that were exposed to salt water.i do however see a lot of guys drying out boilers and fixing them.whats your thoughts.

Comments

  • JStar
    JStar Member Posts: 2,752
    Boiler

    DON'T DO IT!!!



    Seriously... Don't do it. There are a few threads here on the same topic. They're worth reading.
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    whats your thoughts

    I hope they have good insurance.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,380
    Either replace it completely

    or walk away. Period.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • bill_105
    bill_105 Member Posts: 429
    It can be done

    Check out , The movie, Assault on a queen, with Frank Sinatra.
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Visit

    Any Water Heater, Boiler, Furnace or AHRI web siite. The answer is pretty clear.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    It can be done:

    You can pull the pin out of a hand grenade and store the pin in a safe place, and walk around with an armed grenade.

    It's just not a very good idea. Walk and sleep carefully. It might go off when you don't expect it.
  • Steve Whitbeck
    Steve Whitbeck Member Posts: 669
    water

    IF we are talking about a cast iron boiler then WHY not.

    Go at it with a garden hose to wash off the salt. Then replace the gas control valve and any electronics.

    Remove the burners and pilot assembly and CLEAN them.

    Havn't any of you guys cleaned a sooted up boiler with a garden hose. That is one way the manufacturer reccomends.
  • paspar2
    paspar2 Member Posts: 4
    also interested in the why not answer

    I keep hearing that its cast iron and stainless, washing it well, replacing gas valvue and electronics and it will work... only thing is that the insulation R value will be reduced once it dries and I can live with that
  • tim smith
    tim smith Member Posts: 2,807
    Re: submerged boiler

    I feel you should check with the mfr.  We have repaired many boilers that have had there components wet. We replace any electrical/elcectronic components. Gas controls. Clean burners, pilots, check refractory if present.  Fire off and test.  But if mfr says it has to be replaced, or insurance company, replace it.  What do you think they will say?

      Maybe I should tell the hotel that has had its 2 million btu firetube boiler flood maybe 4 times over the last 15 yrs to replace it???? I could have sold 4 boilers?  Have to make sound decisions on what we do and make sure all is safe.  Tim
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