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Boiler Maintenance Questions

SteveG_60601
SteveG_60601 Member Posts: 3
in THE MAIN WALL
Just bought house with 7 yr old Burnham boiler and radiant floor heating. Had system checked out by local service company (I'm new to boilers and not local to house currently). I was advised to do the following:

1 -- replace the "trim" parts (e.g. expansion tank, relieve valve, intake valve, etc...) -- not because they were leaking but because it was a good idea every 5-7 years, and



2 -- consider using Fernox water treatment chemicals in the system. The water in area is medium to hard.



Any thoughts or comments on these recommendations would be much appreciated.

Comments

  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    More info

    what model of Burnham boiler?  Got a photo of the boiler and surrounding trim/pipes?
  • icesailor
    icesailor Member Posts: 7,265
    Advice:

    Anyone that told me to change all that stuff every 5 to 7 years because it was a good idea, I'd be wishing health happiness and long distance.
  • SteveG_60601
    SteveG_60601 Member Posts: 3
    Burnham Boiler 2 Series model P-205

    This is a second home so I'm not there currently (its in another state) and won't get there till spring. While I have someone checking the home, I want to minimize risk of boiler problems while no one is home.



    While I tend to agree that replacing parts just to replace them doesn't make sense, I also know that scale, corrosion, etc. and wear and tear on parts can cause them to malfunction fail. I don't wait till my air filter plugs before replacing it ....
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Burnham P-205

    Is a conventional cast iron boiler which should not see returning water temperatures lower than 130ºF.  Connecting this type of boiler to a radiant floor requires specific piping and pumping arrangements or it will not live very long.



    Anyone you can send over to get photos?
  • SteveG_60601
    SteveG_60601 Member Posts: 3
    P-205 boiler

    Un fortunately I won't be able to get pictures for quite awhile ( several months) myself. I will see if I can get someone to take them for me after the holidays. If the piping is wrong, what will the impact be? I kind of doubt that returning temps are that high since one of the rooms has wood floors with no obvious evidence of issues. The rest of the floors are concrete and tile.
  • nicholas bonham-carter
    nicholas bonham-carter Member Posts: 8,578
    Lower temps and cast iron

    It's the lower temps of a radiant floor, and their effect on cast iron boilers (condensation of flue gasses) which can rust out the cast iron boiler, if the manufacturers piping instructions have not been followed.

    Use the find a pro button at the top, and search by state or tell us where the house is, and someone may know someone who can look at it for you.

    An internet-enabled thermostat like the Ecobee may send you a warning if the temperature drops below a certain point-many people are still doubtful of the Nest.--NBC
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