Determining Boiler Condition

KevinK

Is there a way to determine the condition of the boiler – the inside of the boiler (I don’t know the correct term)?  E.g., for corrosion and scaling? Some type of scope that can be inserted into e.g. the skim tee. If so, is this commonly available/approx cost/reliability/advisability? I couldn't find anything on this in a search of the forum.      Thanks.

Jamie Hall

One usually doesn't worry that much

about the water side of a boiler.  The fire side, yes indeed -- there are access panels or ports or what have you which allow a good technician to get in there and get all of the soot scraped or brushed off and knocked down into the firebox, and then, of course, the firebox gets checked and vacuumed and generally all tidied up.  Then the burner goes back together and you adjust the air and oil or gas and off you go.  And all that should be done, as a minimum, once a year.



As I say, the water side one doesn't usually worry about.  However, if you wanted to, after you had drained the boiler you could get in there through any of the various ports with a mechanic's fibre optic borescope gadget.  They aren't all that cheap (!), at least for decent ones, but they do let you see what's happening.

KevinK

Re: One usually doesn't worry that much

Thanks. Both parts of your answer were helpful. With regard to the fire side issues, I was unaware of these. I'm sure that my firebox has never been cleaned (14 yr old replacement boiler). I will add this to my maintenance list.



With regard to the water side of the boiler, the reason I raised the question is because I am concerned because of the excessive makeup water that the system has been subjected to over 14 years (see my  separate "Excessive Water Use ... " posting).

KC_Jones

If you hunt the wall

I am sure you will find numerous posts about how bad excessive water can be.  Basically fresh water brings fresh oxygen.  Oxygen + Iron makes Iron oxide also known as rust.  So in general more water = more rust.  As far as I know there is no secret equation or anything to predict how much excess water and how much it will shorten boiler life, it's basically bad.  Do you have Dan's books?  They are fantastic if you haven't already heard.  If you plan on living with the steam I suggest you get them...I wish I would have known about them 12 years ago when I bought my house!  Just another humble homeowner.

KevinK

Re: If you hunt the wall

Thanks. I'll do further site research. And I do have Dan’s books. It has taken me 4 yrs, but thanks to Dan’s books, Linhardt’s book, other steam heat sites and this site, I am finally understanding my system and figuring out the problems.