gas steam radiator system replacing boiler should I clean out system?

MikeMens

Hello,
I have a gas steam system in my home. I will be changing out my boiler in a couple of weeks.
I have heard you should run cleaning agents through the system before installing new boiler.
Is this correct? If so what cleaning agents should I use and how do you do it?

Thanks

Abracadabra

I wouldn't run "cleaning agents" thru the system.

Jamie Hall

The most positive thing you can do is make sure that any wet returns are reasonably clear of sludge, gunk and grime. The best way to do that is simply run fresh water through them to wash the stuff out. Since you are replacing your boiler, now is the ideal time to make sure that you have adequate cleanouts -- T's with plugs or valves -- on them to make that simple.

There is no need to clean dry returns or steam lines. It is rare to the point of being almost non-existent to fine much of anything in them.

There is no need for cleaning agents to do this. Fresh water is just fine.

KC_Jones

As Dan says it pays to wander off the wall. Here is some information about cleaning pipes in preparation for a new boiler. Be prepared it can be ugly in those pipes.
https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/how-to-flush-the-return-lines-on-an-old-steam-system/

MikeMens

Guys thanks for the feedback.

just to clarify when cleqaning our return lines you are just sucking out whats in theere, not actually flushing by adding water to returns?

Also, some say adding vinegar to the existing boiler, or a mild acid, then running it for a while will remove scale from supply and radiators, before installing the new boiler Is this recommended?

Fred

As has been said, use water to clean out the wet returns (those that are below the water line of the boiler) If using vinegar, you will smell it throughout the house for a while, when the boiler is running.

Jamie Hall

MikeMens said:

Guys thanks for the feedback.

just to clarify when cleqaning our return lines you are just sucking out whats in theere, not actually flushing by adding water to returns?

Also, some say adding vinegar to the existing boiler, or a mild acid, then running it for a while will remove scale from supply and radiators, before installing the new boiler Is this recommended?

Keep in mind that we are talking steam here, not hot water. There is essentially no scale build up in the mains, radiators, or dry returns, for the simple reason that the steam contains no minerals of any kind. If you were to add vinegar (or anything else) to your boiler, yes you would smell it -- but it wouldn't be carried into the system at all.

Ideally when you are cleaning the wet returns you want to flush them out. With water. But that assumes you can get at both ends of them fairly easily, and in many systems that isn't possible. Then the best you can do is suck out what's in there.

MikeMens

Thanks everyone you all are the outstanding

vaporvac

If you can access the wet return when the piping is dismantled you may be able to scoop out the sludge, or just replace the wet return section only if it's too bad. I undid my pipes and cleaned them really well since we were reconfiguring the wet returns anyway.

KC_Jones

Don't be surprised if you take some pipes apart and some of the threads aren't there anymore. This came off of my old boiler (32 years). I recommend rubber gloves.

vaporvac

This is what mine looked like, but I was able to get them quite clean after removal. Maybe you'll be lucky!

MikeMens

Thanks everyone These are very helpful