Washing soda

Snowmelt

Last time I skimmed a steam boiler the supply house told me to just use washing soda.
Is there anything wrong with doing this?
Also follow up question the fill for the steam boiler should it always be hot (from the water heater or is the cold water just as good, does it make a difference?

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Peerless says to use washing soda in their installation instructions. Nothing wrong at all.

A cold fill is all I've ever seen.

Snowmelt

Thanks Alan, I seen a few boilers with hot water coming into the unit

Jamie Hall

I don't suppose hot water would hurt anything, but... why bother? As soon as she lights off the water will be hot enough...

Some might argue that it would be better for topping off while steaming that hot water would be less of a shock, which is true -- but if the feed is through the wet return, and if it's only a gallon or so, it's not going to make much difference. So again... why bother?

HVACNUT

I was told a box of Arm & Hammer powder soap does it every time. No first hand knowledge though.

Jamie Hall

HVACNUT said:

I was told a box of Arm & Hammer powder soap does it every time. No first hand knowledge though.

Soap? Washing soda, perhaps, but not soap! Think of the bubbles! (Anyone else remember Lawrence Welk?)

HVACNUT

Yes, Soda. Sorry. Isle 7, left side low. Yellow box. Can't miss it.