Learning more about steam Boiler and getting a little worried

melo

Hi Friends,

I want to thank everyone for helping me with my pressuretrol/pigtail issue from a previous thread.

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/199389/why-is-my-pressure-7-psi-is-my-pressuretrol-working

Now that I have a better understanding of steam from dealing with my current boiler and previously at my parents, I wanted to make sure I get it to be efficient and operate well.

I've attached some photos from my boiler in the follow up comment below.

I had some questions that I was hoping you guys can answer.

1. My current boiler seems to have the automatic water feeder on the cold water line, is that okay? This boiler has been working for previous owners since 2000.
2. Is there a specific color that the flames should be on the burner? How easy is it to clean the burners?
3. Is it possible for me to get the boiler tested for the different gases without having to hire a technician company?
4. How do I test a low water cutoff/probe? I see a manual button and a test symbol.
5. How safe are these steam boilers? I was told they have multiple safety in place to ensure the boiler is cutoff in case of any issues.

I will ask more questions as they come to me.

Thanks again for all the help!

melo

please see more photos of the boiler.
let me know what I could potentially do.

ethicalpaul

1. Yes
2. Blue. They are easy to clean.
3. I'd just hire an hvac tech with a combustion analyzer and ask them to analyze it. Actually, I'd buy a Testo 320, and I did, but you should hire someone
4. Lower the water level while the boiler is running and see if the LWCO kills the boiler.
5. They are safe if the safeties are operational. Even if the electric safeties are not working, there is a pressure safety relief that should let pressure escape at 15 psi

melo

I don't think the flames are blue on mine, they seem yellow-ish.

ethicalpaul

It's probably from dust. I see a lot of dust in your photos. But the flames should be mostly blue. A competent boiler tech should be able to tell you how the combustion is looking.

delcrossv

Might just be dust. Boiler off, those burner tubes can be removed and vacuumed. Sending a boiler brush through your heat exchanger wouldn't hurt either.

Get a tech to do a combustion test after everything is clean.