#1 boiler killer you're NOT testing (Low pH will destroy your boiler fast)

RayWohlfarth · November 21

In this weeks video I talk about pH in the boiler water, how to test, and why you should.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQS6mmfBYE

ethicalpaul · November 21

I'm testing it, Ray, I'm testing it 😅

hot_rod · November 21

Ive always heard that a TSP cleaning leaves the system on the alkaline side, which is preferred?

ethicalpaul · November 21

the alkaline side is greatly preferred

RayWohlfarth · November 22

@ethicalpaul Good job! LOL

I was consulting on a project where the water was high alkaline. They had the old sections in the parking lot and i was able to break them with my hands. Kinda made me feel like Superman

ethicalpaul · November 22

how high do you think it was, and how did it get that high…over time it seems like it would tend back toward neutral unless they had a broken treatment adding system or something

robertelozeau · December 11

Excellent Video Ray, that is 100% true and accurate. I'm going to share this with our HVAC/R Technicians.

Thank you.

joeshrapnel · December 11

Ray, thanks for your expertise. I'm a home owner with a Weil McClain Gold boiler about 6 years old. Small house with only 6 radiators. Should I be adding something to the water to clean and balance the water? I tried using an F.W. Webb solution they recommended. I followed the instructions and pour the solution in to the boiler. Ran the boiler for the night but got concerned because of the banging. Very loud through this small system. Next day I emptied the water out completely and refilled with fresh, clean water. No banging. I tried testing the PH but I was doing it wrong now that I've seen your video. So if I take a sample the proper way and need to balance the PH, what solution do you suggest? Thanks again!

RayWohlfarth · December 12

@ethicalpaul Not sure what causes the ph to fluctuate. Depends on blowdown, leaks, and treatment program

@robertelozeau Thanks you very much I appreciate it

@joeshrapnel I would look at the boiler manufacturers site for their recommendations on the cleaner or treatment. Each one is different depending on the metallurgy and components. Some cast iron boilers use elastomer seals between the sections and others push nipples

jumper · December 17

How about low pH plus sacrificial materials? Some claim success with high pH plus anti-scales gizmos.

ethicalpaul · December 17

I'm not sure why you'd purposely have low pH in your boiler regardless of sacrificial material. All you need to do is add a little 8-way to get it up to 8-10, then rusting slows way way down