brown water residential boiler

ajcforest

what is general opinion for adding antirust inhibitors to 5 year old utica boiler and 80 year old pipes. water always comes back brown after draining and skimming. Mfg says no.

ethicalpaul

Utica isn't concerned with your boiler lasting a long time. I like their boilers but I disagree with their opinion here.

By adding just a little 8-Way product you can raise the pH of your boiler water to the 8-10 range which will dramatically reduce the production of corrosion (which is what causes brown water). Use about 1/3 of the recommended amount.

This has the benefit of not having to flush your boiler, reducing the amount of fresh water that you introduce (which is another cause of corrosion).

Note that initial application of 8-Way will "free up" sedimented "mud" (which is really iron oxide particles) making your water seem worse. But after repeated draining with re-application of 8-way (not immediately unless you experience carryover as evidenced by diving water line during steaming), the water will start to clear and remain clear—especially with a relatively new boiler like yours.

Don't worry about rust from the steam pipes—it's not very much.

PS: I'm assuming from your use of the term "skimming" that this is a steam boiler. Hot water boilers don't really need treatment in my opinion because they are closed.

PPS: As long as you minimize fresh water introduction, you boiler will in fact last decades without any treatment so in a way Utica is right. But you can't keep draining it regularly just because the water gets brown. How often are you draining and skimming it? (skimming shouldn't ever be necessary unless there is oil in your boiler water)

ajcforest

thanks, yes it s team, water feed added comes from water heater, i read this has less oxygen.

I dont think it holds more than 4 gallons of water. I test ph and it is always right around 7.

ethicalpaul

Testing pH is good! Having it show 9 is better!