Need advice on how to skim and flush boiler..

Bob W._2

Yesterday the boiler tech added cleaner to my W-M steam boiler. Its been surging since and you guys have told me to skim it and flush it out. Since the plumbers haven't gotten back to me today it looks like my Saturday job. How do you skim a boiler, when there is no express tapping to do so? There is valve down low that I can use to drain the boiler. Any techniques would be appreciated. I don't want to crack the boiler by introducing cold feed water after I drain it. Thanks.

Big Ed

Skimming

You need to find a tap located at the water line the water. Check the gauge or pressure control tapping. The larger the better , 1/2" , 3/4", 1" . You can either temporary install a nipple or add a tee for future skimmings. Either way I like to add a nipple ,el ,nipple,ball valve then a nipple. This would make a spout. Now with the boiler warm , add water slowly and let it flow lightly out of the spout. You want to skim the surface so don't add too much water. Do that for several 5 gal buckets. I also like to skim with steam , but to do this be careful and throw up the thermostat and don't add water unless water too low . Keep the level below the tapping .Let the surging water and steam skim the boiler. You can tell if you have it clean enough by noticing the out going steam.If steam "wet"(water spitting) then keep cleaning.Steam just a vapor then water clean.....

P.S. Drain and flush out them chemical from the boiler too. Don't let that stuff lay...

masterplumb

Skimming

How old is the boiler? If it is old, it's going to be a real pain in the rear to remove the plug. My suggestion is that you should hire someone who is familiar with steam heat. Anyway good luck.Chris

Bob W._2

Thanks....

I re-read the last chapter in the Lost Art. I suppose we could use the top tapping for the gauge glass, just take the glass out and close the bottom tap. Of course, that could fill up the LWCO with a lot of crud, since it comes off that tap. If I can get the boiler tech back I'll have him do it; supposed to be 50 deg. on Tuesday. If I try it I won't do it with the burner running. Again, thanks.

Boilerpro

In a pinch skimming

When no good tapping is available, I have skimmed right through the LWCO flush valve. Just drain the warm boiler down to that level and let the water slowly trickle out as you crak the water supply bypas a little. I'm sure its not as good as skimming high, since i expect crud can stick to the sides of the sections, but I have found that it can improve boiler performance considerably.

Boilerpro

Mark Hunt

Bob W.


PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

There is the potential of serious injury here.

I am not trying to insult your intelligence, just a word of warning from someone who has been doing this for quite a while.

Have you tried the "Find a contractor" option here at The Wall?

Mark H

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