to flush, or not to flush

peter morone

I have been told that it is necessary to flush out the old pipes of a steam system before installing a new steam boiler. I have also been told that it is bettet to "let sleeping dogs lie": Cleaning out old radiators and pipes could cause problems, rather then making the situation better.
I want to get the most out of a new steam boiler; in terms of heat distribution and efficiency.
Additionally, I am not interested in the "Ideal way"; just the "Right way"; If there is such a thing here.
Thanks, Peter

Unknown

Look at it this way

Most of the piping above the water line will be OK to leave alone.There may be some mud in the radiators themselves, but that shouldn't be a problem.

The return piping that is below the water line is going to be pretty full of crud (if there is such a pipe) and you can assume that it is going to be a problem getting clean water back through that pipe, especially if you disturb it while connecting it.

I like to replace low return piping at the same time as the boiler, to avoid needing to do it a week later when it plugs up solid. It might not be plugged, but that's not usually the case.

Check this out...

http://www.heatinghelp.com/newsletter.cfm?Id=129

Noel