Water Cleaner For Boiler ?

chuck_6

We also have a Weil-McLain boiler. I spoke to their technical department and they said to use TSP (tri sodium phosphate). You only need to use it once. It's also on their website in the Frequently Asked Questions. It seems to have cleared up our glass vile. You can purchase TSP at your local hardware store, but have a pro put it in.

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Water Cleaner For Boiler - Recommended Or Not?

Dear Every One,

I have a gas steam heating system with a Weil McLain EG Series boiler. See their website at the following link: http://www.weil-mclain.com/netdocs/egframes.htm. I am interested in your opinion on adding a water cleaner product to the boiler? And, if so what brand? When is it recommended to use this type of product?

When my Dad (a very wise old-timer and jack-of-all-trades) was alive, he had advised me that it was a good idea. I’ve asked a Keyspan (formerly Brooklyn Union Gas) representative and was told that it was not necessary. Through other sources, I have heard mixed reviews on whether it is advisable or not. Some think it hurts more than it helps.

I wanted to see what you think, before I give Weil McLain a call and ask them their recommendation?

Please let me know. Many thanks.

Best regards,

~ Marguerite ~
From Brooklyn

Tony Conner

Are You...

...having a particular problem? If not, I'd leave it alone. If you are having a problem, get the water tested before adding anything. Little domestic steam boilers that are (or should be) getting all of the condensate back that they send out as steam shouldn't need much of anything in the way of chemical water treatment. Boiler water can look pretty murky, yet be harmless. Or it can be crystal clear and be full of dissolved oxygen that will corrode your boiler to death, or hardness that will scale it. Just looking at it is no indication of anything in particular.

jim_14

csn you use those PH test strips

that are used to test swimming pool water?

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Reply To Reply On Boiler Water Cleaner

Dear Tony,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I appreciate your help.

How do I go about testing the water? Is there a kit that I ask for in a plumbing supply store?

You asked if I am having a particular problem. First, can the water in the boiler affect steam flow? I have a room on the second floor, which is the furthest from the boiler, and it is too cold. The radiator is slow to heat in comparison to the others on the floor. I realize inadequate venting on the long main line can cause this problem.

Second, the boiler may be between 15 and 20 years old. I have been living in my house for 10 years and my house was built circa 1932. So the pipes are old. I am also concerned that maybe it might need to be cleaned because of the age of the house and my boiler. And, as you probably have guessed it, when I first drain water from the boiler it is very dirty. Now, because of your advice, I know that this does not mean that I need to add a cleaning agent.

I have been working on changing my main air eliminator to vent more air. I have a Hoffman 45 and tried to install a Gorton No. 2. Unfortunately, there is not enough room to install it. It is just too large for the small cramped area. I am currently working on a resolution to obtain the same venting affect of the Gorton No. 2, or at least an improvement over what I have. I have to do some research. I am calling Hoffman tomorrow to see what they have that will fit in there and will vent much more quickly than what I currently have. If they have nothing, I will have to hire a plumber to add two or three Gorton No. 1’s to what I have already, that is if that can even be done.

Please let me know. Many thanks.

Best regards,

~ Marguerite ~
From Brooklyn

Billy March

cleaning the water

i used a boiler water chemical to clean the water in a steam boiler once. it was in my mothers house in brooklyn. it took me almost 2 heating seasons to completely get the boiler water back to normal. While the chemical was in the boiler, i couldn't get a true reading in the glass guage because the chemical cleaner made the water in the boiler foamy. since that day i never recommend anything to use to clean the water in a steam boiler. by the way, i installed that weil mclain eg45 steam boiler in my moms house in 1979 and it worked like a charm up until she sold the house in 1995.

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Thanks

Dear Chuck,

Thanks for your reply. I will check out the Weil McLain website.

Even if McLain recommends it, I would be concerned about using a cleaner because of the replys that I have received. Seems like it is too risky an endeavor and that it can do more harm than good.

Once again, thanks.

Best regards,

Marguerite

Tony Conner

TSP Is...

... the kind of cleaner that gets used after major work, like a boiler installation/replacement, or a lot of piping work. Material like cutting oil from threading pipe etc can cause some serious problems when & if it gets back into the boiler.

The most beneficial chemical things you can do for a steam boiler, are actually mechanical. Stay on top of steam and condensate leaks. Get all of the condensate back that you can. The exception to this is drain the gauge glass and low water cut out weekly, because they tend to plug up with crud if you don't.

Just adding chemicals or cleaners to a boiler without proper testing (I can't think of any homeowners - and very few contractors - who could perform much in the way of effective testing) is kind of like going to the drug store because you think that you may not feeling well, and randomly buying bottles of pills. It's a stategy that's got "trouble" written all over it.

Marguerite ~ From Brooklyn ~

Thanks Everyone

Just wanted to post again to thank everyone. I really appreciate all the advice and tips.

At this point, I would be afraid to use anything. It's best to leave well enough alone. As they say if it isn't broken don't fix it.

~ Marguerite ~