Advice on steam boiler cleaning options

ttekushan_3

Boiler cleaners are obviously controvertial. If you live in an area where the feed water has high mineral content I strongly recommend it. But what kind?

Boiler Scout has some cleaning agents but is mostly diatomatious earth that encapsulates impurities. I use it only in case of emergencies where I encounter a violently surging water line and can't possibly skim the boiler at that time due to extreme temperatures or extreme customers. Scout will immediately stabilize the water line and give the appearance of crystal clear water in the sight glass. BUT it finds its way to low turbulence areas, meaning it will often clog the lower sight glass piping, etc. And the problem will return once the Scout is blown out. Not for regular use, imho.

I use the rectorseal/stewart-hall 8-way. It will release all impurities including oily substances from the entire system. I've heard some say that it will cause an unstable water line. Yup, it does, but only if the system's dirty. You have to skim (surface blow off better yet) until the water line stabilizes. Then you're home free. You may even find system noise and heat distribution problems improve. I use a small amount at the beginning of each heating season, and a bit before summer storage (its got oxygen scavengers 'n' stuff). Dry steam all the way. And the impurities don't bake to the waterside heating surfaces.

BTW, Rhomar has an excellent competitive product but is not sold in my area. You may want to look into this as well.

-Terry

Kevin_7

Which would you recommend?

I have attached a link below that shows a couple different Hercules products (scroll down to the "Maintenance" section). The two products I am looking at are the "Boiler and Heating System Cleaner" (liquid) and "Scout" (powder).

In the past, my plumber has added the "Boiler and Heating System Cleaner" to my single-pipe steam boiler at the beginning of each heating season. But I have also heard people recommend Scout.

Does anyone have any recommendation for one product over the other? Do they serve the exact same purpose? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Here is the link: http://www.herchem.com/products/heatingproducts.html

Big Ed

best advice

Take your wife out to dinner instead...

Just keep up flushing out the solids with water every other week. Add water all the time ? Fix the leaks then go out to dinner