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Cast Iron boiler repair

Boobie69
Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
Hello,
I have a very old cast iron boiler. Gas fired. We have a internal leak. It starts up and runs, but after a while, water is leaking onto the flame sensor, the pilot goes out. I have to go and restart the boiler and do the process as least 2, 3 times a day. I am worried about when the real cold hits I will not beable to keep this going. Had a plumber look at it and they said non repairable because it is a cast iron boiler...is that true? Am I screwed?

Any info from anyone would be great and thanks. Any other info you may need, please let me know.

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,162
    For all practical purposes, your plumber is correct.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 1,951
    You need a new boiler. No question about it
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Thank you. I just wanted to be sure. DAM...right before winter...no luck at all..Thanks again. Stay safe.
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    Hot water or steam?
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,453
    You can try some boiler sealer. It won't put the replacement off but may keep the water from dripping on the sensor so you can keep it going in the meantime
    Intplm.gkimmeo
  • MaxMercy
    MaxMercy Member Posts: 507
    Boobie69 said:

    Thank you. I just wanted to be sure. DAM...right before winter...no luck at all..Thanks again. Stay safe.

    If it's not a big leak, you can try a boiler seal like this:

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hercules-32-oz-Boiler-Liquid-30115/100147992

    It's a temporary solution if it works at all, but it may buy you time to calculate proper size, type, make of boiler, and installer.

  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    @Boobie69 , is this a steam boiler? Where are you located?
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Sorry for the delay answer..not steam hot water.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    OK- try the "Find a Contractor" link above- you'll need someone who knows your system.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Boobie69
    Boobie69 Member Posts: 13
    Thank you. I will check. I think the boiler needs to be shot. Thanks everyone for the help.