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Flushing steam boiler frequency

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bkselly
bkselly Member Posts: 19
in Strictly Steam
Recently moved into a house for the first time and learning about heating system. I have an oil-fired steam system and was told I need to get it serviced by oil company once a year which I did earlier in the month

I asked the guy what I should do in terms of maintenance and he said to flush the boiler once every 2 to 3 weeks. Other people on this forum are saying at most to flush once a year, and I am also hearing some distinction between flushing the whole boiler vs flushing the lower water cut off

Could you guys please explain or point me to a guide as to what I should be doing for regular maintenance? Attaching photos of the boiler for reference

Thanks


Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 5,702
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    Don’t listen to that guy, that’s for sure
    NJ Steam Homeowner. See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el
  • jhewings
    jhewings Member Posts: 139
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    The 2-3 week frequency generally is to "blow down" a "float" type LWCO. You do not have a "float" LWCO. You have a "probe" type LWCO which has a probe sticking inside the boiler to verify there is enough water to operate. It is not necessary to flush your boiler more than once per year. Your yearly maintenance contract should include the service guy pulling out the probe and checking/cleaning it or occasionally replace it. There actually in not anything you need to do if you get annual service, but it would be useful to learn how the boiler works and what the controls do. This could help you spot an issue later. There are some good books available at the store such as "We Got Steam Heat".
    bkselly
  • bkselly
    bkselly Member Posts: 19
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    @jhewings thanks a bunch - that was very helpful - I will get the book
  • SteamingatMohawk
    SteamingatMohawk Member Posts: 1,006
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    If you go to HeatingHelp.com there is a Help Center with good information.

    https://heatinghelp.com/systems-help-center/category/steam

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