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#1 boiler killer you're NOT testing (Low pH will destroy your boiler fast)

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RayWohlfarth
RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,993
edited November 2025 in THE MAIN WALL

In this weeks video I talk about pH in the boiler water, how to test, and why you should.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zQS6mmfBYE
Ray Wohlfarth
Boiler Lessons
ethicalpaulSiteReader

Comments

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,862

    I'm testing it, Ray, I'm testing it 😅

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 27,502

    Ive always heard that a TSP cleaning leaves the system on the alkaline side, which is preferred?

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,862

    the alkaline side is greatly preferred

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,993

    @ethicalpaul Good job! LOL

    I was consulting on a project where the water was high alkaline. They had the old sections in the parking lot and i was able to break them with my hands. Kinda made me feel like Superman

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,862

    how high do you think it was, and how did it get that high…over time it seems like it would tend back toward neutral unless they had a broken treatment adding system or something

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • robertelozeau
    robertelozeau Member Posts: 1

    Excellent Video Ray, that is 100% true and accurate. I'm going to share this with our HVAC/R Technicians.

    Thank you.

    gianni
  • joeshrapnel
    joeshrapnel Member Posts: 9

    Ray, thanks for your expertise. I'm a home owner with a Weil McClain Gold boiler about 6 years old. Small house with only 6 radiators. Should I be adding something to the water to clean and balance the water? I tried using an F.W. Webb solution they recommended. I followed the instructions and pour the solution in to the boiler. Ran the boiler for the night but got concerned because of the banging. Very loud through this small system. Next day I emptied the water out completely and refilled with fresh, clean water. No banging. I tried testing the PH but I was doing it wrong now that I've seen your video. So if I take a sample the proper way and need to balance the PH, what solution do you suggest? Thanks again!

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,993

    @ethicalpaul Not sure what causes the ph to fluctuate. Depends on blowdown, leaks, and treatment program

    @robertelozeau Thanks you very much I appreciate it

    @joeshrapnel I would look at the boiler manufacturers site for their recommendations on the cleaner or treatment. Each one is different depending on the metallurgy and components. Some cast iron boilers use elastomer seals between the sections and others push nipples

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,541

    How about low pH plus sacrificial materials? Some claim success with high pH plus anti-scales gizmos.

  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,862

    I'm not sure why you'd purposely have low pH in your boiler regardless of sacrificial material. All you need to do is add a little 8-way to get it up to 8-10, then rusting slows way way down

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,541

    @ethicalpaul Low pH is supposed to prevent scale.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 27,502

    Rhomar has a good section on steam boiler water in their manuals

    IMG_1669.jpeg IMG_1670.jpeg IMG_1671.jpeg IMG_1672.jpeg IMG_1673.jpeg IMG_1674.jpeg
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • ethicalpaul
    ethicalpaul Member Posts: 8,862
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1877830#Comment_1877830

    hmm well it may but I’m not allowing acid in my boiler. The treatments typically have anti scale chemicals

    NJ Steam Homeowner.
    See my sight glass boiler videos: https://bit.ly/3sZW1el

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,993

    Thanks for having my back @hot_rod

    The only guidance I would suggest is to follow the manufacturers recommendations to cover yourself.

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,541
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1878075#Comment_1878075

    Not challenging you, Roy. Just saying there are many factors and approaches to water quality. If makeup water is adequately demineralized positive pH can be beneficial. If scale is an issue then negative pH might be considered.

  • RayWohlfarth
    RayWohlfarth Member Posts: 1,993

    @jumper I agree I just wanted something simple to test that will tell the owner if the water is acidic

    Ray Wohlfarth
    Boiler Lessons

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