shutting down the boiler for the summer
I have a steam system well mclain boiler with an automatic water feed.. I’m going to turn the boiler off for the summer but wonder if I should fill it to the brim with water to avoid internal rust.. Anyone have any simpe solution for summer boiler maintanance???
I have a steam system well mclain boiler with an automatic water feed.. I’m going to turn the boiler off for the summer but wonder if I should fill it to the brim with water to avoid internal rust.. Anyone have any simpe solution for summer boiler maintanance???
Turning off the water only safeguards against accidental flooding of the system while you may be away or while you’re just not thinking of your heating system. There’s nothing wrong with leaving it on.
If it’s got a pilot that you think you can relight in the fall, or if you’ve got a service agreement with a good service company (wink), then turning off the gas may save you a couple of dollars, literally, over the warmer months.
On the other hand, a pilot light tends to keep the cast iron warm and dry which helps ward off external corrosion.
Your call.
Should you turn off the pilot? I always do that as is seems it’s a waste else. But last season the service guy said it would cause more rust. Is he correct?
I have not turned off the water supply in the past. I have a hot water system. I turn off the electric and gas supplies. Should I also turn the water off? What is the danger if I do not?
thanks
For the summer months, a steam boiler can be filled until the water reaches just a bit up into the piping. Then the boiler should be fired up until it makes steam for a short period.
This helps prevent what is called “water line corrosion”, among other things.
The theory is that many steam boilers frequently corrode and fail at the point where the level of water in the boiler meets the air. So you eliminate that point by overfilling the boiler and boiling the excess oxygen out of the water before shutting it down for the off-season.
The problem with this is that it takes the boiler out of a “ready” position and the process often is best done by a technician who’ll know when to shut the fill valve and for how long the boiler should be fired.
Then it has to be drained, cleaned and reactivated…usually in a panic at the first cold snap in fall when all the heating people are completely swamped.
Is it worth it?
I don’t know.
For any boiler, steam or hot water:
Keep it clean and dry. Turn off the electric and water supply valve. Watch for signs of leaking in the form of flaky buildup around the piping. Watch for any changes in pressure or water level.
When the heating season comes around, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in place with good batteries.
Bob999: This is the 1st time I’ve used them but the previous owner of my house had used them for 18 yrs & also thought they were great.
Gas Heat & Service Co., 94 Kings Hwy Ph# 718 236 7686. It’s called a “Seasonal Clean up”
Hey, Tag482, would you recommend your boiler service company? If so, please post name and number. (I’m in Clinton Hill.) I need the glass thingie replaced, too, and I also don’t know exactly what (if anything) one is supposed to do with a boiler during the summer. Thanks!
Your post makes me wonder if I am doing something wrong with my boiler. I had no idea you could or would want to turn it “off” for the summer. It’s off by virtue of the fact that I have the thermostat set at the lowest temp. I’ll have it professionally cleaned every May. Just had it done this past wednesday actually; he cleaned out base of chimney, replaced the water level vertical glass thing, swept & cleaned inside the boiler (it’s ancient), tested everything etc for $75. Anyway … what’s the deal with turning it off??