Poor Boiler Drainage
I just drained the sediment from my old but sturdy Weil Maclain boiler for the first time this winter (Most years, I drain it every couple of weeks but neglected to do so this season). The water only drained in a slow trickle, instead of the usual rush. My uneducated guess is some sediment may…
I just drained the sediment from my old but sturdy Weil Maclain boiler for the first time this winter (Most years, I drain it every couple of weeks but neglected to do so this season). The water only drained in a slow trickle, instead of the usual rush. My uneducated guess is some sediment may be blocking the drainage pipe. Any tips on what I can do to clear it before calling for service? What happens if too much sediment accumulates in the boiler? Thanks much
Arkady, because it’s the boiler itself that’s flaking apart.
Why don’t you put on a whole-house filter before the intake on the tank? They don’t cost much & are a lot easier to maintain than constantly draining it.
Thanks all – I will try the pressure treatment, the pipe cleaner and the good ol’ hammer whack.
are you draining the boiler through an auto water feed or a simple drain… try hitting the valve with a hammer handle to loosen up the sediment while the valve is open
Of course you can put a thin pipe cleaner or something into the pipe to release any built up sediment. That’s what our boiler service company suggested–so I do that all the time since our pipes are old…and although I drain the boiler every 2-3 weeks, sediment still builds up. Usually it takes on one or two gentle inserts to release the water. I always do it when the boiler isn’t running.
Ah, I see, thanks. Famous last words…”I was just trying to free some gunk from my boiler…” There isn’t a way to just shove a pipe cleaner or a toilet brush or something into the drain pipe?
I mean, if you’re trying to drain it while it while it hasn’t been running, then you’re draining it without pressure. Normally that’s fine, but your drain may be clogged with sediment, so I suggested letting the boiler run for a few minutes first to make steam pressure and then trying to open the drain valve slowly. That way, you may force through some of the debris clogging the valve.
But please be careful.
Master Plumber, not quite sure what you mean. I let the water slowly trickle out, which triggered the automatic water refill. The boiler appears to be functioning fine. Do I need to worry that it doesn’t drain quickly, like it used to?
Let it run, build pressure first, then try it.
BE CAREFUL.