Boiler Maintenance Checklist

It’s important to have your boiler inspected at least once a year or at start-up by a certified trained technician. Conducting more frequent check-ups however minimizes operating and energy costs, extends equipment life, and improves safety. We recommend weekly and monthly maintenance procedures.

Use the following boiler maintenance checklist as a general guide for preventative maintenance.

Monthly Procedures

• Checking the safety relief valve.
• Checking (and lubricating as required) all system motors and pumps.
• Checking and cleaning any strainers.
• Checking all venting and breeching.
• Review burner combustion readings.
• Air separation, water treatment, and expansion systems are operating per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Backflushing the coil on the Domestic Hot Water and Low-Temperature models.
• Coil models should have their coil back flushed at least monthly (or every 700 hours of operation) for a maximum of five minutes.

During A Lay-Up Period (Or Annually)

Always allow the boiler to cool slowly. The water and firesides of the boiler should be inspected to determine their condition. Boilers out of service for extended periods (more than seasonal) should be properly laid-up dry. Ensure that idle boilers are protected from freezing conditions if laid-up wet.

The frequency of cleaning will depend on the effectiveness of the water treatment program, the fuel type and efficiency of the burner settings, and individual characteristics of the site combustion air supply and breeching effectiveness. The time of year and the application will determine how often the boiler is being used.

Inspection should occur at least annually, or whenever a 1/8 inch of scale has built up in the vessel or coil. Initial 30- and 90-day inspections are recommended.

Waterside Cleaning

Shut off the electrical and water supply to isolate the boiler from the system and then drain and flush the vessel. Remove all inspection clean-out caps and supply/return lines. Inspect interior surfaces to check for signs of corrosion or pitting.

If advanced corrosion is evident, remove the boiler from service and arrange for boiler pressure testing or replacement.

A light coating of scale is acceptable, but deposits or evidence of sludge must be cleaned and water treatment procedures set up immediately. High-pressure water spray should be directed at any deposits.

Deposits are typically easier to remove while still warm and wet as long as the boiler has drained and cooled enough for maintenance.

Chemical agents may be used, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions. On coil model boilers (LT, TWH, SH-C-LT, or SH-C-TWH) ensure that the product is safe for use on copper.

Inspect the safety relief valve. If the boiler is not to be returned to service soon, dry the inside with forced warm air and limit exposure to humidity.

If the boiler is to be laid-up wet, then run through at least one full cycle after filling (before isolating from the system) to drive off excess oxygen. This will help limit corrosion exposure.

Fireside Cleaning

Shut-off electrical and fuel supplies. Disconnect fuel supply and burner assembly. Remove fire door adapter, boiler jacket top, and boiler top plate. Inspect surfaces including turbulators/spirals, interior of fire tubes, and firebox for evidence of soot. Clean and remove all soot from the fireside of the boiler including the fire tubes, which can be done using a powerful vacuum cleaner and brush.

Excessive sooting indicates deficiencies in the fuel supply, burner settings, combustion air supply, or breeching. The system design engineer should be notified and a qualified technician should investigate the situation.
If the spirals (in ATM models) or the turbulators (in HEP models) appear damaged then replace and have the burner inspected and readjusted.

Inspect firebox refractory for cracks or deterioration. Repair with suitable refractory material if required, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect all sealing ribbons and rope and replace as required.