How to Clean a Boiler

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If your home has radiators, you have a boiler. The boiler uses oil or gas to heat water, which is then circulated throughout your house to your radiators. By cleaning the soot from your boiler annually, you can save money on fuel, prolong your boiler’s lifespan, and prevent potential breakdowns. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Taking Apart the Boiler

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    The electrical power supply will often be a switch on a red switch plate that is located at the top of the basement stairs or near the boiler. The fuel shutoff valve is either located near the oil tank (for oil boilers) or incoming gas pipe (for gas boilers). [2]
    • You can also disconnect the power and fuel lines from the boiler. Place the end of the fuel line in a container to catch any fuel that may drip out of the line. [3]
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    This is important to ensure your safety as you clean the boiler. Since it may take several hours to cool down, clean the boiler before heating season begins. [4]
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    The combustion chamber door is located on the front of the boiler. You may need to use a wrench to remove the nut. Place the nut somewhere secure so that you can easily locate it later. [5]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning and Reassembling the Boiler

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    Excess soot buildup can cause the boiler combustion chamber walls to corrode. Once the walls have been scraped clean, remove the soot with an industrial shop vac. [6]
    • The combustion chamber is where the fuel mixes with air and is ignited to generate heat. Soot is a byproduct of this process. [7]
    • Hardware stores often offer industrial shop vacs for rent. They are also available from construction supply rental companies.
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    Close the oil valve, unscrew the oil filter, and replace it with a new one. The filter captures impurities that could clog the oil-burning nozzle and cause a misfire that shuts down the system. [8]
    • Air filters can be purchased online or at a hardware store that stocks HVAC supplies.
    • Follow local hazardous-waste regulations when disposing of the old filter. [9]
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    Use a wrench to tighten the nut until it is firmly in place. [10]
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    Turn the electrical power and fuel supply back on. Leave the fuel valve open until the fuel starts flowing to allow any air trapped in the fuel line to escape. [11]
    • While the fuel valve is open, place a container under it to capture any excess fuel. [12]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining the Boiler

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    Boilers typically have gauges that monitor the boiler water temperature, circulating pump temperature, and pressure. Refer to the owner’s manual to make sure they are within correct limits. This will help you catch any potential problems. [13]
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    The circulating pump is what moves the heated water from the boiler to the radiators, and is usually connected to a pipe near the boiler. Keeping it well-lubricated can prevent other system failures.
    • Check the owner’s manual for guidance on how often to lubricate the circulating pump. [14]
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    This is a small tank that protects the heating system from excessive pressure, and it should be about half full. If it is more than half full, open the expansion tank drain valve to return the tank to its correct level. [15]
    • If tank begins to refill after a couple of days, consult an HVAC professional. There might be a leak or the air tank may need to be recharged. [16]
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    Soot will build up in these areas even if the boiler is properly maintained. They need to be cleaned by a certified HVAC professional for safety reasons. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      2. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqPXB_QcLo
      4. ↑ https://chicagocooperator.com/article/boiler-maintenance-basics/full
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqPXB_QcLo
      6. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      9. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/heating-cooling/21016379/furnace-maintenance
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqPXB_QcLo
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqPXB_QcLo
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQqPXB_QcLo
      4. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/boiler-maintenance-tips/
      5. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/boiler-maintenance-tips/
      6. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/boiler-maintenance-tips/
      7. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/boiler-maintenance-tips/
      8. ↑ https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/boiler-maintenance-tips/

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