Flushing and refilling boiler questions
#1
10-14-07, 06:09 AM
Flushing and refilling boiler questions
I want to flush my boiler and associated piping before refilling. It's a closed system in a relatively warm climate (southern VA). Two questions:
1. Is there an additive I should use to flush the system or is tap water OK?
2. After flushing, is there an additive I should be adding to the water I fill the system with?
Thanks,
Scott
1. Is there an additive I should use to flush the system or is tap water OK?
2. After flushing, is there an additive I should be adding to the water I fill the system with?
Thanks,
Scott
#2
10-14-07, 06:15 AM
[QUOTE=sjtroyer;1242340]I want to flush my boiler and associated piping before refilling. It's a closed system in a relatively warm climate (southern VA). Two questions:
1. Is there an additive I should use to flush the system or is tap water OK?
2. After flushing, is there an additive I should be adding to the water I fill the system with?
Thanks,
Scott[/QUOTE
Tap water is fine.
1. Is there an additive I should use to flush the system or is tap water OK?
2. After flushing, is there an additive I should be adding to the water I fill the system with?
Thanks,
Scott[/QUOTE
Tap water is fine.
#3
10-14-07, 07:02 AM
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Flushing Boiler
If the boiler has not yet been drained, don't do it. Draining, flushing, & refilling a hot water system is one of the worst things you can do to it.
#4
10-14-07, 09:39 AM
Thanks for the replies.
I had to drain the system to remove a radiator.
Just curious, when you say draining and refilling is the "worst thing you can do", does that mean for the boiler, the piping (I have mostly black piping), the radiators, or all of the above? I just need the boiler to make it through this season before I swap it out for a new one next summer and am not too concerned about the long term health of this boiler...the pipes and radiators however are a different story.
Thanks for your help.
Scott
I had to drain the system to remove a radiator.
Just curious, when you say draining and refilling is the "worst thing you can do", does that mean for the boiler, the piping (I have mostly black piping), the radiators, or all of the above? I just need the boiler to make it through this season before I swap it out for a new one next summer and am not too concerned about the long term health of this boiler...the pipes and radiators however are a different story.
Thanks for your help.
Scott
#5
10-14-07, 09:51 AM
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Draining
Actually, "all of the above". Each time you add water to a system you introduce oxygen which causes rust. Over time the water becomes "neutral" & has lost any capacity to do further damage. This is a major reason steam systems usually don't last as long as hot water systems. It can't hurt to add some Hydronic #5 or other boiler treatment chemical made for hot water systems.
#6
10-16-07, 06:55 PM
Replacing Boiler myself end of oct
My hot water system is 25 years old and the boiler is on it's way out. Is there something to use to flush the system before I tear it apart to flush the existing copper piping? I'm putting in a new slant fin intrepid tr-30 boiler. Should I flush it with something before like a auto radiator flush? I'm replacing it with a antifreeze made for heating systems when the new boiler is in.
Thanks,
Ken
Thanks,
Ken
#7
10-17-07, 03:23 PM
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Anti-Freeze
Is there a particular reason you plan to add antifreeze to the system? I don't reccommend it unless the house will be vacant for a period of time in the winter or you have a history of freeze ups.
Just prior to removing the old boiler, open the feed water & purge valves and just let water rip thru the system. This will carry out most of the junk.
Just prior to removing the old boiler, open the feed water & purge valves and just let water rip thru the system. This will carry out most of the junk.
