How to Clean a Fire-Tube Boiler

Locate the manual blow-down system valves for the boiler. Follow the procedure that is provided by the manufacturer to open the valves. You can find the manual take-off valve near the lowest boiler drum. Verify the water level in the boiler as solids are being removed from the system.

Open the manholes that are at the bottom of the firebox. This allows all of the remaining water to drain out of the system. Find and remove all of the washout plugs from the firebox.

Position the vacuum canister included with the boiler cleaner near the boiler. Plug the power cord of the boiler cleaner into an electrical outlet.

Attach the nozzle for the boiler cleaner onto the end of the vacuum hose by twisting it tightly. Place the dry pickup attachment onto the base unit and secure it in place. Turn on the switch that is located on the plug.

Mount the flexible shaft onto the boiler cleaner. Lay the unit on the floor in a horizontal position. Make sure both the dry pickup attachment and the flexible shaft are facing up. Take the foot control out of the storage compartment on the unit and place it on the floor.

Insert the end of the flexible shaft into the hollow cylinder that is on the dry pickup attachment. Secure the cleaning brush for the boiler cleaner onto the pickup attachment. Power on the vacuum of the boiler cleaner.

Place the end of the pickup attachment into one of the manholes. Insert the cleaning brush and flexible line into the tube through the shaft while pressing on the foot control with your foot. Repeat this step to clean the remaining tubes of the boiler.