How to Care for a Steam Boiler

Monthly Care

• 1

  Check that the water gauge reading matches the recommended reading for your boiler. You can find this information in your boiler's manual.

• 2

  Check the pressure gauge to make sure it doesn't exceed the recommended reading. Look in the manual of your boiler for the recommended reading for your specific model.

• 3

  Lift the lever of the relief valve. It should release steam and stop. Have the lever replaced if steam continues to flow out of the valve.

• 4

  Flush sediment out by carefully opening the low-water cutoff valve with a wrench and allowing the water to flow out until it runs clear. Use caution as the water will be hot.

Flushing the Boiler

• 5

  Turn off power to the boiler and switch off the automatic feed.

• 6

  Attach a hose to both the return drain and the boiler drain. Be sure the hoses reach far enough to drain into a household drain, such as a sink or shower drain.

• 7

  Open the boiler drain and the return drain and allow the water to run out until the tank is empty.

• 8

  Shut the drains, refill the boiler and repeat Steps 2 and 3. Continue the process until the water in the gauge is clear.