How to Troubleshoot an Iron Fireman Gas-Fired Boiler

Verify the boiler is getting power. Even though the boiler is gas-powered, it requires electricity for the igniter to light the gas that's used as fuel. Inspect your breakers to make sure they are all on and make sure lack of electricity isn't causing the boiler to fail.

Turn up your thermostat. The boiler won't turn on if the thermostat is set lower than the temperature in the home. Turning it up should force the boiler to activate. If it doesn't, the thermostat itself may be faulty and need replacement.

Place your hand near the circulator pump of the boiler to see if it is running. It pushes the hot air out through a duct system. If the furnace is lighting and the pump isn't turning on, the boiler may need a new pump.

Examine the temperature and pressure gauges on the boiler. If the gauges show normal levels and the circulator pump is running, you probably have excess air in the system. This is more common with older Iron Fireman models. If this is the case, the boiler needs a new air eliminator.

Check the vent damper to make sure it is open if the boiler gauges are showing lower levels on temperature and pressure. If the damper is closed, reset the power to the system and restart it after several minutes to see if the damper opens. If it doesn't, the boiler control or the aquastat are likely faulty.

Look at your pilot light. If it isn't lighting at all, check your vent pipe for obstructions. If it lights and goes out quickly, clean the pilot assembly and the flame sensor because they could be clogged. If the pilot lights but the main burners don't come on, the boiler control or the gas valve are the likely culprits.

Examine the handhole covers on the boiler for leaks. If water is seeping out of them, remove the cover and scrape the inside with a butter knife to remove any debris or rubber remains of the old gasket. Iron Fireman recommends replacing the rubber gasket on the inside of the cap and then tightening the cover back down again to help stop the leak. Apply graphite to the gaskets when replacing them to help them sit properly in the cap.

Shut off the boiler if the water level is below the safety line. Turn off the feed-water supply valve, allow the boiler to fully cool and then turn the valve and the boiler back on again to see if the boiler resumes correct operation.

Turn off the boiler and request professional service if the boiler is still malfunctioning.