Boiler Maintenance – Is it Really Necessary?

In New York City, a building’s boiler is often the key to heat and comfort during the winter. When these go bad however, they will often do so without warning and can even explode, causing severe damage to the area around them. Keeping boilers in good working order can not only keep you comfortable, but it can save you money in the long run.

In order to avoid a boiler explosion, make sure you’re practicing these boiler maintenance tips:

• Look for leaks: A boiler can leak from a number of areas including the vent pipe, chimney, and heat exchanger. If an area of your boiler is sealed, make sure that seal is still intact.
• Check the water levels: If a boiler’s water levels get too low, it won’t be able to deal with the extreme heat it can produce. Without the proper amount of water, a boiler can literally melt itself away and many new models come pre-equipped with automatic trip switches to ensure that doesn’t happen. Make sure yours has one and it’s functioning properly.
• Drain the system: For older boilers, draining the tank can help remove mineral deposits and rust that collect over time. Your boiler will have a drain valve and supply valve and it’s important not to forget about draining the expansion tank as well. It’s advised to have a tune-up done at the same time. Because the water will be very hot, it’s best to have a professional plumber drain your boiler properly.

Keeping your boiler maintained is the key to keeping it from going out with a bang. However, even a well-maintained system can fail and a professional plumber can help you determine if a new boiler is right for you. At Petri Plumbing, we offer annual boiler maintenance, tune-ups and even replacements for your Brooklyn or Manhattan home. Give us a call at 718-748-1254 to talk about keeping your boiler happy.