Learning basic boiler maintenance skills is a must if you want to keep your boiler running at all times. Use this boiler maintenance checklist to keep things running smoothly.
Nothing is more frustrating than having to buy and replace an item repeatedly. It’s even worse when the item is as important as a boiler. The feeling of showering with cold water is devastating, especially in winter.
When you’re in charge of an apartment with many rooms, buying a reliable boiler is understandably important.
However, without proper maintenance, it won’t reliably fulfill its purpose.
There are routine checkups for all equipment, which are important in their own regard. However, faults may still arise despite these checkups.
Read ahead to discover the best ways to maintain your boiler.
Boiler Maintenance Tips and Checklists
It’s important for your boiler to undergo a thorough inspection from professionals at least once a year. To avoid damaging any equipment between the annual maintenance, here’s a checklist to help you realize when your boiler has a problem.
There are a few things that go a long way in saving you money and time.
Here’s a list of things that you can do to keep your boiler in working condition.
1. Daily Inspections Checklist
The easiest thing you can do every day is to check whether your boiler shows any signs of leaking. If there’s water under or around your boiler, it might be indicative of a larger issue. The earlier you notice a leak and contact a professional to fix it, the more likely that the problem will not escalate.
It’s important to make sure that the area around your boiler is clear and clean; this gets rid of any potential obstacles in your way. Be on the lookout for snow or ice during winter, as they can obstruct your pipes.
Dirt is also a common reason many boiler pipes experience blockage.
You should check temperature readings every day. If you’re using the digital thermostat, it’s as simple as reading the number. If it’s the analog version however, make sure that the thermostat is purely level.
If you’re using an analog thermostat, consider switching to a digital one. They’re easier to read and quicker to identify problems. Always record the readings when it seems like something is off and share them with a professional.
Inspecting the air opening is also crucial since you’ll notice when blockages are present. When you feel there’s a form of blockage, call a professional. It’s better to be safe, instead of trying to DIY the process.
When checking for air blockage, listen closely for any unnatural noises.
When the boiler pipes are inside your house, it’s easier for you to notice irregularities. Luckily, there are ways you can hide the pipes so that they’re not visible to your visitors. This also gives a better look for your house in general.
2. Monthly Checklist
Completing this checklist won’t take more than five minutes, but it’s just as important and you only have to run through this checklist once every month. The first step is to physically inspect the piping of your boilers.
During this step, you’re looking for any worn-out parts that may need replacement or any potential blockages.
It’s key to inspect every part of your boiler and look out for any possible damages or blockages. This includes your drain system, the PVC system, the drain trap, or any other part in the condensing system.
Again, you’re not a professional so you can’t afford ignoring any irregularities. Call a professional if you think something is wrong with your boiler. If you’re in real estate or in charge of an apartment, it’s vital to know these maintenance tips.
3. Start Up or Annual Maintenance Checkups
For you to go through this checklist, you will need a certified professional. However, you should know the basics already as it’s an advancement from your daily and monthly checkups.
The professional will thoroughly inspect your heating system to ensure its functioning properly and will address any damage.
They’ll also check the boiler’s heat exchanger since it’s an important component. It heats the water to your desired temperature.
Wiring is a critical aspect of any boiler and you can’t check it during the daily and monthly checkups. During the annual checkup, make sure you inspect the wiring, clean all the pipes, and eliminate any form of blockage.
The most common problem in boilers is blockage. Cleaning it successfully will significantly reduce the odds of any further blockages occurring before the next annual maintenance.
Another tip in the annual maintenance checklist is checking the control settings. Also check the vent system to ensure a proper flow of air. The joints in pipes are another area many professionals will inspect and change, in case of an issue.
It’s important to have this checklist and ensure your service provider works through all the necessary areas. The annual checkup will determine how effective the boiler will be for you within the next twelve months.
Use These Tips to Ensure You Are Up to Date with Your Boiler Maintenance
With this guide, you’re provided the tools to perform proper check-ups on your boiler. You will save much more money when you notice a problem and fix it earlier, rather than waiting for when the problem progresses.
The routine maintenance will not take more than five minutes. Hence, it’s important and beneficial for you to conduct these checkups both daily and monthly. A boiler can be effective, but without proper maintenance, more problems are bound to arise.
Annual checkups take longer but are essential in ensuring your boiler works properly for you over the next year.
Do you have more questions about boilers? Is it time for your annual inspection? If so, call the boiler experts at Eyman at (402) 731-2727 to keep your boiler running like a dream.