Do I Need to Clean the Tubes On Water Tube Boiler?

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Dave 1234
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Post by Dave 1234 » Sat. Dec. 02, 2017 1:00 pm

I have an old water tube boiler with access plugs that are threaded . Is it important to clean the tubes ? And if so how often ?
This def. looks like a PITA job.

Thanks Dave
Last edited by Richard S. on Mon. Dec. 04, 2017 9:24 am, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: Changed title, please use descriptive titles. Thanks

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Sat. Dec. 02, 2017 1:28 pm

Pics would help. I would pull one plug to examine it before attempting. Typically, fire tube boilers tubes need cleaning yearly because they accumulate combustion byproducts but I have no experience with the water tube design. If scale is a problem it will not be easy to clean. Are the tubes vertical and if so straight or do they have bends?

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sat. Dec. 02, 2017 5:09 pm

Dave, are you talking about cleaning the wet side of the tubes?

 
Dave 1234
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Post by Dave 1234 » Sat. Dec. 02, 2017 7:28 pm

Rob R. wrote:
Sat. Dec. 02, 2017 5:09 pm
Dave, are you talking about cleaning the wet side of the tubes?
Yup, Looking at the boiler, the tubes lay horizontal with a 10 deg. pitch. I can rod them out, but is it really even worth the hassle ?
The only reason I ask is, The boiler is set up to do the cleaning , but is that a issue in a water tube construction ?

Dave


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 8:05 am

Unless you have seen evidence of a lot of sediment or sludge in the boiler, i don't think it is worth the trouble.

 
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Post by franpipeman » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 8:10 am

If you don't have to add feed water but are operating on returned condensate only that is a good sign to not clean. but if you are adding fresh make up water often you may want to investigate cleaning.

 
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Post by coaledsweat » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 8:15 am

Good luck cleaning scale with a brush. I believe you'll need a rotary hammer to remove it.

 
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Post by lzaharis » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 12:00 pm

You can purchase boiler tube brushes, rods and tube scrapers directly from Mcmaster Carr if you need them.


 
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Post by StokerDon » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 7:02 pm

Dave, Is this a steam boiler???
If it's a closed hydronic system, it's probably not necessary.

-Don

 
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Post by Dave 1234 » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 8:49 pm

StokerDon wrote:
Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 7:02 pm
Dave, Is this a steam boiler???
If it's a closed hydronic system, it's probably not necessary.

-Don
Its a closed hydronic system. So my guess is the plugs are for re-tubing , or if a steam system , cleaning . ???????????
Idk , but if you guys say forget about it, then ill move on to better fish to fry .

Thanks ! Dave

 
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Post by coaledsweat » Sun. Dec. 03, 2017 11:36 pm

Scale would be an issue in a steam boiler as it is constantly taking on water. I doubt the issue would be in a hot water boiler.

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