Seasonal hot water boiler maintenance

Before the heating season starts: Check for standing water. Turn up the thermostat, let temperature and pressure build up in the system, and go down to the boiler room to check all of the pipes and valves you can see for leaks. If you find a leak, call a professional. Most leaks can be stopped by tightening fittings, but if the technician needs to replace any pipes or valves, he or she will turn off the water supply and power to the boiler, and drain the system. Have water temperature and pressure checked. Once the system has been running for an hour or so, have the temperature and pressure gauge checked. The water temperature should be within the range of 180⁰F and 200⁰F. Pressure within the system should be between 12 PSI and 25 PSI—for a two-story house, 18 PSI is all that’s needed. If the temperature or pressure measurement falls outside these specified ranges, consult a technician. Have the circulating pump lubricated. If it has lubrication cups, a few drops of 3-in-1 oil w