Do I have chemicals in boiler water?

Wallknight · By: **Wallknight** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:33 pm

I'm removing an old hydrotherm propane boiler from my baseboard system. Is there any way tell if there has ever been chemical treatment of the water? Many pipes, especially near the boiler, are very corroded on the outside, if that's any indication. I havent drained any water out yet.

WNY · By: **WNY** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:39 pm

hard to say. If they used black iron pipe and you had any leaks or a damp basement, they can corrode with the moisture in the air.

Wallknight · By: **Wallknight** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:03 pm

When I do drain it, is there any way to test the water?

I'm On Fire · By: **I'm On Fire** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:12 pm

Take a sample to your local plumbing supply house, they usually take water samples and send them out to be tested. Some also do the testing in house. Or, you can call a water softener company and they may be able to also test it for you.

Wallknight · By: **Wallknight** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 3:40 pm

Is there anything in particular they should be looking for?

steamup · By: **steamup** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 4:23 pm

Wallknight wrote:I'm removing an old hydrotherm propane boiler from my baseboard system. Is there any way tell if there has ever been chemical treatment of the water? Many pipes, especially near the boiler, are very corroded on the outside, if that's any indication. I havent drained any water out yet.

Corrosion on the outside is no indication of what is on the inside unless they are leaking. Most outside corrosion is due to dampness in the air. A quick change from cool weather to hotter, humid weather can cause them to sweat.

See attached photo.
I hadn't even had a chance to fire it after refurb and the rust came through immediately.
it was new piping also.

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I'm On Fire · By: **I'm On Fire** On: Thu Sep 15, 2011 9:48 pm

Wallknight wrote:Is there anything in particular they should be looking for?

They'll look for things such as iron and certain acids that aid in corrosion and buildup. As for what they specifically look for, I don't know.

marsoviy · By: **marsoviy** On: Sun Sep 30, 2012 5:01 pm

I think this is a low-temperature corrosion and condensation
First heat boiler system then releases the heat

coalkirk · By: **coalkirk** On: Sun Sep 30, 2012 11:02 pm

There will not be any acid in the boiler water. Acid would only be in new water going in and that will neutralize itself fairly quickly. Your corrosion has to be due to environment or leakage.

davidmcbeth3 · By: **davidmcbeth3** On: Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:02 pm

Thats black pipe & it corrodes very easily....sounds like the pH of your water is about 6 ... how to test? Well, I have a pH meter ... but your local water treatment plant may let you bring in a few jars to test...

KLook · By: **KLook** On: Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:27 pm

you can get cheap ph strips at any hot tub or pool supply place. Many hardware stores carry them as well.

Kevin

Do I have chemicals in boiler water?

Do I have chemicals in boiler water?

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